October 2025
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Dear supporters and hatchery friends,
The 2024-2025 season has been an important year of growth and consolidation for Whitby Lobster Hatchery. After a first year marked by both excitement and some inevitable teething and staffing challenges, this second full season has seen our hatchery systems settle into place and deliver fantastic progress. We are now seeing the benefits of the investment into equipment, development of operations, and a dedicated team working together to increase our impact.
A particular thanks must go to Rio Lightowler, whose expertise and experience have been invaluable in developing the hatchery's output. Her work has directly contributed to improved survival rates and the successful release of more juvenile lobsters into the North Sea - a tangible step towards our long-term conservation goals. I would like to extend the charity's best wishes to Rio in her future career after relocating away from Whitby.
Over the course of the season I am really pleased with the achievement of the lobster hatchery, the team achieved a 50% boost in juvenile lobsters released since year 1. That equates to thousands of more lobsters going back into the North Sea, aiding the protection of the balance of the ecosystem.
We are deeply grateful to our supporters and funders, without whom this work would not be possible. The Woodsmith Foundation has provided essential support for our operational costs, helping to keep the hatchery running day to day. Meanwhile, Dogger Bank Wind Farms, SSE and RWE have been instrumental in backing the development of our equipment and facilities, ensuring that our hatchery has the tools it needs to thrive. A special thanks to all our funders and supporters, we wouldn't be where we are today without your support. We are proud to work alongside partners who share our vision for a healthy, balanced marine ecosystem.
As always, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, trustees, and the many members of the public who continue to give their time, energy, and encouragement to the hatchery. Every adopted lobster, every donation, and every hour given by volunteers helps sustain our vital project and our continual work towards achieving our ambitions.
Looking ahead, our ambition remains to strengthen the hatchery's role in marine conservation, to deepen our community engagement, and to continue building partnerships that support the future health of the North Sea. With your ongoing support, I am confident that our charity has a strong and impactful future ahead.
Joe Redfern General Manager . . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. •··. .. . •..[.] . . •··. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• •• ••• •• • • ••• •• • • ••• •• • • ••• •• • • ••• •• • • ••• •• • • ••• • • • ••• • • • • • • •
079656 42884 joe@whitbylobserhatchery.co.uk W@D ll
Pier Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3PU, United Kingdom
© Whitby Lobster Hatchery. All Rights Reserved. Registered Charity No: 1193944
Charity Registration Number: 1193944
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery) Financial Statements For the Year Ending 31 March 2025
JANE ASCROFT ACCOUNTANCY LIMITED
Chartered accountants Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XP
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Financial Statements
Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Annual Report | 1 |
| Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 |
| The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements | |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 21 |
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Trustees' Annual Report
Year Ended 31 March 2025
Preface from the Chair of Trustees
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to submit this annual report for North Sea Conservation.
This past year has been one of real progress for the charity. We have seen our work continue to evolve and grow, with important steps forward in our projects, our community engagement, and our vision for the future. As a board, we remain committed to ensuring the charity progresses in the right direction, building on our achievements while keeping true to our mission.
Education and research remain at the heart of what we do, and we are fortunate to work alongside knowledgeable and inspiring people who bring expertise, curiosity, and energy to the charity. Their contributions not only strengthen our projects but also help to connect new audiences with the importance of marine conservation.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our funders, contributors, lobster adopters, and the many friends of the hatchery who have supported us throughout the year. Your contributions make our work possible, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to our cause.
Special thanks must also go to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and fellow trustees, whose hard work and enthusiasm continue to drive the charity forward. It is through this collective effort that we have been able to make such meaningful progress.
We look forward with confidence to the years ahead and to building on the strong foundations that have been laid. Our commitment to the balance of life with the North Sea remains resolute.
Linda Wild
Chair of Trustee
1
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Trustees' Annual Report
Year Ended 31 March 2025
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Objectives
The objects of the charity are:
The advancement of education for the public benefit in: (a) the conservation, protection and improvement of the marine environment of the north east coast by: - the operation of a public marine species education facility in Whitby; - promoting and supporting research into the marine environment, including fisheries science and fisheries stocks, and the European and other varieties of lobster. (b) the marine and fisheries heritage of Whitby.
Public Benefit
All trustees have regard to the public benefit guidance as issued by the charity commission. During this reporting period the trustee board received external trustee training.
Activities
Between April 2024 and April 2025, North Sea Conservation has advanced a wide range of conservation and education work centered on improving the health of the North Sea and engaging the public with marine life.
