COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 11468334 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1181702
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS
30 SEPTEMBER 2023
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30 SEPTEMBER 23
| Pages | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trustees' Annual Report | 2 | |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 | |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 | |
| Balance Sheet | 6 | |
| Notes to the Accounts | 7 |
Page 1
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2023.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Company No. 11468334
Charity No. 1181702
Principal and Registered Office
61 Elm Park Avenue London N15 6UN
Directors and Trustees
The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law.
The following Directors and Trustees served during the year:
A Brecher D Hager P M Deutsch
Accountants
CHS Accountants Limited 45 Stamford Hill London N16 5SR
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The charity's objectives are to further those purposes both in the UK and overseas which are recognised as charitable under English Law.
The charity receives income from charitable donations and rental income from investment properties which it is currently redeveloping in the charity’s best interest, which it utilises in the provision and distribution of grants and donations. Income will be applied to further the charity’s objectives.
The charity's activity is principally, but not limited to, the provision and distribution of grants and donations to charitable organisations and needy individuals for the purpose of the advancement of the orthodox Jewish religion, the advancement of education in accordance with the orthodox Jewish religion and the prevention and relief of poverty.
Grant making
The trustees are approached for donations by a wide variety of charitable institutions.
The trustees take due care to ensure that all grants are made only to charitable institutions and organisations that are deemed charitable according to English law and which accord with the objects of the charity. In making grants and donations, the trustees use their personal knowledge of the institution, its representatives, operational efficiency and reputation. The trustees consider all requests and make donations based on the level of funds available
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
During the year the charity pursued its philanthropic objects. Income from donations aggregated £52,500 (2022: £Nil). Total resources expended was £234,040 (2022: £208,963)
Page 2
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial Position
The financial results of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2023 are fully reflected in the attached Financial Statements together with the Notes thereon.
The charity engaged in its usual charitable activity during the year. In 2023 the charity's Statement of Financial Activities show a deficit of £29,166.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the charity to maintain Unrestricted Funds, which include the Free Reserves of the charity, at a level which the trustees think appropriate after considering the future commitments of the charity and the likely costs of the charity for the next year.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
The future plans of the charity are to continue to support organisations advancing the orthodox Jewish religion, orthodox Jewish education and the prevention and relief of poverty in the orthodox Jewish community worldwide.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Document
The Charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and as such, its governing documents are its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
New trustees are appointed based on personal competence, availability and knowledge and familiarity with the community which the charity serves. New trustees are inducted into the workings of the charity by the existing trustees.
The trustees administer the day-to-day affairs of the charity. None of the trustees have any beneficial interest in the charity.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime as set out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
Signed on behalf of the board
A Brecher
Trustee
10 January 2025
Page 3
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES of MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED for the year ended 30 September 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Summary Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's financial statements as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the 2006 Act ; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements under section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the financial statements give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
P Shebson ACA
CHS Accountants Limited
45 Stamford Hill London N16 5SR 10 January 2025
Page 4
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted funds 2023 Notes £ Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 52,500 Investments 152,252 Other 122 Total 204,874 Expenditure on: Raising funds 196,345 Charitable activities 37,100 Other 595 Total 234,040 Net movement in funds (29,166) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 486,422 Total funds carried forward 457,256 |
Total funds 2023 £ 52,500 152,252 122 |
Total funds 2022 £ 21,200 211,339 26 |
|---|---|---|
| 204,874 196,345 37,100 595 |
232,565 203,577 2,400 2,986 |
|
| 234,040 | 208,963 | |
| (29,166) 486,422 |
23,602 462,820 |
|
| 457,256 | 486,422 |
Page 5
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
| Company No. 11468334 Notes 2023 £ Fixed assets Investments 2,794,414 2,794,414 Current assets Debtors 213,642 Cash at bank and in hand 99,544 313,186 Creditors:Amount falling due within one year (50,344) Net current assets 262,842 Total assets less current liabilities 3,057,256 Creditors:Amounts falling due after more than one year (2,600,000) Net assets excluding pension asset or liability 457,256 Total net assets 457,256 The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds General funds 457,256 457,256 Total funds 457,256 |
2022 £ 2,772,698 |
|---|---|
| 2,772,698 236,866 129,131 |
|
| 365,997 (52,273) |
|
| 313,724 3,086,422 (2,600,000) |
|
| 486,422 | |
| 486,422 | |
| 486,422 | |
| 486,422 | |
| 486,422 |
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
For the year ended 30 September 2023 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
Approved by the board on 10 January 2025
And signed on its behalf by:
A Brecher
Trustee
10 January 2025
Page 6
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
1 General Information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 61 Elm Park Avenue, London, N15 6UN.
Statement of Compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Limited liability
In the event of a wind-up each member's liability is limited to £1.
2 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts
There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity.
Designated funds These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. Revaluation funds These are unrestricted funds which include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investment assets at their market values.
Restricted funds These are available for use subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or through terms of an appeal.
