## trustee 5 year Annual Report strategy 2025-26 **Issue 1 dated 11 March 26** **South West Blood BikesSouth West Blood** Registered Charity 1180510 **Bikes** Registered Charity 1180510 ## **Chair’s Message** It gives me great pride to present this year’s Annual Report for South West Blood Bikes; a year defined by exceptional dedication, remarkable growth, and measurable impact across the region. What began in 2018 as a small group of riders determined to support our local NHS has grown into a highly respected, trusted, and essential part of healthcare in Devon and the wider South West. This year, our volunteers delivered **over 46,000 urgent medical items** , ensuring vital samples, medication, and equipment reached healthcare teams exactly when they were needed. To do this, our riders travelled **243,000 miles** —the equivalent of **ten times around the Earth’s equator** , responding day and night, through challenging weather, and often at moments of real urgency. Thanks to this extraordinary commitment, we **saved the NHS and the hospices we support an estimated £407,000** . Put another way, for **every £1 donated to our operations** , the charity generated a **£6 saving** for frontline healthcare services, demonstrating the incredible value and efficiency of our volunteer-led charity. ## **In March 2026 we also reached the impressive milestone of having saved the NHS Hospital Trusts and Hospices we serve an incredible £1 Million since the Charity’s formation in November 2018.** We also strengthened our partnerships with NHS trusts, hospices, laboratories, community healthcare teams and special mention to Becton Dickinson a leading global medical technology company for their support. As pressures on the health system continue to intensify, our ability to provide a fast, safe, and completely free service has never been more important. Every mile ridden and every item delivered is representative of the trust placed in us by clinicians and the public, and the tangible difference our volunteers make to patient care. ## **Strengthening Our Governance** This year marked a period of significant change to strengthen the governance and long-term resilience of South West Blood Bikes. - We completed a **five-year strategy** and **aligned our financial planning** to this, giving clarity to our long-term direction, priorities, and investment decisions. - We introduced a **formal Scheme of Delegation** , empowering the operational leads and ensuring consistent and transparent decision-making across the organisation. - A strengthened **risk management framework** is now in place, enabling us to proactively assess and mitigate operational, financial, and strategic risks. - We developed a **fleet strategy** focused on reducing whole-life cost of ownership, standardisation, and long-term sustainability, critical given that our fleet represents the majority of our charitable expenditure. - We established a **Volunteer Charter** , setting clear expectations and commitments and supporting a positive, safe, and consistent volunteer experience. These steps ensure strong governance, organisational resilience, and effective management as we continue to grow. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, donors, sponsors, and partners. Without you, none of this would be possible. Thank you all for your continued support. ## **Steve Dower** ## **Chair, South West Blood Bikes** ## **About Us** South West Blood Bikes is a volunteer-led charity providing a free, out-of-hours medical courier service to NHS hospitals, hospices, and healthcare teams across Devon. ## **Our Mission** Through an inclusive team of unpaid volunteers, South West Blood Bikes provides a totally free, professional, and predominantly out of hours courier service to NHS Hospital Trusts and Hospices across Devon. By rapidly delivering essential medical supplies and urgent pathology consignments, the Charity improves patient outcomes and saves these important healthcare providers both time and money, allowing more resources to be directed toward front-line care and therefore contribute to an improved patient experience. ## **Public Benefit Statement** Our activities provide clear public benefit by: - Supporting emergency and routine clinical care - Reducing NHS expenditure on commercial couriers - Improving the availability of essential medical items - Offering a safe, reliable, and cost-free service delivered by trained volunteers We operate strictly for the benefit of the public in accordance with our charitable purposes. ## **Our Activities and Achievements** ## **Operational Highlights** - **46,000+ urgent medical items delivered** across Devon during the year - **243,000 miles travelled** , equivalent to **ten times around the Earth’s equator** , ensuring essential items reached patients and clinicians swiftly - **£407,000 saved for the NHS and Hospices** we support — a conservative estimate based on avoided commercial courier costs - All shifts including nights, weekends, and bank holidays fully covered