REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 11617529 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1193078
Annual Report Of The Trustees and Financial Statements for the Year End 31st October 2024 for Bliss Cavalier Rescue
Bliss Cavalier Rescue – Annual Report 2023–2024
Introduction & Mission
Bliss Cavalier Rescue was founded in July 2018 with a dedicated focus on the welfare of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. We are a breed-specific rescue operating across England and Wales, with educational outreach reaching owners worldwide.
Sadly, Cavaliers remain one of the unhealthiest dog breeds, with over 25 known hereditary conditions. In 2023-2024, the average Cavalier arriving into our care had six separate health conditions by the age of six.
Challenging Times in Rescue
This year has brought significant challenges for rescues across the UK, and Bliss has not been spared:
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Dramatic rise in vet bills – Every aspect of veterinary care has increased in cost over the past year, from routine consultations to complex surgeries. Across the UK, prices for essentials such as dentals, vaccinations, and heart scans have typically risen by 30–50% in just 12 months, with many other services seeing similar increases. For a breed as medically complex as the Cavalier, where multiple health conditions often require lifelong monitoring and treatment, this rise has had a significant and ongoing financial impact on the rescue.
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Slower adoptions – many adopters are cautious about taking on dogs with high medical needs.
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Insurance limitations – most of our dogs have pre-existing conditions, making them uninsurable under standard policies and deterring some adopters.
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Reasons for Surrender – 2023-2024
From November 2023 to October 2024, we recorded a wide variety of reasons why Cavaliers were surrendered to Bliss Cavalier Rescue. While each dog’s story is unique, some clear patterns emerged:
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Breeding dogs - A large proportion of intakes were ex-breeding dogs, mostly from breeders that were registering their litters with the Kennel Club. These dogs typically arrived with untreated health issues such as dental disease, Chiari malformation pain, and mitral valve disease, and many had little experience of life outside a kennel environment.
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Elderly owners - We saw many cases where older people could no longer manage their Cavaliers due to illness, hospitalisation, moving into care, or sadly, passing away. Increasingly, very elderly people were also taking on very young puppies, which led to dogs being surrendered within months.
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Family pressures - A growing number of surrenders were linked to families under strain. Children with additional needs, marriage breakdowns, financial struggles, or bereavements often left the dog unable to be cared for properly.
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Behavioural issues - Some Cavaliers were surrendered for aggression, resource guarding, or severe anxiety. In many cases these behaviours were linked to underlying pain, poor breeding, or lack of early socialisation.
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Other welfare concerns - A small number of Cavaliers came in as strays, from kennels, or through neglect cases passed to us by relatives.
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We often see dogs coming to us because their owners had not researched the breed’s complex health problems, exercise needs, or lifelong costs. In some cases, very elderly people have taken on very young puppies, leaving those dogs in need of rehoming within months when illness or frailty made care impossible.
These situations are almost always made with the best intentions, families and individuals love their Cavaliers deeply, but the reality is that the dogs are the ones who suffer when long-term needs have not been thought through.
As a rescue, we never judge those who turn to us for help. Our role is to support both the dog and the owner at a time of crisis. But these surrender reasons remind us of the urgent need for better public education . Cavaliers are not an “easy” breed: they are one of the most medically complex dogs in the UK, and caring for them requires both emotional and financial commitment.
By sharing these insights, we hope to encourage future owners to ask questions, seek advice, and prepare realistically before bringing a Cavalier into their home. Doing so prevents unnecessary suffering and reduces the number of dogs who end up in rescue.
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Bliss Lifelong Support Adoption Scheme
In late 2024, we evolved our previous ‘Forever Foster’ model into the Bliss Lifelong Support Adoption Scheme, designed to help a small number of Cavaliers with significant, known health needs. The policy makes our support clearer and ensures it’s sustainable for both the rescue and adopters.
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What It Does Cover
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Ongoing veterinary support exclusively for pre-existing conditions identified and formally agreed at the time of adoption.
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Direct payments to vet practices for pre-approved treatments or medications related to those specific conditions.
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Contributions toward long-term medications, provided they are obtained from rescue-approved pharmacies or other cost-effective suppliers.
• Why These Rules Matter
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Previously, the rescue covered almost all medical costs for long-term fosters. While this helped some dogs get homes, it created an unsustainable financial burden — effectively a “blank cheque” for lifetime costs.
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The new scheme ensures:
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Support goes where it’s needed most.
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Adopters make an informed commitment and take on a fair share of responsibility.
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The rescue can continue helping more dogs overall, without exhausting resources on a small number of cases.
This change was essential to protect the long-term stability of the charity and ensure we can continue rescuing Cavaliers for years to come.
