OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator. This document is also available as Markdown.

← The Lawson Trust CIO

2025-03-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

CONTENTS

Reference and administrative information 1
Trustees’ report 2
Independent auditors’ report 7
Statement of financial activities 11
Balance sheet 12
Statement of cashflows 13
Notes to the financial statements 14

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Reference and administrative information

Charity name: The Lawson Trust CIO
Charity registered number: 1171822
Registered office: Riverside Business Centre
River Lawn Road
Tonbridge
Kent
TN9 1EP
Trustees: Robert Blundell
Sarah Hill
Tony Hooper
Zina Hunt
Katherine Lewis
Paul Marsh
Michael Norrie
Sarah Playle
Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
ME19 4JQ
Investment managers: CCLA
Senator House
85 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 4ET
Rathbones Group Plc
30 Gresham Street
London
EC2 7QN
Independent auditors: Saffery LLP
71 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 4BE
Property Agents: Ellis & Co
93 High Street
Tonbridge
TN9 1DR

1

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees of The Lawson Trust CIO (‘the Charity’) present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and in accordance with the governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)). The trustees’ report includes the legal and administrative information set out on page 1.

Objectives and activities

The objects of the Charity are the furtherance of such charitable purposes, in such manner as the trustees in their absolute discretion think fit.

The principal objective of the Charity is to provide financial grants to charitable organisations in accordance with the grant making policy from the income and surpluses generated by the capital invested. No restrictions are imposed on the purpose of the grant which allows applications to be for the support towards capital projects, other projects, or core funding.

Public benefit

In setting the Charity’s objectives and planning for activities the trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit.

Grant making policy

In considering applications which are all carefully reviewed, the trustees give preference to local organisations in Kent and Sussex or national organisations with representation in these counties. The trustees have adopted a policy, in the main, of giving support to organisations that fall within the following categories:

In awarding grants, the trustees aim to make a difference in every recipient charity who are required to report back within a twelve-month period on how the money has been utilised and what benefits have been achieved. The trustees review these feedback reports which also assist in considering if further support will be made available.

The trustees aim to distribute approximately 3% of the capital value of the fund at the beginning of each year.

2

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Achievements

In the year under review, the Charity awarded grants totalling £643,105 (2024: £2,212,200).

Grants of up to £10,000 have been made to some 129 (2024: 102) organisations covering the full range of categories set out above and totalling £618,105 (2024: £607,200). One further (2024: 5) organisation has received a larger grant totalling £25,000 (2024: £105,000). This was for the charity, Porchlight Keep the Door Open and was in support of the homeless.

In the year to 31 March 2024 the Charity responded to initiatives by both Kent Community Foundation (KCF) and Sussex Community Foundation (SCF), with the approval of exceptional match funding grants of £1,000,000 (specifically for environmental causes) to KCF and £500,000 to SCF. These sums are included in the total prior year grants of £2,212,200 referred to above. There were no similar grants in the year ended 31 March 2025.

The year ended 31 March 2025 has seen many small charities struggle in fund raising due to continuing cost of living demands combined with global political uncertainties. The Charity has responded with targeted grant making to assist with these continued challenges. Fund values globally had experienced fallen values as at 31 March 2025 due to political uncertainties, however market values have seen some recovery in the period to the signing of this trustee report.

The trustees continue to visit selected recipients. They find this involvement with the organisation to be rewarding and to see and hear first-hand the benefits the grants have made. In addition, they receive the feedback reports as mentioned above which give excellent insights into the benefits that the grants make to the charities.

The trustees consider that the objects of the Charity as originally set out by the settlors have been achieved by awarding the grants made during the year.

The Lawson Endowment Fund for Kent with the Kent Community Foundation (KCF) and the Lawson Endowment Fund for Sussex with the Sussex Community Foundation (SCF) were set up in earlier years.

The Community Foundations have invested these sums and the income generated, less their costs, are distributed quarterly to smaller charities/organisations within the two counties. The Community Foundations carry out the due diligence and their trustees allocate the grants in accordance with their criteria on a quarterly basis. These details are shared with the Charity trustees. The Charity has no recourse to the sums donated to the Endowment Funds.