by trained volunteers - Expanded work with hospices and laboratory services ## **Volunteer Contributions** - Riders, drivers, controllers, and support volunteers collectively contributed thousands of hours - Professional training delivered, including advanced riding assessments and Good Manufacturing Practice refreshers - Volunteers represented the charity at community events, talks, and fundraising activities ## **Partnerships** - Strong collaboration with Devon NHS Trusts, clinical teams, pathology labs, and hospices - Recognition as a critical part of the healthcare supply chain ## **Future Plans** - Continued delivery of our five-year strategy - Focus on our vehicle fleet cost of ownership and investment in fleet modernisation and sustainability - Strengthening volunteer recruitment, training, and support - Expanding collaboration with healthcare partners - Embracing technology in our operations - Maintaining robust governance ## **Financial Review** ## **Income total is £121,191** - Donations from the public totalled £63,278 - Grants and corporate partnerships £4,000 - Community events £52,660 - Sales of merchandise were £1,253 ## **Expenditure total is: £98,576** - Cost of Sales (inc. Fleet purchase, maintenance, fuel and insurance) £55,443 - Legal & Professional Fees £2,499 - Rent £5,214 - Depreciation £28,758 - Asset Disposal (£1,134) - Governance, compliance, repairs and administrative costs £7,796 A significant proportion of expenditure is dedicated to operating and maintaining the fleet, our most essential resource. ## **Reserves Policy** The charity maintains reserves to ensure operational continuity, fleet replacement planning, and the ability to respond to unexpected events. We aim to retain the equivalent of between nine and twelve months’ operating expenditure, based upon the practical experience gained through the covid pandemic. The Trustee Board voted this year to modify the reserves policy to move the operating reserve into a savings account which will attract a level of interest whilst safeguarding the capital value of the fund. ## **Structure, Governance, and Management** - South West Blood Bikes is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation whose registered charity number is 1180510, first registered on 1[st] November 2018. It is governed by a Board of Trustees - A formal Scheme of Delegation has been issued defining key responsibilities - Sub-committees support operations and vehicle fleet. - Multiple policies exist, including those in place for safeguarding, data protection, governance, and volunteer conduct ## **Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement** Trustees are responsible for ensuring: - The preparation of accurate financial statements - Proper oversight of assets, funds, and governance to ensure the charity remains sustainable - Compliance with the Charity Commission and relevant legislation - Transparent, responsible management of the charity’s activities ## **Reference and Administrative Information** - Charity name: **South West Blood Bikes** - Registered charity number: **1180510** - Address: **Kingdom Business Centre Kingdom House Brunel Road Newton Abbot TQ12 4PB** - Trustees: **Stephen Dower (Chair), David Page, Mark Bentley, Steve Jones, Robert Springthorpe, Ian Hopkins, Stefan Miller (Treasurer)** - Bankers: **Lloyds Bank PLC** - Independent Examiner / Auditor: **David A Summers. 3 Sherford Crescent, Elberton Plymouth PL9 8DU** ## **Thank You** To our volunteers: riders, drivers, controllers, administrative supporters, fundraisers, and all supporters; thank you for your dedication and service. To our donors, sponsors, and partners; thank you for keeping our wheels turning. To the people of Devon; your trust and generosity make our work possible. The South West Blood Bikes charity (SWBB) was registered with the Charities Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Charity number:1180510, on 1[st] November 2018. Charity registration number 1180510 South West Blood Bikes Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Accounts 30 November 2025 Davld A Summers Accountant 3 Sherford Crescent Elburton Plymouth PL9 8DU South West Blood Bikes Financial Statements Year Ended 30 NovÉmbor 2025 Contents Legal and administrative information Trustees, annual report Independent examiner's report to the trustees Statement of financial activities Statement of financial position Notes to the financial accounts South West Blood Bikes Legal and administrative information Trustses S Dower M Bentley l Hopkins S Jones S Miller D Page R Springthorpe Charity number 1180510 Principal address Kingdom Business Centre Kingdom House Brunel Road Newton Abbot TQ12 4PB Independent examlner David A Summers, Accountant 3 Sherford Crescent Elburton Plymouth PL9 8DU South West Blood Bikes Trustees. Annual Report Year Ended 30 Novémber 2025 The trustees present their report and unaudited financial statements for Ihe year ended 30 November 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charites Act 