CHARITY COMMISSION | FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Trustees'.Annual Report for the period From 1 April 2024 Period start date To 31 March 2025 Period end date Cnarity name: The Witham Hub Charity registration number: 1188048 Objectives and Activities SORP referenc8 Para1.17 Summary oftne purposes of the charity 2s set out in its overnin document Summary o": the main a￿LivItIeS in re..'ati04 to those purposes ior the public beilefit, in particular, the activit es, pro'ects or services identified in the accounis. To redu￿ food povety and fooa waste and offer social inclusion to all pa￿ 1.178Th1 Overview We are pleased to present our latest Trustee Report, highlighting the significani achievements and developments within our organisation over the past year. Our commitment to seNing the community and i reducing food waste has neve", been stronger, and we are proud to share tle progress we have made with our stakeholders. One of our most notable achievemeT)+4S this year has been the successfL.I lTrhTrSi.ion to the Grove Centre, which has provan to be a tremendous success, resulting in a ,",uge increase in footfall. The new location has significantly improved our visibility and provided tne additional space 2nd facilities I required to better support and serve our community- This achievement would not have been possible wthout the dedicailoil and hard work of ou," st.2ff and volunteers, whose commftment has been instrup.enfrl in making the move and ongoing operations run smoothly. Building on this Suc￿ss, in May 2024, we identified a new premises in Braintree, wh.ich we hope tc secure a lease or an have operational at ¥he start of The iext financial year. This decision was driven by need, based on t￿le number of Brain.iree residents currently travelling to Witham to access our services. The new Tacilry wll serve as a communty superm¢r.ket and tearoom, providing both affordable food tions and a welcomin ace for local residents. The planning and pre52ration for this expansion are already benefiting Trom the enthusiasm and support of our staff 2p.d volunteers, who continue to be at the heartL of our mission to serve the communi Community Initiatives We remain firmly committed to our mission of providing affordable food options and supporting local residents. OLJr core initiatives, including the provision o! discounted food 8nd the communty fridge, continue to thrive. Du.. ing the year, we established partnerships with new suppliers, helping to I ensiire a more reliaDie and consistent supply of fresh produce for community members. We are proud to report that our community fridge continues to be collected to￿. six days and nights a week, thanks to ine dedication of our outstanding volunteers. Their tireless efforts have resulted ir) +he su￿essful saving of over 350 tonnes of food from landfill, delivering both vitsl community support and signrficant environmental benefrts. Impact on the Community Our imp2CL +his year has been Sig-.: with over ?00,000 interventions recorded, almost three times the number reported last year. -his incre3se reflecTS the continued and growing denand for our services and places addrf£ional pressure on I our resources. Despite these -nallenges, our staff and volunteers have worked diligently to respond effectively, ensuring that ihose who need suppottL are able to access timely 2nd appropriate ass,'stafjce. Funding and Support We are extremely grateful for the key funding awards secured in 2023, wnich continue to strengthen our ability to support I the community. We secured £100,000 over bmo years from Cadent Gas, enabling us to assist community members with completing essential forms and accessing vital rv[￿s. This fundin has alhowed us to employ fvjo dedicated staff members to deliver this important work. We were also successful in sec'Jring £250,000 of ring-fenced funding Irom the National Lottery, to be alloca ed over five years in support of staffing costs. ,is funding is crucial in helping us maintain a skilled and resilient workForce, ensuring +he I cofjtinued delivery of high-quaiiTy services. We remain grateful for the ongoing support of Essex County Council, wha provide £15.000 per year, ring-Tenced TO contribute towards the rent of our premises_ While securing additional fijnding remaifjs an ongoing challenge, our fur,draising team works tire5essly, and we are deeply appreciative of the coniinued genei osity of our local community, cb.aritable organisations, and Dusiness p8rtners, whose support enables us IO Sustair, aiid grow our seNices. Conclusion As we move forward, we remain focuse on expanding our initiatives and ennankning our services to meet the growing needs OT our communty. We are excited abots't the future and are committed to w.akir,s a lasting difference in the lives of t￿,Ose we serve. Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission. op, pub5ic benefit Para 1.18 The trustees are committed tc ail diFectlOi IS i given by tne charty commission arid will endeavour to comply with them at all times. I Additional infonnation (optionall You ma choose to include Turther *atements where relevant about.. SORP ￿ference Policy on g:-ant making NIA Para 1.38 Policy on social investment inc5Ji di,ng program related investment NIA Para 1.38 Our volunteers are the backbone of our organisatloil, and their oediC2tion 2nd commitment have been instrumenial 111 helping us achieve our goals this yea", From collecting and distribL.ting food to su ortin communi iniiiatives, Ir..e Par8 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers ensure our services run smoothly and efficiently. This year. our volunteers have.. Collected and redistributed over 50 1 tonnes of food, helping to prevent waste and provide essential supplies to those in need. Supported the commJi nity *idge six days and nights a week, ensuring fresh food reaches local residents consistently_ Assisted in the opera+ion of our Witham premises. *eipins to welcome visitors, manage stock, and provide friendly supjott. Participated in planning ati.d preparation for our new Braiii tree facility, contributing iaess and effiort to help expand our seryices. Engaged in fundraising, awareness campaigns, and administrative support, providing vital capacity that enables OUE Siaff to focus on servikne delivery. The impact of their time, skills, and energy cannot be overstated. Their efforts not only enhan￿ the lives of our commLinty members but-lso strengthen our organisational resilience and sustainability. We are continually inspired by the generosity and commitmep.t of our volunteers, who remain at the heart OT everything we do. Achievements and Performance SORP refewce Over the past year, our charity has made significant progress in delivering on its mission to support the Ioc81 commdnity, reduce food waste, and provide afforcable access to essential resourTrs, all wh,'le managing on a limited budget. Key achievements include- Surp.rp.ary of the main achievements OT the charity, ideniifying the difference the ch2rity's work h28 made to i the circumstances of its benenciaries ana any wider be4efits to society cis a whole. P2ra 1.20 Expansion of Premises and SeNices: Successfully Toved to new premises in Witham, ip,creasing I footfall by 800 /0. improving visibility, and providing enhanced facilities io better serve the commL'nFCV. Plans are underway to open a new communty supemiarket and tea room in Braintree, extending our reach to residents who prev',ousiy had to travel to Witham. Support to Beneficiaries.. Delivered over 50a,000 interve4T4Jons, almost triple last year's figures, helping residents access affordable food, essential supplies, and support services. This éemonstrates +he charty s direct impact on improving the wellbeing and quality of life for local people. Food Waste Reduction: Vokunteers I collected and redistributed over 550 1 tonnes of iood, prevenTing it from going to landfill, supporiing sustainability, and providing nutritious food to those in neeo. Volunteer and Stafi Contribution: Our dedicated team of staff 2nd volunteers have been cenifai LO every achievement, from daily operations to planning futiire expansions, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and fostering 8 strong sense of community. Difference Made to Beneficiaries: Through our initiatives, beneficiaries have gained access to affordabSe, higb.