The two Endowment Funds have both performed well and fulfilled the purpose for which they were created. At 31 March 2025 the Lawson Endowment for Kent Fund had a value of £5,631,360 (2024: £5,850,177) and the Lawson Endowment for Sussex was valued at £2,429,823 (2024: £2,637,746) both of which are more than the funds endowed in 2016 and 2017 respectively even after taking into account the grants made in that period. The two funds have enabled £371,132 to be given to grassroot organisations in the two counties during the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024: £430,954).

3

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Investment policy and performance

The Charity’s capital is invested either in listed investments quoted on recognised stock exchanges or in residential flats and houses available for renting. The trustees take a long-term view with both these types of investment and realise that values can increase or decrease during a single accounting period. Therefore, the hope is that the investments will, over a ten-year period, increase in value at more than the rate of inflation to protect the capital.

The residential property portfolio revalued by our managing agents at the 31 March 2025 at £6,655,000 (2024: 6,560,000) and the trustees consider this to be a fair valuation as at 31 March 2025.

The trustees aim to generate income or realised capital surpluses of at least 3% per annum. This income/surplus is then available to be distributed in accordance with the Charity’s objectives.

In the year ended 31 March 2025 the Charity generated investment income of £678,748 (2024: £784,323), Given the uncertain economic and political backdrop throughout the financial year and the consequent effects on global markets, the trustees are pleased with the performance of the Charity’s investments overall.

Financial review

As reported in the Statement of Financial Activities the gross income for the year amounted to £678,748 (2024: £784,323). The Charity spent £802,962 (2024: £2,395,025) including direct expenditure on grants of £643,105 (2024: £2,212,200). The Charity suffered unrealised net losses on investments of £392,401 (2024: net realised losses of £568,275 and unrealised gains of £1,677,528) resulting in net expenditure for the year of £516,615 (2024: net expenditure of £501,449).

The Balance Sheet on page 11 shows that the Charity funds total £20,664,045 which are divided between capital account, £20,593,703 (2024: £20,986,104) and general fund, £70,342 (2024: £194,556).

The designated capital fund represents amounts held by the Charity for investment purposes. The investment return generated by the fund is used to pay for the Charity’s activities. From time to time, trustees will also approve significant one-off grants that are met directly from this fund. This was the case in 2024 when the trustees approved exceptional match funding grants of £1,000,00 to KCF and £500,000 to SCF. It is the trustees’ intention to maintain the value of this fund in real terms over the long term.

The general fund represents the balance of undistributed income at 31 March 2025. These reserves provide the funds to enable the Charity to function for a six-month period which the trustees estimate at £75,000. The balance is available for distribution as grants at the following trustees’ quarterly meetings together with income subsequently arising in the quarter.

4

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Structure, governance, and management

The Lawson Trust CIO was entered on the Register of Charities on 28 February 2017 with a Constitution dated 11 November 2016. This was amended at the trustees’ meeting on 11 August 2021 to increase the maximum number of trustees from 7 to 10. The principal object of the Charity is to provide financial grants to charitable organisations in accordance with the grant making policy.

The trustees of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 are set out on page 1. The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the trustees who meet on a regular basis and are controlled in accordance with the terms of the constitution. There are no employees of the Charity. The trustees utilise the services of a Charity administrator to assist with the review and presentation of applications for support at the quarterly meetings of the trustees. The Charity is a member of the Association of Charitable Foundations, a membership organisation for trusts and foundations.

Trustees are appointed from time to time by the existing trustees based on identifiable skills or experience requirements. New trustees are encouraged to read and understand the Constitution of the Charity as well as its grant-making and investment policies. The workings and organisation of the Charity will be explained by existing trustees. If any trustees wish to attend courses to broaden their knowledge this is available.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate the exposure to major risks.

Examples of some major risks and the action that the trustees have considered are set out below:

Future plans

The trustees will continue to award grants to suitable organisations in future years in accordance with the grant making policy.

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales required the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and applicable of resources of the Charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

5

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

08 December 2025

This report was approved by the trustees on ………………………….. and signed on their behalf by:

Michael Norrie Robert Blundell
Trustee, Chairman Trustee

6

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Lawson Trust CIO (‘the Charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the

7

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information; we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement set out on pages 5 and 6, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under that Act.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect

8

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below.

Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities:

We assessed the susceptibility of the Charity’s financial statements to material misstatement and how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the trustees, discussions within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls and ensuring these controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations that are of significance in the context of the Charity by discussions with trustees and updating our understanding of the sector in which the Charity operates.

Laws and regulations of direct significance in the context of the Charity include the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and guidance issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Audit response to risks identified:

We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement disclosures. We reviewed the Charity’s records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities to identify potential material misstatements arising. We discussed the Charity’s policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations with members of management responsible for compliance.

During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of management whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business. We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner’s review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional scepticism and thus the capacity to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed noncompliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

9

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

THE LAWSON TRUST CIO

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

| LlSignt e dry by: (ir

Saffery LLP Statutory Auditors

71 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4BE

Date: 11 December 2025

Saffery LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

10

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Statement of financial activities For the year ended 31 March 2025

==> picture [485 x 463] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Note General Designated Total Total
fund capital funds funds
fund
2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Investments:
Rental income 287,379 - 287,379 277,272
Dividends received 385,202 385,202 454,959
Interest receivable 3,807 - 3,807 52,092
Total income 676,388 - 676,388 784,323
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 3 97,408 - 97,408 118,247
Charitable activities
Grant-making 4 705,554 - 705,554 2,276,778
Total expenditure 802,962 - 802,962 2,395,025
Net (losses) / gains on investments 6/7 - (392,401) (392,401) 1,109,253
Net expenditure (126,574) (392,401) (518,975) (501,449)
Transfers between funds 10 47,907 (47,907) - -
Net movement in funds (78,667) (440,308) (518,975) (501,449)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 194,556 20,986,104 21,180,660 21,682,109
Total funds carried forward 115,889 20,545,796 20,661,685 21,180,660
----- End of picture text -----

The results for the year derive from continuing activities and there are no gains or losses other than those shown above.

The notes on pages 14 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

11

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Balance sheet

As at 31 March 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Investment Property
6
Investments
7		 2025
2024
£
£
6,655,000
6,560,000
13,890,796
15,001,104
Total fixed assets
Current assets
Debtors
8
Cash and bank at hand		 20,545,796
21,561,104
81,561
89,558
75,958
144,702
Total current assets
Creditors:amounts falling due within one year
9		 157,519
234,261
(41,630)
(614,705)
Net current (liabilities)/ assets 115,889
(380,444)
Total net assets 20,661,685
21,180,660
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
10
Designated capital fund
10		 115,889
194,556
20,545,796
20,986,104
Total charity funds 20,661,685
21,180,660

The notes on pages 14 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

08 December 2025

Approved by the Trustees for issue on ……………………

………………………………. ………………………………. Michael Norrie Robert Blundell Trustee, Chairman Trustee

12

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 March 2025

==> picture [493 x 619] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Note 2025 2024
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities A (1,368,039) (1,815,225)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rent received 676,388 784,323
Purchase of investments (1,849,175) (2,175,340)
Sale of investments 2,215,868 3,495,803
Net cash provided by investing activities 1,043,081 2,104,786
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year (324,958) 289,561
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 728,620 439,059
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year B 403,662 728,620
Notes to the statement of cash flows:
A) Reconciliation of net expenditure to cash flows from
operating activities
2025 2024
£ £
Net expenditure for the year (518,975) (501,449)
as per the Statement of Financial Activities
Adjustments for:
Net losses/(gains) on investments 392,401 (1,109,253)
Dividends, interest and rent receivable (676,388) (784,323)
Decrease in debtors 7,997 401,075
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (573,074) 178,725
Net cash used in operating activities (1,368,039) (1,815,225)
B) Analysis of cash and cash equivalents/changes in net
funds
At the
At the end of
beginning of Cashflows
the year
the year
£ £ £
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash held at bank 144,702 (68,744) 75,958
Cash held within investment portfolio 583,918 (256,214) 327,704
Total cash and cash equivalents 728,620 (324,958) 403,662
----- End of picture text -----

13

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Status

The Lawson Trust CIO is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales. Its principal address is Riverside Business Centre, River Lawn Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1EP.

