Charity number: 1182793
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation, its | 1 |
| Trustees and Advisers | |
| Chairman's Statement | 2 |
| Trustees' Report | 3 - 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 - 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
| Balance Sheet | 11 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 12 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 - 28 |
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Trustees | Mike Abbott (resigned 20 June 2025) |
|---|---|
| Tim Cottingham | |
| Mark Gauntlett | |
| Garry Taylor, Treasurer | |
| August von Joest | |
| John Warden, Chairman | |
| Tom Westley | |
| Steve Waddingham | |
| Tamalie Newbery (resigned 30 June 2025) | |
| Kerry Greene (appointed 14 May 2025) | |
| Ryan Preece (appointed 25 November 2025) | |
| Philip Dolling (appointed 25 November 2025) | |
| Stephanie Sykes-Dugmore (appointed 25 November 2025) | |
| Charity registered number 1182793 Principal office Drayton St Leonard Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 7BG Secretary Sue Gibbons Accountants James Cowper Kreston Chartered Accountants 2 Communications Road Greenham Business Park Greenham Newbury Berkshire RG19 6AB Bankers HSBC 44 Upper High Street Thame Oxon OX9 2DW Solicitors Helen Harvey, Charity Consultant Moore Barlow LLP The Oriel Sydenham Road Guildford Surrey GU1 3SR |
Page 1
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The chairman presents his statement for the year.
The Mission of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust is to develop and preserve our world-class and comprehensive collection and share it as far as possible. We do that through rich and valuable range of activities across preservation, curation, research, evets, and publications. We support Aston Martin Lagonda plc, the Aston Martin Owners Club, and many other organisations and individuals who wish to know about the marque’s long and storied heritage.
During 2025 the Trust Board emphasised its global reach by sending the Ulster in support of the AMOC’s September concours in Austria, and by welcoming Kerry Green, based in California, as our Trustee with responsibility for North America. Tamalie Newbery stepped down as Trustee, as did Michael Abbott; they leave with our thanks for their service and contribution to the Trust.
Our staff and volunteers have continued to provide much dedicated and valuable support to the Trust and its operations. Sophie Anderton left after four years as Collections Manager to pursue a PhD, and we wish her every success. In her place we are very fortunate to have recruited Clare Hirst who brings substantial experience of museum collections, lastly at the Co-op Museum. In late September we achieved submission of our museum accreditation application to the Arts Council.
We continue to be very grateful for the counsel and guidance given by our Council, comprising David Richards CBE, Marek Reichman, Carl-Peter Forster and Richard Hayes.
The period of this report eds with the Trust well placed to develop its future online, globally, and in new locations.
................................................
John Warden Chairman of the Board of Trustees Date:
Page 2
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) for the year 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.
The Trustees confirm that the annual report and the financial statements of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
Objectives, actvities and disclosure of public benefit
The Aston Martin Heritage Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, charity number 1182793. Its aim is:
The advancement of education by making available for study, research material of all types relating to the automotive engineering and automotive designs of Aston Martin Lagonda (‘the Marque’) for the benefit of the public including reports, documents, drawings, artefacts and any other material including the history of the companies, products and personalities associated with Aston Martin Lagonda.
The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Strategies for achieving objectives
The strategies employed by the AMHT to achieve these aims and objectives are:
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The development of a museum heritage centre, dedicated solely to ‘the Marque’;
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The development and maintenance of the definitive archive relating to ‘the Marque’;
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Make accessible to the general public the Collections Catalogue, an online database of objects, photographs and documents held by the AMHT;
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Publication of an annual journal ASTON, and other publications covering the history of ‘the Marque’;
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Producing a Lecture Series addressing topics relating to ‘the Marque’;
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Collect, maintain, and conserve motor vehicles relevant to the history of ‘the Marque’ and associated artefacts;
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Collect, maintain or conserve, as appropriate, archive items relating to the history of ‘the Marque’ and the people, companies, and organisations others with that history;
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Display as many of the objects, artefacts and archive items in its care as it is safe and practical to do so, and, where appropriate, at events both on and off the Museum's site;
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Make available to researchers, authors and other interested parties’ access to the Museum's collections, and encourage the publication of articles and books on all aspects of the history of Aston Martin;
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Use the Museum's displays and collections as the foundations for formal and informal learning activities on and off the Museum site, especially through the creation of new and upgraded exhibitions and partnerships;
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Grow public, corporate, group and hospitality visitor numbers and engagement;
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Extend our reach beyond the UK to a more global authority on Aston Martin Heritage.