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Stories Behind the Numbers
Behind every statistic in this report is a Cavalier with a unique story. While data helps us understand the scale of the problem, it’s the individual dogs who show us the true impact of rescue work.
Many Cavaliers arrive in our care with complex medical needs, often requiring emergency interventions or lifelong support. Their journeys highlight the financial and emotional challenges faced by the rescue, and also the resilience and joy these dogs bring once given the chance.
The following case studies share just two examples from the past year. They illustrate why ongoing fundraising is vital: to cover the unexpected emergencies and to provide for the long-term foster dogs who will remain with us for life .
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Faith, aged 4 at intake in February 2024, came into Bliss Cavalier Rescue as a retired breeding dog. She already had severe Chiari malformation pain and dry eye needing lifelong management.
What should have been a straightforward dental procedure turned into a fight for her life. Faith suffered a catastrophic reaction to the drugs used, began haemorrhaging on the table, and had to be transferred to a specialist hospital under the care of the internal medicine team.
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She required:
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Blood transfusions
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Advanced scans
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24-hour intensive care
The total bill for her emergency treatment was over £8,000. Without this intervention, Faith would not be here today.
The Bigger Picture
Drug reactions – We are seeing a growing number of Cavaliers who cannot tolerate NSAIDs, often requiring emergency out-of-hours care.
GI issues – Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and drug intolerance are becoming increasingly common in the breed.
Escalating costs – Veterinary fees for consultations, dentals, and scans are now 30– 50% higher than last year, compounding the financial strain on breed-specific rescues.
“Faith’s ‘routine’ dental almost cost her life - and left the rescue with an £8,000 bill.”
After everything she went through, Faith made a remarkable recovery. She went on to be adopted into a loving home, where she now enjoys a safe, comfortable life filled with cuddles and care.
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Freddie’s Background
Freddie came into Bliss Cavalier Rescue in August 2024 at just 8 months old. Born with severe congenital eye defects, including microphthalmia and coloboma, he is completely blind. Alongside this, he was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, hip dysplasia and a grade 2 luxating patella. Despite his challenges, Freddie’s spirit has always shone through.
Medical Challenges
Freddie’s conditions make him one of our more complex long-term dogs. He requires ongoing pain relief for his Chiari malformation and luxating patella, and specialist monitoring following.
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His MRI scans confirmed neurological issues, and he also struggles with gastrointestinal sensitivity, something increasingly seen in the breed.
Managing Freddie’s health means constant veterinary oversight and regular adjustments to his treatment plan.
Why Dogs Like Freddie Need Us
Freddie’s complex medical needs meant that no one applied to adopt him. He remains safe and loved in his foster home. He represents many Cavaliers in our care who require lifelong support due to complex health issues. Fundraising is vital to ensure dogs like Freddie receive the care they need, especially with the dramatic rise in veterinary costs nationwide.
“Freddie remains safe in his foster home, where he is the happiest boy. He loves playing with his pals and can often be found wrestling with Timmy, his best friend. Timmy is deaf, so between them they figure things out and live life to the fullest.”
A Happy Life
Though Freddie will never leave his foster home, he has found his forever family within rescue. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, he enjoys a life filled with love, companionship, and play.
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The Year Ahead
Looking forward to 2024–2025, Bliss Cavalier Rescue remains committed to supporting Cavaliers in need and tackling the challenges facing the breed. Our priorities for the coming year include:
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Expanding the Bliss Lifelong Support Adoption scheme to ensure more dogs with complex health needs can find secure, supported homes.
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Strengthening sustainable fundraising through initiatives like £1 Friday, raffles, auctions, and events, helping us cover rising veterinary costs.
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Publishing health and surrender data to raise awareness among the public, breeders, and veterinary professionals about the real challenges faced by Cavaliers.
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Recruiting and training more volunteers to support fostering, transport, and administration, helping us meet the increasing demand for rescue spaces.
These goals are ambitious but essential to ensuring that Bliss can continue its work, both in direct rescue and in wider breed advocacy.
Thank You
Bliss Cavalier Rescue could not exist without the dedication and generosity of our community. Every person who donates, fundraises, fosters, or volunteers plays a vital role in giving Cavaliers the chance they deserve.
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Our fosterers – You are the beating heart of the rescue. Taking a dog into your home, often straight from difficult or traumatic situations requires patience, love, and resilience. You manage medications, sleepless nights with painful dogs, vet visits, toilet training and behaviour challenges. Without you, we simply could not do what we do. You are the unsung heroes of rescue work, and we want to say clearly: your dedication changes lives.