The Whitby Lobster Hatchery has been the core of our work. During this period, the hatchery has operated at increased capacity, with upgraded practices leading to improved larval survival and a significant rise (50%) in the number of juvenile lobsters released. The release programme represents a major contribution to our stock enrichment efforts, supporting local lobster populations and helping to maintain the balance of the wider marine ecosystem.
Beyond lobster production, the charity has worked closely with the local fishing community, strengthening relationships and exploring projects that combine conservation goals with the future of sustainability for the North Sea. This has included discussions around sustainable practices and opportunities for fishermen to contribute knowledge and observations that guide conservation projects.
North Sea Conservation has also been active in developing biodiversity-boosting initiatives. This includes early exploration of habitat enrichment approaches, such as ways to increase the availability of nursery areas for shellfish and other marine species. The charity has continued to assess how wider changes, including warming seas and shifting distributions of marine species, may create opportunities for both conservation and sustainability goals.
Education has remained a central strand of activity. The charity has delivered outreach and in-house education programs, with school visits, tailored workshops, and public engagement. These have covered topics from the role of lobsters in marine ecosystems, to the importance of biodiversity, to the science of ocean health. In addition, the charity has supported citizen science initiatives such as beach surveys and marine life recording, which give local people the chance to contribute directly to conservation knowledge.
Throughout this year, the charity has worked to expand its role as a hub for marine knowledge, public engagement, and practical conservation. The combination of hatchery releases, partnership with local fisheries, exploration of biodiversity projects, and a strong education programme represents a significant step forward in our aim to support the resilience and long-term health of the North Sea.
Looking forward, North Sea Conservation will continue to grow these programmes, strengthening the lobster hatchery, developing new biodiversity projects, and expanding opportunities for the public to engage with and contribute to marine conservation.
2
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
Financial Review
Total income for the year ending 31st March 2025 was £294,054 (2024 - £141,313) of which £213,916 was restricted grants (2024 - £118,422). Total expenditure for the year was £194,273 (2024 - £98,220) of which £141,554 was restricted expenditure (2024 - £28,128).
There was an overall surplus for the year of £99,781 (2024 - £43,093) which comprised a deficit on restricted funds of £49,206 (which represented the spend on funds brought forward) and a surplus unrestricted funds of £148,987. This surplus on unrestricted funds includes a transfer from restricted funds of £121,568, used to pay for capital assets.
Reserves Policy
NSC has produced and reviewed a reserves policy which is held in storage along with other policies. NSC is working towards reserves of £40,000 which will ensure the hatchery has a strong financial position. At 31st March 2025 actual reserves were £45,090.
Going Concern
The Trustees have reviewed the financial position of the charity with a view to assessing whether it is a going concern. They are aware that there is a substantial long term liability owed to Ocean On Land Technology (OOLT) however they have received written assurance that the loan may be repaid gradually over time with OOLT having no concerns over the timeline. For this reason the Trustees believe that the charity is a going concern.
The charity's principal sources of funds
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Donations from individuals, businesses and large industry
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Some government grants and local council grants
The principal risks facing the charity
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The lack of a reserve.
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The OOLT debt repayments.
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The lack of certainty in the unrestricted income stream.
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Conflicts of interest.
3
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) set up under the Foundation model and is governed by its constitution. It was registered as a charity on 26th March 2021 with charity number 1193944.
Trustee Recruitment and Training
Trustees are recruited by local advertisement or invitation to join the Trustee board. All Trustees have been given access to the Constitution, most recent accounts, Trustee resources via the Gov.uk website plus additional required information. During the 2023/24 reporting period the Trustee board attended a Trustee training workshop.
The charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works The charity is managed by the Board of Trustees who oversee the general manager role and other staff members. Currently, the charity is not connected with other networks but has a relationship with the Whitby Marine Discovery CIC (see below).
Relationship with any related parties
The Whitby Marine Discovery CIC (the "CIC") was incorporated on 9th May 2022. The CIC entered into a deed relating to making annual payments to the charity on 31st March 2023 (the "deed"). The Deed confirms that the CIC will donate a proportion of the CIC's annual net profit to the charity. The Parties are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on charities connected with non-charities.
The relationship with the CIC will provide an income stream to the charity and help the charity meet its educational objectives. The charity ensures that all activities and resources are directed towards advancing its charitable purposes, such as marine conservation and education, thereby maintaining compliance with legal obligations and safeguarding its charitable status.