Public Benefit
The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Cahrity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Page 3
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Achievements and performance
The Museum
Museum entrance is complimentary for AMHT Supporters, AMOC Members and Aston Martin Lagonda employees. Visitors, whether complimentary or paid, continue to increase in numbers, with a 5% increase compared to the previous financial year. Together with regular rotation of displays, visitors have an enhanced experience with our museum hosts guiding them through the Aston Martin heritage.
The heart of the Museum is the cars. The foundation of our heritage fleet began with the bequest of the 1934 Ulster. Over the years, this has grown through purchase, loan and donation. We currently care for many vehicles, engineering prototypes, design models and cutaways. Due to the size of the museum, we cannot display all the cars at once but rotate them on a regular basis.
In addition to the cars, we display engines, trophies, artefacts, engineering tools, racing memorabilia and a scale model collection.
Digitising the Register and Registrar assets
Digitising the paper records of the Master Register is ongoing. We now have a growing shared digital archive of build sheets and have a comprehensive archive of photographs of chassis identification marks. We will be collecting more photographs to assist with future services for the DVLA and overseas vehicle registration agencies.
Historic Vehicle registration and UK V765
The AMHT has been, since its inception, the DVLA’s prescribed organisation to provide evidence and advice on the registration of historic Aston Martins. This mostly involves the provision of dating evidence and supporting cars through the V765 scheme. Dating evidence, or ‘dating letters’, are provided for individual cars so that the DVLA has accurate information about the age of a vehicle, so that the correct Vehicle Excise Duty is charged. The V765 scheme is an extension of this, whereby we provide evidence and support the application by an owner to have the original UK registration number reassigned to a car that may have lost it over time. Increasingly, we are also supporting owners outside of the UK with the registration of historic Aston Martins with less tolerance of older motor vehicles.
Build Sheets/Heritage and “One Of’ Certificates
An increasing valuable and popular service to owners and dealers, the AMHT can supply the Build Sheets being internal documents used by the factory give specific details of how a car left the factory. These services now extend to more recent vehicles built between 2017 to 2023.
The Heritage Certificates, based on a car’s build sheet, can help to confirm the provenance of a car. ‘One Of’ Certificates combine a certificate with a unique research document which identifies how many cars there were built to a matching specification.
Education and Learning
Since its formation, AMHT has always provided education in all things Aston Martin, through the museum, archive services, publishing and public lectures. However, the Trustees wish to do more in the education field and utilise the assets the Trust holds.
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ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
Worldwide reach
The Trustees are aware of being perceived as a UK-based museum and are addressing this. During the year, the trustees extend the reach of the AMHT to beyond the UK through our social media channels generating increased worldwide engagement including podcasts, email newsletters and participating in overseas events.
Financial review
The Trust receives its principal funding from subscriptions and donations. The major source of income remains the Aston Martin Owners Club by which we received £164,678 as part of our £347,430 total income.
The total incoming resources for the year are £347,430 (2024: £363,388). Total resources expended in the period were £342,376 (2024: £402,617) and the resulting net surplus was £5,054 (2024: £39,229 net deficit).
The free unrestricted fund balance (excluding fixed assets) at the end of the period was £266,768 (2024: £250,321).
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
Reserves policy
The Trust aims to have a minimum of 6 months operating expenditure in liquid reserves at any one time in addition to reserves maintained to meet specific projects. Reserves dedicated to a specific project may be treated as restricted funds. In the year to September 2025 free reserves amounted to 11 months of operating expenditure.
Material investments policy
The Trustees follow an investment policy to optimise investment income consistent with the secure maintenance of capital.
Page 5
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Structure, governance and management
Constitution
The Trust (registered charity number is 1182793) was originally constituted by a deed dated 5 August 1998, with modifications dated 23 August 2000 and 14 June 2004. In 2019 the Aston Martin Heritage Trust became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and the assets, property and chattels from the previous unincorporated Trust were transferred over in according with a general vesting declaration dated 1 August 2019 signed by the Chairman and a Trustee.
Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
The Board of Trustees continue to develop its future skills needs and succession plan.
In February 2025 the Constitution was amended to increase the Trustee numbers to 13, including the AML and AMOC nominees, in bringing the right skills onto the Board. Up to nine may be co-opted by virtue of their personal or professional qualifications by the existing Trustees; up to two are nominated by Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd; and up to two are nominated by the Aston Martin Owners Club Management Committee.
Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
New Trustees are given induction packs, together with an induction session which takes place at the Trust’s headquarters at the Barn in Oxfordshire.
Risk management
The Trustees are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the Trust. Risks have been identified, assessed, and controls established, and a formal review is undertaken periodically. We continue to keep systems and procedures under review, and these appear to us to be appropriate to the Trust's size and the nature of our operations.
Future plans
Accreditation
The AMHT has worked towards achieving ACE Museum Accreditation in order to demonstrate and maintain the quality of care, security and access that the collection deserves. The AMHT completed the ‘Working Towards Accreditation’ timeframe and submitted it in October 2025.
Becoming a fully accredited museum will give us significant credibility in the museum sector, give confidence that we are looking after the collection properly and allow wider access to heritage grants and inter-museum loans.
Finding the Future
The AMHT was awarded £81,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Finding the Future project, which aimed to enable trustees to make informed decisions about the Trust's long-term future.
With the funding, expert research and advice were commissioned on the interests of our potential audiences, fundraising, and business and operational planning. This insight was then used to consider a number of potential scenarios for the future of the Trust and how it might reach audiences and care for and display its collections.
One of the conclusions was that building a stand-alone museum of substantial size was not viable in capital or operational terms.
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ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Future plans (continued)
In addition, audience research showed strong interest in Aston Martin from groups who do not typically visit museums, and a growing interest in new ways of accessing content, for instance, online, through touring exhibitions and pop-up experiences.
Hence, the AMHT is looking to build on this by developing its non-venue-based offer, enabling it to serve UK and global Aston Martin engagement, and is considering co-locating its permanent exhibitions and collection with another attraction.
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 & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charitable Incorporated Organisation will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation 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 Charitable Incorporated Organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ ................................................ John Warden Garry Taylor Chairman Treasurer Date:
Page 7
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Aston Martin Heritage Trust ('the Charitable Incorporated Organisation')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charitable Incorporated Organisation has prepared the accounts 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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 accounts to be reached.
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ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
This report is made solely to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charitable Incorporated Organisation and the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 30 June 2026 Michael Bath BSc FCA DChA
James Cowper Kreston Chartered Accountants 2 Communications Road Greenham Business Park Greenham Newbury Berkshire RG19 6AB
Page 9
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies: 2 Donations Subscriptions . Grant Charitable activities 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments 5 Other income 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 7 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income Transfers between funds 20 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - - 40,141 - - - - 40,141 - 46,160 46,160 (6,019) 6,019 - - - - |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 15,640 172,195 - 93,568 21,291 2,411 2,184 307,289 12,913 283,303 296,216 11,073 (6,019) 5,054 819,930 5,054 824,984 |
Total funds 2025 £ 15,640 172,195 40,141 93,568 21,291 2,411 2,184 347,430 12,913 329,463 342,376 5,054 - 5,054 819,930 5,054 824,984 |
Total funds 2024 £ 10,314 164,362 40,500 118,989 24,805 3,418 1,000 363,388 15,654 386,963 402,617 (39,229) - (39,229) 859,159 (39,229) 819,930 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements.
Page 10
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 Heritage assets 15 Current assets Stocks 16 Debtors 17 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 18 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Provisions for liabilities 19 Net assets Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds: Unrestricted funds 20 Total funds |
26,571 140,741 123,726 291,038 (24,270) |
2025 £ 5,108 553,108 558,216 266,768 824,984 - 824,984 824,984 824,984 824,984 |
27,539 98,196 193,528 319,263 (53,942) |
2024 £ 16,874 552,735 569,609 265,321 834,930 (15,000) 819,930 819,930 819,930 819,930 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ ................................................ John Warden Garry Taylor Chairman Treasurer Date:
The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements.