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Our fundraisers and donors – You are the lifeblood of the charity. Whether setting up online appeals, running auctions, organising events, or simply giving to our regular campaigns like £1 Friday , every effort counts. In a year when veterinary costs have risen by 30–50%, your support has meant the difference between life and death for many Cavaliers. You are the reason we can say “yes” when others might have to say “no.”
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Our adopters – Opening your home to a Cavalier, often one with complex medical needs, is a true act of compassion. You give these dogs a second chance at the happy life they deserve.
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Our volunteers – From transport runs and home checks to admin, fundraising, and event support, your time and energy keep everything moving behind the scenes. We couldn’t function without your commitment.
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Our veterinary partners – Thank you for your expertise, compassion, and tireless work. From general practice vets to referral specialists, you have stood beside us in the most difficult and emotional cases.
Together, you form a community that makes miracles possible. Dogs like Faith and Freddie are living proof that with love, commitment, and teamwork, Cavaliers in crisis can be given hope and happiness again.
Finance
For the year ending 31 October 2024, Bliss Cavalier Rescue recorded total income of £233,053.
• Veterinary and medical care (including veterinary fees and medications) totalled £170,721 — representing 73% of all income.
- Administration and overheads were £61,838 (staff, transport, overheads, insurance, IT, etc.).
• Fundraising activities generated significant income, with £21,399 spent on raffle prizes, auction items, and related fundraising costs, all of which directly supported income generation.
Despite the steep rise in veterinary fees (up 30–50% nationwide), we ended the year with a small surplus of £494, ensuring the charity remains on a stable financial footing going into 2025.
This demonstrates our commitment: every pound donated is used for the welfare of Cavaliers, with the majority going directly to their veterinary care and treatment.
Registered number: 11617529
BLISS CAVALIER RESCUE LTD DIRECTORS' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
Rebecca Beaton Accountancy Services
Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Company Information | 1 |
| Directors' Report | 2 |
| Accountant's Report | 3 |
| Income and Expenditure Account | 4 |
| Balance Sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 6—7 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts: | |
| Detailed Income and Expenditure Account | 8 |
Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd Company Information For The Year Ended 31 October 2024
| Directors | Mrs Carol Iles |
|---|---|
| Mrs Rebecca Mosley | |
| Company Number | 11617529 |
| Registered Office | REBECCA BEATON ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES WATE |
| MALTKILN ROAD | |
| BARTON UPON HUMBER | |
| NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE | |
| DN18 5JR | |
| Accountants | Rebecca Beaton Accountancy Services |
| Waters Edge Business Centre | |
| Maltkiln Road | |
| Barton upon Humber | |
| North Lincolnshire | |
| DN18 5JR |
Page 1
Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd Company No. 11617529 Directors' Report For The Year Ended 31 October 2024
The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year were as follows:
Mrs Carol Iles
Mrs Rebecca Mosley
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing the financial statements the directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Small Company Rules
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
On behalf of the board
Mrs Rebecca Mosley
Director 20/06/2025
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Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd Accountant's Report For The Year Ended 31 October 2024
In accordance with the engagement letter dated , and in order to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Act 2006, we have compiled the financial statements of the company from the accounting records and information and explanations you have given to us.
This report is made to the directors in accordance with the terms of our engagement. Our work has been undertaken to prepare for approval by the directors the financial statements that we have been engaged to compile, to report to the directors that we have done so, and to state those matters that we have agreed to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's directors for our work or for this report.
You have acknowledged on the balance sheet as at year ended 31 October 2024 your duty to ensure that the company has kept proper accounting records and to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view under the Companies Act 2006. You consider that the company is exempt from the statutory requirement for an audit for the year.
We have not been instructed to carry out an audit of the financial statements. For this reason, we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the financial statements.
20/06/2025
Rebecca Beaton Accountancy Services Waters Edge Business Centre Maltkiln Road Barton upon Humber North Lincolnshire DN18 5JR
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Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd Income and Expenditure Account For The Year Ended 31 October 2024
| Notes TURNOVER Cost of sales GROSS SURPLUS Administrative expenses OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) AND SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR |
2024 £ 233,053 (170,721) 62,332 (61,838) 494 |
2023 £ 286,623 (224,873) |
|---|---|---|
| 61,750 (65,028) |
||
| (3,278) |
The notes on pages 6 to 7 form part of these financial statements.