2. Principal accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out below, the Charities Act 2011 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 (FRS102). Exemptions available for smaller charities have been taken where appropriate.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The Lawson Trust CIO constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102. Assets and Liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.

Going concern

The Trustees have assessed whether there are any significant doubts about the CIO's ability to continue as a going concern and have not identified any material uncertainties.

The accounts have therefore been prepared on a going concern basis.

Income

Income is recognised when the trust has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Rental income is recognised over the rental period to which it relates. Dividends are recognised on receipt and interest is recognised in the period in which it is earned

14

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when a present legal or constructive obligation exists at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be estimated reliably.

Expenditure has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category and includes irrecoverable VAT. The charity has one charitable activity.

Grants payable are recognised as liabilities when communicated in writing to the recipient, except where the offer is conditional and fulfilment of the conditions is not considered probable, or where meeting the conditions is not within the control of the recipient. In these circumstances, the grant is recognised when the conditions have been met. Commitments for performance related grants are recognised to the extent that the performance related criteria are met.

Support costs are those relating to functions which assist the work of the charity but do not directly relate to its activities.

Governance costs are those costs incurred in connection with the administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be expended on the charity's charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Designated funds reflect a portion of the unrestricted funds of the reporting charity that has been set aside for a particular purpose by the trustees.

Investments

Fixed asset investments are initially recognised at their transaction cost and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date, with changes in fair value recognised in the statement of financial activities. Unlisted investments are held at cost less impairment.

Investment Property

Investment properties are stated in the balance sheet at fair value. Fair value is estimated by the charity's property managers based on a review of current listing prices and recent sale prices for similar properties in the area. This is the main accounting estimate requiring significant judgement to be exercised. Changes in fair value are recognised in the statement of financial activities.

Financial instruments

Financial instruments other than investments qualify as basic financial instruments. Short-term debtors and creditors are measured at the settlement value. Any losses from impairment are recognised in the statement of financial activities.

Long-term funding commitments are discounted when the discounting is considered to be material.

15

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand comprises cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of opening the deposit or similar account.

3.
Expenditure on raising funds
Investment property costs
Investment management costs
4.
Expenditure on charitable activities
5.
Support costs
Administrative expenses
Governance costs:
Audit fees
Distribution and grants (Note 15)
Allocation of support costs (Note 5)
Match funding grants
Other grants		 2025
£
56,071
41,337
97,408
2025
£
-
643,105
643,105
62,449
705,554
2025
£
48,389
14,060
62,449		 2024
£
75,558
42,689
118,247
2024
£
1,500,000
712,200
2,212,200
64,578
2,276,778
2024
£
49,138
15,440
64,578

16

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Investment property

Market value at 1 April
Unrealised gain
Market value at 31 March		 £
6,560,000
95,000
6,655,000

The freehold property was valued at 31 March 2025 by the Ellis & Co, the Trust's property managers, on an open market existing use basis.

7. Investments

Market value as at 1 April
Additions at cost
Disposals at carrying value
Unrealised change in market value
Movement in investment cash
Market value as at 31 March
8.
Debtors
Prepayments and other debtors
9.
Creditors
Grant commitment
Accruals and other creditors		 Listed
investments
£
14,417,186
1,849,175
(2,215,868)
(487,401)
-
13,563,092		 Cash
£
583,918
-
-
-
(256,214)
327,704
2025
£
81,561
81,561
2025
£
-
41,630
41,630		 Total
£
15,001,104
1,849,175
(2,215,868)
(487,401)
(256,214)
13,890,796
2024
£
89,558
89,558
2024
£
575,000
39,704
614,704

The grant commitment at the end of the prior year related to amounts committed by the Charity to KCF and SCF, which had not been drawn down by that year end. This was paid in the current year.