Page 11
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities 23 Cash flows from investing activities Dividends, interests and rents from investments Proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets Purchase of tangible fixed assets Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 24 |
2025 £ (82,385) 2,411 11,801 (1,629) 12,583 (69,802) 193,528 123,726 |
2024 £ (13,549) 3,418 1,000 (16,053) (11,635) (25,184) 218,712 193,528 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements
Page 12
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
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 the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
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 the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Aston Martin Heritage Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charitable Incorporated Organisation for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
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ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charitable Incorporated Organisation has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charitable Incorporated Organisation has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation, can be reliably measured.
Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold.
Donated facilities are included at the value to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.
Donated services or facilities are recognised when the Charitable Incorporated Organisation has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation which is the amount the Charitable Incorporated Organisation would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
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ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charitable Incorporated Organisation to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charitable Incorporated Organisation; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £250 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed asset may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the carrying value of fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recognised as impairments. Impairment losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
| Motor vehicles | - | 25% reducing balance |
|---|---|---|
| Fixtures and fittings | - | 40% reducing balance |
| Museum display cabinets | - | 10% straight line |
Specialised display cabinets have been acquired with funds received specifically for this purpose due to their long useful life they are separately shown and depreciated.
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ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.7 Heritage assets
Motor vehicles are included in the financial statements at cost or the value when donated. Vehicles are maintained in full working order, insured at their current value with maintenance costs charged to the Statement of Financial Activities when incurred. Archive items are included at cost or valuation. Donations of archive items are included at estimated value at the time of receipt, except where the cost of obtaining a valuation would be disproportionate. In the opinion of the Trustees, motor vehicles and archives have an indeterminate life and accordingly it is not appropriate to charge depreciation. Conservation of these items is central to the Trust’s activities. The Trust’s management policy in respect of its heritage assets is summarised in note 28.
1.8 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
1.9 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.10 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.11 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charitable Incorporated Organisation anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
1.12 Financial instruments
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
1.13 Pensions
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charitable Incorporated Organisation to the fund in respect of the year.
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ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Subscriptions Grants Total 2024 |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ - 15,640 - 172,195 40,141 - 40,141 187,835 40,500 174,676 |
Total funds 2025 £ 15,640 172,195 40,141 227,976 215,176 |
Total funds 2024 £ 10,314 164,362 40,500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215,176 | |||
There are no donated goods and services reflected in the financial statements for the year.
3. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Research fees 10 Archiving 46,371 Educational events 24,675 Museum income 22,512 93,568 Total 2024 118,989 |
Total funds 2025 £ 10 46,371 24,675 22,512 93,568 118,989 |
Total funds 2024 £ 350 45,851 52,078 20,710 |
|---|---|---|
| 118,989 | ||
Page 17
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
4. Income from other trading activities
Income from fundraising events
| Advertising Merchandising Auction Total 2024 5. Investment income Investment income Total 2024 6. Other incoming resources Profit on disposal of fixed assets Total 2024 |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 4,225 14,368 2,698 21,291 24,805 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 2,411 3,418 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 2,184 1,000 |
Total funds 2025 £ 4,225 14,368 2,698 21,291 24,805 Total funds 2025 £ 2,411 3,418 Total funds 2025 £ 2,184 1,000 |