2011 and 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Slatement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS102) effective January 2019, Objectlvos and actlvltles South West Blood Bikes is a Charity run entirely by volunteers who operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The charity provides a free, out-of-hours transportation service for essential medical supplies, such as blood, plasma, platelets, and pathology samples, to hospitals and hospices throughout Devon and beyond. Volunteers are trained to the highest standards and use specially equipped motorcycles and cars to transport these vital supplies quickly and safely, often in challenging weather conditions. Structure, governance and management The Charity is controlled by its governing document. a deed of trust and constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation. The trustee8 who seNed during the year and up to the date of signature of the finanGial statements were'.- S Dower M Bentley l Hopkins S Jones S Miller D Pa9e R Springthorpe South West Blood Bikes Trustees, Annual Report Year Ended 30 November 2025 (continued) Reference and administrative details Charity registered number:_ 1180510 Princlpal address Kingdom Business Cent Kingdom House Brunel Road Newton Abbot TQ12 4PB Independent examiner David A Summers, Accountsnt 3 Sherford Crescent Elburton Plymouth PL9 8DU The trustees, annual report was approved on 12 March 2026 and signed on behalf of the b)ard of trustees by.. S Dower Trustee South West Blood Bikes Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees Year End8d 30 Novembér 2025 I report to the trustees on my examination of Ihe financial statements of South West Blood Bikes {'the Charity'l for the year ended 30 November 2025. Responsibilities and basls of report As the trustees of the Charity. you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the 2011 Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)Ib) of the 2011 Act. Independent examlner's statemenl I have completed my examination. I Confi￿ that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act., or 2. the financial statements do not accord with those records,. or 3. the financial slalements do not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts sel oul in the Charities (Accounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirements that the accounts give a 'true and fai view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concem8 and have come across no other matters in wnnection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report, in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. David A Summers, Accountant 3 Sherford Crescent Elburton Plymouth PL9 8DU 6 March 2026 South West Blood Bikes Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) Year Ended 30 November 2025 2025 Unrestricled funds 2024 Unrestricted funds Notes Income Donations and legacies 121191 160908 Expenditure Charitable activities 98576 89219 Net income l (expenditure) 22615 71689 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 186449 114760 Net income l expenditure 22615 71689 Total funds carrled forward 209064 186449 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continLting activities. South West Blood Bikes Statement of Financial Position Year Ended 30 November 2025 2025 2024 Notes Flxed assèts Tangible fixed assets 91450 104966 Current assets Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 2999 11628 105265 2008 18900 62130 119892 83038 Current liabilities Creditors 2278 1555 Net current assets 117814 81483 Total net assèts 209064 186449 Funds of Ihe Charity Unrestricted funds 209064 186449 These financial statements were approved on 12 March 2026. and are signed on behalf of the trustees by: S Dower Truslee South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 30 Novomb&r 2025 Accountlng policies Basis of preparation The financial statements ofthe Charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102)'Accounting arsd Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practi￿ applicable to Charities preparing their acwunts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS1021 and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Income All incL*me is recognised in the statement of financial activities On￿ the Charity has entitlement to the funds. it is probable that income will be received and the amount can be recognised reliably Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to that expenditure., it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to Ihat category. Cash and cash ÈquivxlÈnts Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held with banks, other short tem liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings and current liabilities. Derecognilion of financial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the ChariWs contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. Taxation The Charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 30 November 2025 (continued) Fund aGcounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordan￿ y￿th the charitsble activity objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objectives of the Charity. Restricts'ons arise when specrfied by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restrictad purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 2. Related party dlsclosures There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 30 November 2025 nor for the prior period. South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Year Endod 30 November 2025 (continuod) 2025 Unrestricted funds 2024 Unrestricted funds 3, Donallons and legacies Donations and gifts 121191 160908 4. Charitable activities Cost of sales Advertising and marketing Accountancy Legal and professional fees Sothvare costs Postage and freight Printing and stationery Repairs and maintenance Subscriptions 55443 1650 600 1899 144 167 182 953 649 51570 2905 600 111 181 347 213 E l! Merchant fees Telephone Travel Insurance Rent Clothing Training costs Depreciation (Profit) on asset disposals 179 237 386 969 5214 1852 428 28758 (1134) 201 1M 126 594 2066 3146 21112 5221 98576 89219 5. Tru4hte0s None of the trustees (or anyone connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits during the year. South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 30 November 2025 (continued) 6. Tanglble flxed assets Vehicles Equipment etc Total Cost Brought forward Additions Disposals 140950 9992 140001 1526 6516 142476 16508 (4000) 146942 8042 154984 Depreciation Brought forward Written off on disposals Charge for the year 37405 12734) 27526 105 37510 12734) 28758 1232 62197 1337 63534 Net Book Value 30 November 2025 84745 6705 91450 30 November 2024 103545 1421 104966 7. Debtors 2025 2024 VAT Prepayments 2587 9041 10019 8881 11628 18900 South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Yoar Endad 30 Novembor 2025 (continued) 8. Creditors 2025 2024 Trade creditors Accruals 1413 865 773 782 2278 1555 Charity registration number 1180510 South West Blood Bikes Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Accounts 30 November 2025 Davld A Summers Accountant 3 Sherford Crescent Elburton Plymouth PL9 8DU South West Blood Bikes Financial Statements Year Ended 30 NovÉmbor 2025 Contents Legal and administrative information Trustees, annual report Independent examiner's report to the trustees Statement of financial activities Statement of financial position Notes to the financial accounts South West Blood Bikes Legal and administrative information Trustses S Dower M Bentley l Hopkins S Jones S Miller D Page R Springthorpe Charity number 1180510 Principal address Kingdom Business Centre Kingdom House Brunel Road Newton Abbot TQ12 4PB Independent examlner David A Summers, Accountant 3 Sherford Crescent Elburton Plymouth PL9 8DU South West Blood Bikes Trustees. Annual Report Year Ended 30 Novémber 2025 The trustees present their report and unaudited financial statements for Ihe year ended 30 November 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charites Act 2011 and 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Slatement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS102) effective January 2019, Objectlvos and actlvltles South West Blood Bikes is a Charity run entirely by volunteers who operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The charity provides a free, out-of-hours transportation service for essential medical supplies, such as blood, plasma, platelets, and pathology samples, to hospitals and hospices throughout Devon and beyond. Volunteers are trained to the highest standards and use specially equipped motorcycles and cars to transport these vital supplies quickly and safely, often in challenging weather conditions. Structure, governance and management The Charity is controlled by its governing document. a deed of trust and constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation. The trustee8 who seNed during the year and up to the date of signature of the finanGial statements were'.- S Dower M Bentley l Hopkins S Jones S Miller D Pa9e R Springthorpe South West Blood Bikes Trustees, Annual Report Year Ended 30 November 2025 (continued) Reference and administrative details Charity registered number:_ 1180510 Princlpal address Kingdom Business Cent Kingdom House Brunel Road Newton Abbot TQ12 4PB Independent examiner David A Summers, Accountsnt 3 Sherford Crescent Elburton Plymouth PL9 8DU The trustees, annual report was approved on 12 March 2026 and signed on behalf of the b)ard of trustees by.. S Dower Trustee South West Blood Bikes Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees Year End8d 30 Novembér 2025 I report to the trustees on my examination of Ihe financial statements of South West Blood Bikes {'the Charity'l for the year ended 30 November 2025. Responsibilities and basls of report As the trustees of the Charity. you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the 2011 Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)Ib) of the 2011 