-qkn'ality food, support in navigatip.g esser,tial seNices, ap,d welcoming co￿.MyJnIty spaces. Our work has reduced fi?ai icial and social pressures on individuals and families, improving hea￿h, wellbeing, an social inclusion. Wider Benefits to Society.. By preventing food waste, promoLing sustainability, and fosteriiig volunteer engagement, tne charity contribuies to environmental protection, strengthep.s community cohesion, and supports a resilient local society. Our init12tives demonstrate a model of commuriicy-led support that benefrts not only immediats recipients but also the broader social and environmentsl fabric. Aaditional information (optional) Cfioose to include further SLatements where relevant about: Last year we set a goal to expand to another Hub in another nearby Town. Grants are 21ways hard to find but we are working hard to secure long term sponsorships. Achievements against objectives set Para 1.41 We are in the final stages Oi secJrin.g the lease to a lease in BrainLree wnich should be operational in the new finap.cial year. Grants are more difficult to come by bL't we are working hard to sure any that become available. We work hard to raise funds orgap,ically as possible to avoid reliance on grant dde to shrinking grant pots. Perfomiance of fundraising ac+ivities against obiectives set Perd 1.d1 Financial Review Review of the charity's ,Inaricial positloii at the end l of the perioa Para 1.21 The Charity has reported income ihe year amounting to £224,88212024'. £185,141) Grant income has increased in the year and this has allowed the services we provide to grow and the amount of people we reach to increase. The Charity now has a prime location in Witham and this has increased footfall, ap.d the community fridge income has thiived because of it. Rent costs are increasing for tne Clarity, but thanks to Cadent and Essex County Council, we have been granted some monies towards the costs. During the year, money has been spent on obtaining a new premises in Braintree and provided the fi*cures and fittings for the new rental space_ The space officially opened at the 8t2rt 01 the next financial year and we hope to S￿ an increase in COT4 ,mLinity fridge income as the Charity establis￿￿¢$ itseff in Braintree. Although the Charty has made a loss in the year of£17,967, this was expected due to the costs in relation to the new cremises which will not generate aD.y income urL,I 25126. The Charity aims to hold £10,000 in available reserves in order to continue for the 47ext financial year. The Charity plans to review this ne*L ear as tt rows. The total reseNes of the Charity are £67,245. The total unrestricted available reserves are £17,138 and the total restricted reserves are £50,107. No un￿rtaIntieS exist about the chap.ty continuing as a going concern. Statement explaining the Policy for lold5ng reserves ststiqg why they are held Para 1.22 Amouni of reserves held Par4 1.22 xplar,.2ticn OT any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern Para 1.23 Additional infomation (optionall You ma choose to include further statements where relevant 2bout'. Like all charities we are looking ,or Tunding all the time, out biggest concern is tlese funding streams being harder to access but we are optimistic we Can find a way to supportthose who need us. A description of the principal risks facing the charity Para 1.46 Structure, Governance and Management DescripLion of charity's trusts.. Tyse of governing document Parn 1.25 Constitution How is the charity constituted? Para 1.25 cio Trustee selection methcxls inclu'ding details of any constitLrtional provisions e.g. election to oost or name of any persoii or body entitl to appoint one or more trb'stees Para 1.25 Apart from the first charity trusiees, every trustee must be appointed for a term Oi two years by a resolution passed at a oroperly convened meeting of the cnarity trLI#,ees. In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity musi have skills, knowledge and experierce needed for the effective administration of th.e CSO. Reference and Administrative details name OLher narne tne chari uses istered Ci,8ri. number Charity's prilcipal address The Wrtham Hub 1188048 17, The Grove Centre. Witham. Essex j CM8 2YT Name$ of the charity trustees who manage the charity D?tes a¢ted rf notfor whole ear Trustee name Office lif any) Name o,. ￿r$On lor b¢cyl en%itied oin¥trustee Tina Towfjsend Stuart Gulleford Saia Dodtch lan Boorman Chair Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees. ￿ptsrt above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signaturels) Full name{sl Position leg Secretary, Chair, etc) fiwA AIL- ieU)T££ Date 2a012G CHARITY COMMISSION FOR EINGLAIND AK'O IIALES The Witharn Hub 7188048 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the periocl from 011041202¢ 3-:101'20É? Tts Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds to the nearest Restricted funds Enifowment nds Totsl funds St year tothtr neare$t£ tothe nearest£ to the nearesttr A1 Receipts Appe2.'