Total funds 2024 £ 10,475 14,330 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24,805 | |||
| Total funds 2024 £ 3,418 |
|||
| Total funds 2024 £ 1,000 |
|||
Page 18
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Educational events Archiving Museum costs Journal expenses Support costs Total 2024 |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ - 23,223 - 65,524 - 5,763 - 32,897 46,160 155,896 46,160 283,303 43,939 343,024 |
Total 2025 £ 23,223 65,524 5,763 32,897 202,056 329,463 386,963 |
Total 2024 £ 44,513 62,609 14,853 62,818 202,170 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 386,963 | |||
Summary by expenditure type
| Educational events Archiving Museum costs Journal expenses Support costs Total 2024 |
Staff costs 2025 Depreciation 2025 £ £ - - 64,783 - - - - - 58,883 3,405 123,666 3,405 118,841 6,212 |
Other costs 2025 £ 23,223 741 5,763 32,897 139,768 202,392 261,910 |
Total 2025 £ 23,223 65,524 5,763 32,897 202,056 329,463 386,963 |
Total 2024 £ 44,513 62,609 14,853 62,818 202,170 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 386,963 | ||||
Page 19
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
8. Support costs
| Office expenses Insurance costs Website and IT costs Salaries Travel and meeting costs Rent Miscellaneous Repairs Motor costs Bank charges Consultancy Governance costs Depreciation Total 2024 |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ - 12,294 - 18,927 - 12,668 - 58,883 - 4,285 - 17,889 - 698 - 3,839 - 2,701 - 2,083 - 46,160 - 18,224 - 3,405 - 202,056 43,939 158,231 |
Total funds 2025 £ 12,294 18,927 12,668 58,883 4,285 17,889 698 3,839 2,701 2,083 46,160 18,224 3,405 202,056 202,170 |
Total funds 2024 £ 11,469 18,705 15,470 59,554 2,929 17,166 461 4,524 7,461 2,250 43,939 12,030 6,212 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202,170 | |||
9. Governance costs
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Accountancy fees 10,755 Legal fees 7,469 18,224 |
Total funds 2025 £ 10,755 7,469 18,224 |
Total funds 2024 £ 10,062 1,968 |
|---|---|---|
| 12,030 |
Page 20
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
10. Taxation
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation is a registered charity and accordingly is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they are applied for charitable purposes.
11. Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's independent | ||
| examiner for the independent examination of the Charitable Incorporated | ||
| Organisation's annual accounts | 3,350 | 3,200 |
12. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2025 £ 116,215 6,253 1,198 123,666 |
2024 £ 112,403 5,148 1,290 |
|---|---|---|
| 118,841 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charitable Incorporated Organisation during the year was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Employees | 4 | 4 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
13. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).
During the year ended 30 September 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL).
Page 21
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
14. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 October 2024 Additions Disposals At 30 September 2025 Depreciation At 1 October 2024 Charge for the year On disposals At 30 September 2025 Net book value At 30 September 2025 At 30 September 2024 |
Motor vehicles £ 10,990 - (10,990) - 1,374 - (1,374) - - 9,616 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 137,687 1,255 - 138,942 130,429 3,405 - 133,834 5,108 7,258 |
Office equipment £ 33,661 - - 33,661 33,661 - - 33,661 - - |
Total £ 182,338 1,255 (10,990) 172,603 165,464 3,405 (1,374) 167,495 5,108 16,874 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 22
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
15. Heritage assets
Assets recognised at cost
| Carrying value at 1 October 2024 Additions Analysis of heritage asset transactions 2025 £ Additions Archives 374 Total additions 374 |
2024 £ 3,905 3,905 |
Heritage motor vehicles 2025 £ 409,819 - 409,819 2023 £ 963 963 |
Archives 2025 £ 142,915 374 143,289 2022 £ - - |
Total 2025 £ 552,734 374 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 553,108 | ||||
| 2021 £ 2,235 |
||||
| Additions Archives Total additions |
||||
| 2,235 |
All additions were purchases or in the case of vehicles, capital costs of restoration. Items and memorabilia donated to the collections have been included at £nil value as in the opinion of the Trustees obtaining separate valuations would be disproportionately expensive.
16. Stocks
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Closing merchandise stock | 26,571 | 27,539 |
17. Debtors
| Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 61,176 2,024 77,541 140,741 |
2024 £ 46,704 8,172 43,320 |
|---|---|---|
| 98,196 |
Page 23
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
18. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 16,541 4,379 3,350 24,270 |
2024 £ 49,222 1,520 3,200 53,942 |
|---|---|---|
19. Provisions
| At 1 October 2024 Amounts reversed |
Car register £ 15,000 (15,000) |
|---|---|
| - |
Car register
The register provision is for updating and publication of the Aston Martin Heritage Trust Register of Cars. It has recently been transferred to an online version so it only includes data management costs. The amount released relates to income / expenditure of updating part of the final stage of the online car register.