Page 7
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Income
Recognition of income Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount of the income can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Income with related Where income has related expenditure the income and related expenditure is reported gross expenditure in the SoFA. Donations and legacies Voluntary income received by way of grants, donations and gifts is included in the the SoFA when receivable and only when the Charity has unconditional entitlement to the income. Tax reclaims on Income from tax reclaims is included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift/donation to donations and gifts which it relates. Expenditure Recognition of Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot expenditure be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Expenditure on raising These comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income, fundraising trading funds costs and investment management costs. Expenditure on These comprise the costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services charitable activities in the furtherance of its objects, including the making of grants and governance costs. Grants payable All grant expenditure is accounted for on an actual paid basis plus an accrual for grants that have been approved by the trustees at the end of the year but not yet paid. Governance costs These include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity, including any audit/independent examination fees, costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity, together with a share of other administration costs. Other expenditure These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Depreciation is provided as relevant in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:
Freehold investment property
Investment properties are measured initially at cost and subsequently at fair value at each balance sheet date and are not depreciated. All gains or losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise.
Trade and other debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. In the Statement of Cash Flows, where applicable, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the company's cash management.
Page 8
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Trade and other creditors
Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
- 3 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Donations | 52,500 | - | - | 52,500 | 21,200 | |||
| 52,500 | - | - | 52,500 | 21,200 | ||||
| 6 | Income from investments | |||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Total | ||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Rental Income | 152,252 | - | - | 152,252 | 211,339 | |||
| 152,252 | - | - | 152,252 | 211,339 | ||||
| 9 | Expenditure on raising funds | |||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Total | ||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Investment management costs | ||||||||
| Management fees and bills | 23,173 | - | - | 23,173 | 18,777 | |||
| Interest costs | 173,172 | - | - | 173,172 | 184,800 | |||
| 196,345 | - | - | 196,345 | 203,577 | ||||
| 10 | Expenditure on charitable activities | |||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Total | ||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Expenditure on charitable | ||||||||
| activities | ||||||||
| Grants made | 34,700 | - | - | 34,700 | - | |||
| Governance costs | ||||||||
| Independent Examiners Fees | 2,400 | - | - | 2,400 | 2,400 | |||
| 37,100 | - | - | 37,100 | 2,400 |
Page 9
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
11 Analysis of grants
| 11 Analysis of grants | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activity or programme Grants to Institutions £ Grants 34,700 34,700 12 Other expenditure Unrestricted £ General administrative costs 95 Legal and professional costs 500 595 13 Net (expenditure)/income before transfers This is stated after charging: Independent Examiner's fee |
Grants to Institutions £ |
Grants to Individuals £ |
Support Costs £ - - Endowment £ - - - 2023 £ 2,400 |
Total 2023 £ 34,700 34,700 Total 2023 £ 95 500 595 |
Total 2022 £ - |
| 34,700 | - | ||||
| - Restricted £ - - - |
- | ||||
| Total 2022 £ 211 2,775 |
|||||
| 2,986 | |||||
| 2022 £ 2,400 |
14 Trustee remuneration and expenses
None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration in the current or prior periods.
None of the trustees have been paid any expenses in the current or prior periods.
Page 10
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
18 Investments
| Cost or revaluation At 1 October 2022 Additions At 30 September 2023 Net book values At 30 September 2023 At 30 September 2022 |
Freehold Investment Property £ 2,772,598 21,716 2,794,314 2,794,314 2,772,598 |
Investment in Subsidiaries £ 100 - 100 100 100 |
Other investments - Listed £ - - - - - |
Other investments - Unlisted £ - - - - - |
Total £ 2,772,698 21,716 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,794,414 | |||||
| 2,794,414 | |||||
| 2,772,698 |
Investment in Subsidiaries
The company has the following subsidiary undertakings:
| Capital and | Profit/(loss) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country of | reserves at | for the | |||
| incorporation | Class of | % age of | end of the | relevant | |
| Name of company | (if not UK) | shares held | shares held | relevant year | year |
| % | £ | £ | |||
| Rochester Developments | |||||
| Limited | 100 | - | - |
The company has an investment of £1 in a subsidiary undertaking, Rochester Developments Limited which was dormant in the year to 30 September 2023.
Debtors
| Trade debtors Other debtors |
2023 £ 16,000 197,642 213,642 |
2022 £ 15,670 221,196 |
|---|---|---|
| 236,866 |
Other debtors include amounts due from Companies with one or more common Directors to this Company. These loans are secured and repayable on demand. They carry an interest rate of 10% which is rolled-up and due in full upon repayment.
Creditors:
amounts falling due within one year
| Other loans Amounts owed to group undertakings Other creditors Accruals |
2023 £ 47,844 100 - 2,400 50,344 |
2022 £ 49,263 100 510 2,400 |
|---|---|---|
| 52,273 |
Page 11
MERKAZ HATORAH LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Creditors:
amounts falling due after more than one year
| Bank loans and overdrafts | 2023 £ 2,600,000 2,600,000 |
2022 £ 2,600,000 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,600,000 | |||||
| Movement in funds | Incoming resources (including other gains/losses) £ 204,874 204,874 Unrestricted funds £ - 2,794,414 262,842 (2,600,000) 457,256 |
Resources expended £ (234,040) (234,040) Restricted funds £ - - - - - |
Gross transfers £ - - Endowment funds £ - - - - - |
At 30 September 2023 £ 457,256 |
|
| 457,256 | |||||
| Total £ - 2,794,414 262,842 (2,600,000) |
|||||
| 457,256 |
Related party disclosures
During the year, other than any mentioned above, there were no related party transactions as require disclosure.
Page 12