17

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

==> picture [468 x 421] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
10. Movements in funds
Brought Net Carried
Forward Movement Transfers Forward
£ £ £ £
Current Period
Unrestricted:
General fund 194,556 (126,574) 47,907 115,889
Designated capital fund 20,986,104 (392,401) (47,907) 20,545,796
-
21,180,660 (518,975) 20,661,685
Preceding Period
Unrestricted:
General fund 127,164 (110,702) 178,094 194,556
Designated capital fund 21,554,945 (390,747) (178,094) 20,986,104
-
21,682,109 (501,449) 21,180,660
Net movement comprises:
Income Expenditure Gains/(losses) Total
£ £ £ £
Current Period
Unrestricted:
General fund 676,388 (802,962) - (126,574)
- -
Designated capital fund (392,401) (392,401)
676,388 (802,962) (392,401) (518,975)
Preceding Period
Unrestricted:
General fund 784,323 (895,025) (110,702)
-
Designated capital fund (1,500,000) 1,109,253 (390,747)
784,323 (2,395,025) 1,109,253 (501,449)
----- End of picture text -----

The designated capital fund represents amounts held by the charity for investment purposes. At year end the fund reflects the estimated value of the charity's investments net of outstanding obligations. Transfers are recorded as appropriate between general funds and designated capital funds to reflect the amount held by the charity for investment purposes at each year end.

18

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

11 Analysis of net assets between funds

Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by:

General
funds
£
Fixed assets
-
Net current (liabilities) / assets
115,889
Total net assets
115,889
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Fixed assets
-
Net current assets / (liabilities)
194,556
Total net assets
194,556		 Designated
capital fund
£
20,545,796
-
20,545,796
21,561,104
(575,000)
20,986,104		 Total funds
£
20,545,796
115,889
20,661,685
21,561,104
(380,444)
21,180,660

12. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in either the current or preceding period.

The key management personnel of the charity are considered to be the trustees.

Neither the trustees, nor any person connected with them, received any remuneration or benefits in the current or preceding period.

In the current period and in the prior period, no trustees received reimbursement for their expenses.

13. Operating lease commitments

Lessor

At the balance sheet date the Charity had contracted with tenants for the following minimum lease payments:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2025
£
150,550
-
150,550		 2024
£
208,130
18,000
226,130

19

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Comparative Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 March 2024
Income from:
Investments:
Rental income
Dividends received
Interest receivable
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income / (expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 General
fund
2024
£
277,272
454,959
52,092
784,323
118,247
776,778
895,025
-
(110,702)
178,094
67,392
127,164
194,556		 Designated
capital
fund
2024
£
-
-
-
-
1,500,000
1,500,000
1,109,253
(390,747)
(178,094)
(568,841)
21,554,945
20,986,104		 Total
funds
2024
£
277,272
454,959
52,092
784,323
118,247
2,276,778
2,395,025
1,109,253
(501,449)
-
(501,449)
21,682,109
21,180,660

20

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Grants made

The following grants were awarded in the year:

Match funding grants
Kent Community Foundation
The Sussex Community Foundation
Total match funding grants
Other grants
3H Foundation, The
Advocacy after Fatal Domestic Abuse
Age Concern East Sussex
Age UK
Albion in the Community
Amber Foundation, The
Aspire
Asthma Relief
AudioActive
Battle for Britain Memorial Trust
Bevern Trust, The
Blind Veterans
Bloomin' Arts Limited
Book Trust
Brain and Spine Foundation, The
Brain Tumour Charity, The
Brains Matter
Bramber Bakehouse
Breadwinners
Breck Foundation, The
Bright Shadow CIO
Brighton Dome & Festival
Brighton Women's Centre
British Stammering Association
British Wireless for the Blind
Broadstairs Town Team
Butterfly Conservation
Cancer Support UK
Canine Partners for Indepedence
Canterbury Archaelogical
Canterbury Street Pastors
Cardiac Risk in the Young
Carers' Support East Kent
Chailey Heritage Foundation
Chalkdown Riding
Chapter One
Charity Mentors Kent and Sussex		 2025
£
-
-
-
2,000
5,000
3,500
-
-
-
5,000
-
5,000
5,000
4,000
-
3,000
-
-
-
-
-
7,000
5,000
5,000
-
5,000
-
1,500
3,000
-
-
-
-
5,000
2,000
-
8,000
-
-
5,000		 2024
£
1,000,000
500,000
1,500,000
-
-
-
2,500
5,000
7,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
5,000
-
7,500
5,000
2,000
5,000
10,000
-
-
-
3,000
-
3,000
-
-
4,000
5,000
10,000
10,000
3,000
-
5,000
7,500
5,000
10,000
-