Page 24
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
20. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | 30 | ||||
| October | Transfers | September | |||
| 2024 | Income | Expenditure | in/out | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General Funds - all funds | 819,930 | 307,289 | (296,216) | (6,019) | 824,984 |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| National lottery heritage fund | - | 40,141 | (46,160) | 6,019 | - |
| Total of funds | 819,930 | 347,430 | (342,376) | - | 824,984 |
| Statement of funds - prior year | |||||
| Balance at | |||||
| Balance at | 30 | ||||
| 1 October | Transfers | September | |||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | in/out | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General Funds - all funds | 859,159 | 322,888 | (358,678) | (3,439) | 819,930 |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| National lottery heritage fund | - | 40,500 | (43,939) | 3,439 | - |
| Total of funds | 859,159 | 363,388 | (402,617) | - | 819,930 |
Page 25
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
21. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| General funds Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 October 2024 £ 819,930 - 819,930 Balance at 1 October 2023 £ 859,159 - 859,159 |
Income £ 307,289 40,141 347,430 Income £ 322,888 40,500 363,388 |
Expenditure £ (296,216) (46,160) (342,376) Expenditure £ (358,678) (43,939) (402,617) |
Transfers in/out £ (6,019) 6,019 - Transfers in/out £ (3,439) 3,439 - |
Balance at 30 September 2025 £ 824,984 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 824,984 | |||||
| Balance at 30 September 2024 £ 819,930 - |
|||||
| Summary of funds - prior year | |||||
| General funds Restricted funds |
|||||
| 819,930 |
22. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Tangible fixed assets 5,108 Heritage assets 553,108 Current assets 291,038 Creditors due within one year (24,270) Total 824,984 |
Total funds 2025 £ 5,108 553,108 291,038 (24,270) |
|---|---|
| 824,984 |
Page 26
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
22. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Heritage assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Provisions for liabilities and charges Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 16,874 552,735 319,263 (53,942) (15,000) 819,930 |
Total funds 2024 £ 16,874 552,735 319,263 (53,942) (15,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 819,930 |
23. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
| Net income/expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges (Profit) / loss on disposal of fixed asset Investment income (Increase) / decrease in stocks (Increase) / decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash used in operating activities |
2025 £ 5,054 3,405 (2,184) (2,411) 968 (42,545) (44,672) (82,385) |
2024 £ (39,229) |
|---|---|---|
| 6,212 (1,000) (3,418) 476 6,178 17,232 |
||
| (13,549) |
24. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
| Cash in hand Total cash and cash equivalents |
2025 £ 123,726 123,726 |
2024 £ 193,528 |
|---|---|---|
| 193,528 |
Page 27
ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
25. Analysis of changes in net debt
| Cash at bank and in hand | At 1 October 2024 £ 193,528 193,528 |
Cash flows £ (69,802) (69,802) |
At 30 September 2025 £ 123,726 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 123,726 |
26. Pension commitments
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charitable Incorporated Organisation to the fund and no amounts were unpaid at the period end (2024: £nil).
27. Related party transactions
During the period the Charitable Incorporated Organisation made purchases of £6,000 (2024: £6,000) for accountancy services provided by Goose Taxation, owned by one of its Trustees. There was no amount outstanding at the period end (2024: £nil).
28. Heritage asset management policy
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation's objectives include maintaining and developing the already extensive archives of material relating to Aston Martin, Lagonda and Aston Martin Lagonda cars, and preserving a collection of significant cars. At 30 September 2024 there were 23 cars in the collection including A3, which is the earliest surviving Aston Martin in the world. Cars are made available for public inspection at the Charitable Incorporated Organisation's premises in Oxfordshire and are also exhibited at various events throughout the UK, and occasionally abroad. The Archive contains an impressively large collection of material relating to the history of Aston Martin. It holds a large number of original manufacturing plans, drawings and blueprints dating back to the 1920s. It also has an extensive collection of factory records and publications, including order books, workshop manuals, and original publicity material. The archive also holds a collection of over 250 books, many of which are rare. In addition there is a major photo archive, including the work of Louis Klemantaski for Aston Martin, the Roger Stowers collection, and the Neill Bruce collection. Where possible the Charitable Incorporated Organisation is pleased to supply images for use in publications and research. Public access to the archive is encouraged for consultation and research by both members and the general public.
Acquisitions are made by purchase or donation, and occasionally, the Charitable Incorporated Organisation disposes of items where the Trustees are satisfied that to do so does not detract from the integrity of the collection.
Page 28