$ 3Tr.0 d¢n.a'.10￿5 linclLe?ns Conrn'nity Fr.dgei 79.970 1,555 81.525 61,711 14000 126,100 14d.10Q -JryCB151nc 4Le-.esL incone .bLÈe'.m- rc?m rertal O',*er revenue Cop£&lbng 446 6.327 314 ,000 t.019 183 1,232 Sub total(Gross income ,or AR) 97227 127,655 224,E82 185.fj41 A2 Asset and invesknent sales, (see tatslel. Sub total Total recwpts 97,227 127.655 224,882 185,141 A3Pa ents ooa suppon 7,871 1?,Q29 385 8,586 14,885 1.527 2.689 716 7,117 571 14.2Q7 44,287 28$ 8,686 14,885 29.358 32,555 j 3,715 20,134 7,077 1,482 1,293 289 5,998 238 Rgl-s & IVa*er Ligh.. Aea". & Pcl'tsr pair5 Nl8ip.ien8n ieleD.ione & Fax Ornpitkr cos Prsming, wsi3ge afjd s-2'.IDtr.Èry SubsrJipj.'OP Sb*dry oxpenseS ¢￿VID.¥9 CD3 L4-2.' p'.ofÈ$si¢tr.a.': qaiprnenl. consumables, arth & 2,689 716 5T1 8076 8,876 11,871 1,404 4,fj11 2,q01 11.871 1,404 4.808 lase Coll¢M￿c￿ AooL'rf.ar.cy li& su'r8nce Baik'.ees 360 2,1C1 441 1.299 3,474 11,163 1637 1299 3,174 12,718 4542 SLaP::a.'n'.*¥ Dirett éx?e75-5 uthselLO Fur.¢ras.'l¥ wen5es Advert'"sinc tyarketin5 Sa12ries Pep.sic4 cos . Rvel expeiises 526 i,673 8S9 55 42 39.842 174 1,555 1.905 2.1271 1127 84229 ,996 84.229 110,783 123.383 2S1.1S6 13S,4as A4 Asset and investment purchase5, l$e& table) Fixtbres and fiitin &683 8.683 5,190 Sub total 8,683 8,$83 5,19Q Total payments I q9.466 123,283 242,849 141,599 Net of receipts/{paymentsJ AS Transfrrs between ￿rtds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 22.23S 2,541 39,377 14,597 4,272 2.541 45.835 52.648 17.967 43,542 8￿,212 67.245 85.212 Section B Statement of assets and liabtlities at the end of the period Unrestrictsd funds to nearest£ Restricted fLEnds to nearest £ Endowment fund5 C4iLL.fJOI'ICS to ngares B1 Cash funds 8ank 3ccounlS 14.S72 Slt48 25 Total cash funds 14,S97 52,648 lagree balan¢68￿¥￿Tr vecaw.sans p2yrneTr accou￿51) Unrestricted funds to near0St £ Restrictsd funds to n¢ar¢st£ Endowment funds Oetails ReTri Deposi to nBar•st £ B2 Other monetary assets 4,500 Fundto which asset balon ¢urTentvalufr tsonal Details Cost loptionall 83 Invesknent assets Fund to whi¢h asset bèlon Curr8nt V8lue Oil al Details Fi*b'".es Sll4ng8 Costloptionall 84 Assets retained for the charity's own use S7,5£1 Funé tc which r818t8S Unre$trcied Amountr due When du¢ uon¥l B5 Liabilities AC￿-Unt￿n¢V fee$ 5 SigneA by or.e Qr L-Jstees Dn beh?If of zll the LfL'szees Signature Print Nane D2te of rov81 Tina Townsend 28 Oi.ZÉ CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Report +0 the trustees The Witham Hub On accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Charity no ' 1188048 {if any) Set out ory pages I report to the trustees on my examination ofthe accoup.is oftkie above charity Iyhe Trust'l for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charty's trustees, you a￿ responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Chariiies Act 2011 {"the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of th.e 2011 Act and in carrying out my examiiiaLlOP., I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity CommiSS',on under section 14515)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect= the accounting records were not kept in accordance with setrLion 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records.. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and content of accounts set OJI T in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other t￿.an any requ".ieTI ent that the accounts give a true and fairf view whicn is not a ryatter considered as p2rt of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which atLention should be drawn in ihis repottL ir order to enable a proper uryderstanding Oi the accoup,tS LO be reachea. Signed: fÈa¢t)n Name: Mark Pearson rCA Relevant professional qualificationlsl or body (if any): Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Address: clo Lambert Criapman LLP, 3 Warners Thfiill. Silks Way, 8rairiTree, issex, CM7 3GB