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Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd Balance Sheet As At 31 October 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets 4 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 5 NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS Income and Expenditure Account MEMBERS' FUNDS |
2024 £ £ 74,122 74,122 24,740 24,740 (450) 24,290 98,412 98,412 98,412 98,412 |
2024 £ £ 74,122 74,122 24,740 24,740 (450) 24,290 98,412 98,412 98,412 98,412 |
2023 £ £ 76,084 76,084 23,379 23,379 (1,545) 21,834 97,918 97,918 97,918 97,918 |
2023 £ £ 76,084 76,084 23,379 23,379 (1,545) 21,834 97,918 97,918 97,918 97,918 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74,122 24,290 |
76,084 21,834 |
|||
| 24,740 (450) |
23,379 (1,545) |
|||
| 98,412 | 97,918 | |||
| 98,412 | 97,918 | |||
| 98,412 | 97,918 | |||
| 98,412 | 97,918 |
For the year ending 31 October 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit 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 Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
On behalf of the board
Mrs Rebecca Mosley Director 20/06/2025
The notes on pages 6 to 7 form part of these financial statements.
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Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 October 2024
1. General Information
Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd is a private company, limited by shares, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 11617529. The registered office is REBECCA BEATON ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES WATE, MALTKILN ROAD, BARTON UPON HUMBER, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE, DN18 5JR.
2. Accounting Policies
2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 section 1A Small Entities "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006.
2.2. Turnover
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of discounts and value added taxes. Turnover includes revenue earned from the sale of goods and from the rendering of services. Turnover is reduced for estimated customer returns, rebates and other similar allowances.
Sale of goods
Turnover from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods has transferred to the buyer. This is usually at the point that the customer has signed for the delivery of the goods.
Rendering of services
Turnover from the rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract. The stage of completion of a contract is measured by comparing the costs incurred for work performed to date to the total estimated contract costs. Turnover is only recognised to the extent of recoverable expenses when the outcome of a contract cannot be estimated reliably.
2.3. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Leasehold 0 Motor Vehicles 25% straight line Computer Equipment 33% straight line
3. Average Number of Employees
Average number of employees, including directors, during the year was: 1 (2023: 1)
4. Tangible Assets
| Cost As at 1 November 2023 As at 31 October 2024 Depreciation As at 1 November 2023 Provided during the period As at 31 October 2024 Net Book Value As at 31 October 2024 As at 1 November 2023 |
Land & Property Leasehold £ 72,996 |
Motor Vehicles £ 6,499 |
Computer Equipment £ 1,348 |
Total £ 80,843 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72,996 | 6,499 | 1,348 | 80,843 | |
| - - |
3,927 1,625 |
832 337 |
4,759 1,962 |
|
| - | 5,552 | 1,169 | 6,721 | |
| 72,996 | 947 | 179 | 74,122 | |
| 72,996 | 2,572 | 516 | 76,084 |
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Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 October 2024
5. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
| . Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year |
||
|---|---|---|
| Other creditors Taxation and social security |
2024 £ - 450 450 |
2023 £ 808 737 |
| 1,545 |
6. Share Capital
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Bliss Cavalier Rescue Ltd Detailed Income and Expenditure Account For The Year Ended 31 October 2024
| TURNOVER Sales COST OF SALES Direct costs GROSS SURPLUS Administrative Expenses Directors' salaries Directors' NI Employers pensions - defined contributions scheme Travel and subsistence expenses Rent Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Cleaning Vehicle running costs Computer software costs Insurance Postage Stationery Advertising and marketing costs Accountancy fees Legal fees Professional fees Subscriptions Bank charges Depreciation Sundry expenses OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) AND SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR |
2024 £ £ 233,053 170,721 (170,721) 62,332 12,601 321 - 1,114 12,000 400 - 11,248 13,784 662 1,098 1,949 1,185 1,680 850 - - 143 401 1,962 440 (61,838) 494 |
2024 £ £ 233,053 170,721 (170,721) 62,332 12,601 321 - 1,114 12,000 400 - 11,248 13,784 662 1,098 1,949 1,185 1,680 850 - - 143 401 1,962 440 (61,838) 494 |
2023 £ £ 286,623 224,873 (224,873) 61,750 11,480 - 9 519 12,000 1,400 1,363 12,413 9,539 635 876 4,003 1,629 2,833 750 275 50 44 418 1,971 2,821 (65,028) (3,278) |
2023 £ £ 286,623 224,873 (224,873) 61,750 11,480 - 9 519 12,000 1,400 1,363 12,413 9,539 635 876 4,003 1,629 2,833 750 275 50 44 418 1,971 2,821 (65,028) (3,278) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,601 321 - 1,114 12,000 400 - 11,248 13,784 662 1,098 1,949 1,185 1,680 850 - - 143 401 1,962 440 |
11,480 - 9 519 12,000 1,400 1,363 12,413 9,539 635 876 4,003 1,629 2,833 750 275 50 44 418 1,971 2,821 |
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| 62,332 (61,838) |
61,750 (65,028) |
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| 494 | (3,278) |
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