Reference and Administrative Details
Registered charity name North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery) Charity registration number 1193944 Principal office 9 Pier Road Whitby North Yorkshire YO21 3PU The Trustees Linda Wild (Chair) Stuart Roe Neil Pickard (Treasurer) Gail Mackle Independent Examiner Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab) Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XP
4
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
The trustees' annual report was approved on .............................. and signed on behalf of the board of 03/10/2025 trustees by:
Linda Wild (Chair) Trustee
5
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery) ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the charity’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 the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements 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.
Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab) Independent Examiner
Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XP
6
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Statement of Financial Activities
Year Ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | ||||
| funds | funds | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 4 | 8,625 | 213,916 | 222,541 | 131,505 |
| Charitable activities | 5 | 71,513 | – | 71,513 | 9,808 |
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||
| Total income | 80,138 | 213,916 | 294,054 | 141,313 | |
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||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 6,7 | 52,719 | 141,554 | 194,273 | 98,220 |
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| Total expenditure | 52,719 | 141,554 | 194,273 | 98,220 | |
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||
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| Net income | 27,419 | 72,362 | 99,781 | 43,093 | |
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||
| Transfers between funds | 121,568 | (121,568) | – | – | |
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||
| Net movement in funds | 148,987 | (49,206) | 99,781 | 43,093 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 25,501 | 90,294 | 115,795 | 72,702 | |
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| Total funds carried forward | 174,488 | 41,088 | 215,576 | 115,795 | |
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The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 8 to 18 form part of these financial statements.
7
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Statement of Financial Position
31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | |||
| Intangible assets | 13 | 5,235 | 6,980 |
| Tangible fixed assets | 14 | 195,657 | 176,000 |
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||
| 200,892 | 182,980 | ||
| Current Assets | |||
| Debtors | 15 | 27,894 | 32,722 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 130,950 | 90,498 | |
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||
| 158,844 | 123,220 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 16 | 67,506 | 116,331 |
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||
| Net Current Assets | 91,338 | 6,889 | |
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||
| Total Assets Less Current Liabilities | 292,230 | 189,869 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year | 17 | 76,654 | 74,074 |
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||
| Net Assets | 215,576 | 115,795 | |
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||
| Funds of the Charity | |||
| Restricted funds | 41,088 | 90,294 | |
| Unrestricted funds | 174,488 | 25,501 | |
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||
| Total charity funds | 19 | 215,576 | 115,795 |
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These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on ........................, and are signed on behalf of the board by: 03/10/2025
Neil Pickard (Treasurer) Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 18 form part of these financial statements.
8
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year Ended 31 March 2025
1. General Information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is 9 Pier Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3PU.
2. Statement of Compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.
3. Accounting Policies
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Going Concern
The trustees consider that the charity is a going concern and have explained their conclusion in the Financial Review of the Trustees' Annual Report.
Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The trustees consider that there are no significant estimates or judgements affecting these financial statements.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.
9
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
3. Accounting Policies (continued)
Income
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
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income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.
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legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established.
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income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers.
-
income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:
-
expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, non-charitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods.
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expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
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other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.
All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and are subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Any intangible assets carried at revalued amounts, are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation, as determined by reference to an active market, less any subsequent accumulated amortisation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
10
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
3. Accounting Policies (continued)
Intangible Assets (continued)
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are only recognised separately from goodwill when they arise from contractual or other legal rights, are separable, the expected future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value can be measured reliably.
Amortisation
Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful life of that asset as follows:
Website - 25% reducing balance
If there is an indication that there has been a significant change in amortisation rate, useful life or residual value of an intangible asset, the amortisation is revised prospectively to reflect the new estimates.
Tangible Assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
| Plant and machinery | - | 10% reducing balance |
|---|---|---|
| Fixtures and fittings | - | 10% reducing balance |
| Office Equipment | - | 25% reducing balance |
Impairment of Fixed Assets
A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.
Financial Instruments
The charity only has financial assets and 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.
Defined Contribution Plans
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.
11
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
3. Accounting Policies (continued)
Defined Contribution Plans (continued)
When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Cash at bank and cash 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.
Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Taxation
The company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
12
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
4. Donations and Legacies
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | |||
| Donations | 8,625 | – | 8,625 |
| Grants | |||
| Woodsmith Foundation | – | 46,400 | 46,400 |
| UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) | – | 50,146 | 50,146 |
| Marine Management Organisation (MMO) | – | 67,370 | 67,370 |
| Sofia Offshore Windfarm | – | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| SSE | – | 25,000 | 25,000 |
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|
| 8,625 | 213,916 | 222,541 | |
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|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | |||
| Donations | (12,917) | – | (12,917) |
| Grants | |||
| Fishmongers Company | – | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Woodsmith Foundation | – | 61,165 | 61,165 |
| UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) | 1,000 | 24,648 | 25,648 |
| Marine Management Organisation (MMO) | – | 12,609 | 12,609 |
| Sofia Offshore Windfarm | 25,000 | – | 25,000 |
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|
| 13,083 | 118,422 | 131,505 | |
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5. Charitable Activities
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2025 | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| RWE Crab Feasibility study | 35,000 | 35,000 | – | – |
| UKSPF Project management | 5,520 | 5,520 | – | – |
| RWE Juvenile Lobster Release | 15,000 | 15,000 | – | – |
| Other income from charitable activities | 15,993 | 15,993 | 9,808 | 9,808 |
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|
| 71,513 | 71,513 | 9,808 | 9,808 | |
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North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
6. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Costs of charitable activities | 50,914 | 134,176 | 185,090 |
| Support costs | 1,805 | 7,378 | 9,183 |
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|
| 52,719 | 141,554 | 194,273 | |
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|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Costs of charitable activities | 67,496 | 28,128 | 95,624 |
| Support costs | 2,596 | – | 2,596 |
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| 70,092 | 28,128 | 98,220 | |
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| 7. | Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Activity Type | Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Activity Type | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities | |||||
| undertaken | Total funds | Total fund | |||
| directly Support | costs | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Costs of charitable activities | 185,090 | – | 185,090 | 95,624 | |
| Governance costs | – | 9,183 | 9,183 | 2,596 | |
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| 185,090 | 9,183 | 194,273 | 98,220 | ||
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| 8. | Net Income | ||||
| Net income is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Amortisation of intangible assets | 1,745 | 2,327 | |||
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets | 21,932 | 19,809 | |||
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| 9. | Independent Examination Fees | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Fees payable to the independent examiner for: | |||||
| Independent examination of the financial statements | 540 | 1,740 | |||
| Other financial services | 967 | 473 | |||
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| 1,507 | 2,213 | ||||
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14
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
10. Staff Costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 46,420 | 32,917 |
| Employer contributions to pension plans | 925 | 722 |
──────── |
──────── |
|
| 47,345 | 33,639 | |
════════ |
════════ |
The average head count of employees during the year was 3 (2024: 2). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Number of management staff | 1 | 1 |
| Number of other staff | 2 | 1 |
──── |
──── |
|
| 3 | 2 | |
════ |
════ |
No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: Nil).
Key Management Personnel
Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £15,383 (2024:£17,750).
11. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses
There has been no remuneration or expenses paid to the trustees during the current or previous financial year.
12. Transfers Between Funds
During the year £121,568 was transferred from unrestricted to restricted funds to purchase capital equipment.
13. Intangible Assets
| Website | |
|---|---|
| £ | |
| Cost | |
| At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 | 12,410 |
════════ |
|
| Amortisation | |
| At 1 April 2024 | 5,430 |
| Charge for the year | 1,745 |
──────── |
|
| At 31 March 2025 | 7,175 |
════════ |
|
| Carrying amount | |
| At 31 March 2025 | 5,235 |
════════ |
|
| At 31 March 2024 | 6,980 |
════════ |
15
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
14. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Plant and | Fixtures and | Office | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| machinery | fittings | Equipment | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Cost | |||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 172,913 | 40,094 | 1,601 | 214,608 | |
| Additions | 41,589 | – | – | 41,589 | |
───────── |
──────── |
─────── |
───────── |
||
| At 31 March 2025 | 214,502 | 40,094 | 1,601 | 256,197 | |
═════════ |
════════ |
═══════ |
═════════ |
||
| Depreciation | |||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 32,190 | 5,972 | 446 | 38,608 | |
| Charge for the year | 18,231 | 3,412 | 289 | 21,932 | |
───────── |
──────── |
─────── |
───────── |
||
| At 31 March 2025 | 50,421 | 9,384 | 735 | 60,540 | |
═════════ |
════════ |
═══════ |
═════════ |
||
| Carrying amount | |||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 164,081 | 30,710 | 866 | 195,657 | |
═════════ |
════════ |
═══════ |
═════════ |
||
| At 31 March 2024 | 140,723 | 34,122 | 1,155 | 176,000 | |
═════════ |
════════ |
═══════ |
═════════ |
||
| 15. | Debtors | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Trade debtors | 5,173 | – | |||
| Prepayments and accrued income | 2,760 | 1,380 | |||
| Other debtors | 19,961 | 31,342 | |||
──────── |
──────── |
||||
| 27,894 | 32,722 | ||||
════════ |
════════ |
||||
| 16. | Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Trade creditors | 50,513 | 109,303 | |||
| Accruals and deferred income | 1,840 | 3,000 | |||
| Social security and other taxes | 703 | 607 | |||
| Pension creditor | – | 203 | |||
| Other creditors | 14,450 | 3,218 | |||
──────── |
───────── |
||||
| 67,506 | 116,331 | ||||
════════ |
═════════ |
||||
| 17. | Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one | year | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Ocean on Land Technology | 71,494 | 71,494 | |||
| Rent owed to Lobstore | 5,160 | 2,580 | |||
──────── |
──────── |
||||
| 76,654 | 74,074 | ||||
════════ |
════════ |
16
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
18. Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits
Defined contribution plans
The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £925 (2024: £722).