21

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Grants made (continued)

Grants made (continued)
2025 2024
£ £
Charity Mentors Kent and Sussex 5,000 -
CHECT 4,000 -
Child Autism UK 1,500 -
Child Poverty Action Group 3,000 -
Children's Liver Disease - 3,000
Citizens Online - 5,000
Cleanup UK 4,000 -
Coastal Family Hub 5,000 -
Commonwealth War Graves Commission, The - 1,650
Construction Industry Trust 10,000 10,000
Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association 7,000 -
Countryside Alliance, The 3,000 -
Cranfield Trust, The - 8,000
Crohn's and Colitis UK - 5,000
Crohn's in Childhood Research 3,000 -
Crossroads Care Kent 5,000 -
Cyclists Fighting Cancer 5,000 -
Cystic Fibrosis Trust 2,000 -
Dame Kelly Holmes Trust 8,000 -
Dame Very Lynn Children's Charity 4,000 -
Dandelion Time - 10,000
DAVSS 4,000 -
Deafblind UK 4,000 -
Demelza House Children's Hospice 10,000 -
Dentaid Limited 5,000 -
Digit 4,500 -
Disability Challengers - 7,000
Dogs for Autism 6,500 -
Douglas Bader Foundation - 5,000
East Kent Mencap 8,000 -
Eastbourne Bird Aid CIO 3,500 4,000
Ellenor 5,000 -
Emmaus 4,500 10,000
Encephalitis Society - 5,000
English Heritage Trust, The - 10,000
ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence) 2,000 -
Family Holiday Charity 4,000 -
Farms for City Children - 6,000
Faversham Municipal Charity - 5,000
First Star Scholars UK 5,000 -
Fisherman's Mission, The - 3,000
Foreland Fields Charity - 20,000
Frozen Light 5,000 -
Futures Theatre Company - 3,000

22

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Grants made (continued)
2025 2024
£ £
Gap- A Thanet Community - 8,000
Garden Classroom, The 4,500 -
Global Action Plan - 8,000
Grace Eyre - 8,000
Grassroots Suicide Prevention 5,000 -
Groundwork South Trust, The - 2,500
Guildcare - 5,000
Happy Days Childrens Charity 4,000 -
Hastings & Bexhill Mencap 10,000 -
Hasting International Piano Concerto Competiton 4,000 -
Head in the Game 2,000 -
Hear Me Out Music - 2,000
Heart of Kent Hospice 5,000 10,000
Hi Kent - 5,000
Hindleap Warren London Youth 4,000 -
Home Start South West Kent 5,000 -
Hope for Tomorrow - 7,000
Hospice in the Weald 8,000 -
Hourglass Safer Ageing - 5,000
Hypo Hounds 6,500 -
IA Fundraising - 5,000
IAH Charity Company 5,000 10,000
ICAN Charity 4,000 -
Independent Age 5,000 -
Infosound - 1,800
InterAct Stroke Support 5,000 -
IPSEA - 7,500
Jigsaw (Southeast) - 5,000
John Armitage Memorial 6,000 -
JPK Sussex Project, The - 3,000
JustLife Foundation 6,000 -
Juvenile Diabetes Research - 3,000
Kent & Medway Medical School 5,000 -
Kent Battle of Britain Museum 5,000 -
Kent Enterprise Trust 6,000 -
Kent Multiple Sclerosis Trust 5,000 -
Kent Refugee Action Network 5,000 -
Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance - 20,000
Knepp Wildland Foundation - 5,000
Learn and Thrive 6,000 -
Lennox Childrens Cancer Fund 5,000 -
Leukaemia Care 5,000 -
Lewes District Citizens Advice 4,500 -
Life and Soul Youth Work 5,000 -
Little Angel Theatre 5,000 -