Act. Independent examlner's statemenl I have completed my examination. I Confi￿ that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act., or 2. the financial statements do not accord with those records,. or 3. the financial slalements do not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts sel oul in the Charities (Accounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirements that the accounts give a 'true and fai view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concem8 and have come across no other matters in wnnection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report, in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. David A Summers, Accountant 3 Sherford Crescent Elburton Plymouth PL9 8DU 6 March 2026 South West Blood Bikes Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) Year Ended 30 November 2025 2025 Unrestricled funds 2024 Unrestricted funds Notes Income Donations and legacies 121191 160908 Expenditure Charitable activities 98576 89219 Net income l (expenditure) 22615 71689 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 186449 114760 Net income l expenditure 22615 71689 Total funds carrled forward 209064 186449 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continLting activities. South West Blood Bikes Statement of Financial Position Year Ended 30 November 2025 2025 2024 Notes Flxed assèts Tangible fixed assets 91450 104966 Current assets Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 2999 11628 105265 2008 18900 62130 119892 83038 Current liabilities Creditors 2278 1555 Net current assets 117814 81483 Total net assèts 209064 186449 Funds of Ihe Charity Unrestricted funds 209064 186449 These financial statements were approved on 12 March 2026. and are signed on behalf of the trustees by: S Dower Truslee South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 30 Novomb&r 2025 Accountlng policies Basis of preparation The financial statements ofthe Charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102)'Accounting arsd Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practi￿ applicable to Charities preparing their acwunts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS1021 and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Income All incL*me is recognised in the statement of financial activities On￿ the Charity has entitlement to the funds. it is probable that income will be received and the amount can be recognised reliably Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to that expenditure., it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to Ihat category. Cash and cash ÈquivxlÈnts Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held with banks, other short tem liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings and current liabilities. Derecognilion of financial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the ChariWs contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. Taxation The Charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 30 November 2025 (continued) Fund aGcounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordan￿ y￿th the charitsble activity objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objectives of the Charity. Restricts'ons arise when specrfied by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restrictad purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 2. Related party dlsclosures There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 30 November 2025 nor for the prior period. South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Year Endod 30 November 2025 (continuod) 2025 Unrestricted funds 2024 Unrestricted funds 3, Donallons and legacies Donations and gifts 121191 160908 4. Charitable activities Cost of sales Advertising and marketing Accountancy Legal and professional fees Sothvare costs Postage and freight Printing and stationery Repairs and maintenance Subscriptions 55443 1650 600 1899 144 167 182 953 649 51570 2905 600 111 181 347 213 E l! Merchant fees Telephone Travel Insurance Rent Clothing Training costs Depreciation (Profit) on asset disposals 179 237 386 969 5214 1852 428 28758 (1134) 201 1M 126 594 2066 3146 21112 5221 98576 89219 5. Tru4hte0s None of the trustees (or anyone connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits during the year. South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended 30 November 2025 (continued) 6. Tanglble flxed assets Vehicles Equipment etc Total Cost Brought forward Additions Disposals 140950 9992 140001 1526 6516 142476 16508 (4000) 146942 8042 154984 Depreciation Brought forward Written off on disposals Charge for the year 37405 12734) 27526 105 37510 12734) 28758 1232 62197 1337 63534 Net Book Value 30 November 2025 84745 6705 91450 30 November 2024 103545 1421 104966 7. Debtors 2025 2024 VAT Prepayments 2587 9041 10019 8881 11628 18900 South West Blood Bikes Notes to the Financial Statements Yoar Endad 30 Novembor 2025 (continued) 8. Creditors 2025 2024 Trade creditors Accruals 1413 865 773 782 2278 1555