23

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Grants made (continued)
2025 2024
£ £
Little Gate Farm - 10,000
Livability 1,000 -
Living Paintings Trust - 5,000
London Hearts - 9,500
MACS 3,000 -
Mama to Mama - 8,000
Maresfield Woodland Trust - 1,500
Marine Conservation Science 5,000 -
Marlowe Trust, The 7,500 -
Martha Trust - 8,000
Martlets Hospice, The - 5,000
Matthew 25 Mission, The - 5,000
Mental Health Innovations 5,000 -
MERU 5,000 -
Mid Kent Mind 10,000 -
Mind With Heart 4,000 -
Momentum Childrens Charity 5,000 -
Mortimer Society, The 8,000 -
Motor Neurone Disease Association - 10,000
Mount Camphill Community, The 3,000 -
Moving Memory Dance Theatre 2,000 -
Multiple Sclerosis Trust 2,000 -
Music in Hospitals & Care - 2,500
NAS - 7,500
National Centre for Youth Mental Health, The 5,000 -
National Playing Fields Association - 5,000
New Romney Counselling Service 7,000 -
Nourish Community Foodbank - 5,000
Oasis Domestic Abuse Service 5,000 20,000
Oasis Project 5,000 -
OCD UK 2,000 -
Odyssey - 5,000
Over The Wall 4,000 5,000
Penny Brohn Cancer Care 2,000 -
Pets as Therapy 4,000 -
Pilgrims Hospices East Kent 7,000 -
Place2Be 4,000 -
Porchlight Keep the Door Open 25,000 25,000
Prison Fellowship England & Wales - 5,000
Prisoners Advice Service 5,000 5,000
Rainbow Trust Childrens Charity - 8,000
Read for Good 3,500 -
Reading List Foundation, The 3,000 -
Re-engage Ltd 5,000 -
Remap2010 - 5,000

24

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Grants made (continued)

Grants made (continued)
2025 2024
£ £
Richard Dimbleby Cancer Foundation - 5,000
RNLI - 10,000
Rotary Club of Tonbridge - 7,250
Royal British Legion - 5,000
Royal Voluntary Service 4,000 -
Salvation Army, The 4,000 -
Samphire - 5,000
Sense Trusts - 4,000
Separated Child Foundation, The 5,000 -
Shapeshifter Productions - 5,000
Sheppey Hall Trust, The 4,000 -
ShiftMS 6,000 -
Shine 3,000 -
Sick Children's Trust, The - 5,000
SOS Special Educational Needs 5,000 -
South Downs National Park - 5,000
Spinal Injuries Association - 5,000
Sports Trust, The 8,000 -
Spread a Smile - 10,000
St Barnabas Hospice 4,000 -
St Catherine's Hospice - 7,500
St Michael's Hospice 3,500 -
St Wilfrid's Hospice - 5,000
Stand Against Violence 3,000 -
Sussex Community Development 7,500 -
Sussex Emmaus 4,000 -
Tall Ships Youth Trust 3,500 -
Teenage Cancer Trust - 10,000
Telos Foundation, The - 8,000
Thanet Community Development Trust 5,000 -
Theodora Children's Charity 5,000 -
Think Forward UK 10,000 10,000
Time to Talk Befriending - 5,000
Together for Short Lives - 5,000
Tonbridge Baptist Church 1,000 -
Tonbridge Lions Club Charity 1,755 -
Tree of Hope 5,000 5,000
Trust for Developing Communities 4,000 -
Turner Contemporary - 5,000
Turning Point 1,350 -
University of Kent - 25,000
Unlock National Association 5,000 -
Warming the Homeless - 5,000
Wayfinder Woman Trust, The 6,000 -

25

Docusign Envelope ID: 04CEBA98-CB23-4557-87E4-BA545E9911CD

The Lawson Trust CIO

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

==> picture [492 x 211] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
15. Grants made (continued)
2025 2024
£ £
West Kent Debt Advice 7,500 -
Whizz-Kidz - 10,000
-
William Robinson Gravetye Charity, The 6,000
Willow Foundation - 5,000
Woodland Trust 5,000 -
-
Worthing Theatres & Museum 3,500
-
Young Lives Foundation, The 10,000
-
Young Minds Trust 5,000
Total other grants 643,105 712,200
Total grants 643,105 2,212,200
----- End of picture text -----

26