19. Analysis of Charitable Funds
Unrestricted funds
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At | At 31 March | ||||
| 1 April 2024 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 25,501 | 80,138 | (30,787) | (29,762) | 45,090 |
| Capital assets | – | – | (21,932) | 222,824 | 200,892 |
| Long term liabilities re | |||||
| capital assets | – | – | – | (71,494) | (71,494) |
──────── |
──────── |
──────── |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| 25,501 | 80,138 | (52,719) | 121,568 | 174,488 | |
════════ |
════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
|
| At | At 31 March | ||||
| 1 April 2023 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 72,702 | 22,891 | (70,092) | – | 25,501 |
──────── |
──────── |
──────── |
──── |
──────── |
|
| 72,702 | 22,891 | (70,092) | – | 25,501 | |
════════ |
════════ |
════════ |
════ |
════════ |
17
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
19. Analysis of Charitable Funds (continued)
Restricted funds
| Restricted funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At | At 31 March | ||||
| 1 April 2024 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fishmongers Company | 20,000 | – | (11,519) | – | 8,481 |
| Woodsmith Foundation | 33,037 | 40,600 | (53,921) | (3,900) | 15,816 |
| UK Shared Prosperty | |||||
| Fund | 24,648 | 50,146 | (70,187) | – | 4,607 |
| Marine Management | |||||
| Organisation | 12,609 | 67,370 | – | (79,979) | – |
| RWE/SSE | – | 50,000 | (1,282) | (41,589) | 7,129 |
| Woodsmith Foundation - | |||||
| Water Quality | – | – | (3,295) | 3,900 | 605 |
| Woodsmith Foundation - | |||||
| Funder+ | – | 5,800 | (1,350) | – | 4,450 |
──────── |
───────── |
───────── |
───────── |
──────── |
|
| 90,294 | 213,916 | (141,554) | (121,568) | 41,088 | |
════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
════════ |
|
| At | At | 31 March | |||
| 1 April 2023 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fishmongers Company | – | 20,000 | – | – | 20,000 |
| Woodsmith Foundation | – | 61,165 | (28,128) | – | 33,037 |
| UK Shared Prosperty | |||||
| Fund | – | 24,648 | – | – | 24,648 |
| Marine Management | |||||
| Organisation | – | 12,609 | – | – | 12,609 |
──── |
───────── |
──────── |
──── |
──────── |
|
| – | 118,422 | (28,128) | – | 90,294 | |
════ |
═════════ |
════════ |
════ |
════════ |
18
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
20. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Intangible assets | 5,235 | – | 5,235 |
| Tangible fixed assets | 195,657 | – | 195,657 |
| Current assets | 117,756 | 41,088 | 158,844 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (67,506) | – | (67,506) |
| Creditors greater than 1 year | (76,654) | – | (76,654) |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
|
| Net assets | 174,488 | 41,088 | 215,576 |
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Intangible assets | 6,980 | – | 6,980 |
| Tangible fixed assets | 176,000 | – | 176,000 |
| Current assets | 32,926 | 90,294 | 123,220 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (116,331) | – | (116,331) |
| Creditors greater than 1 year | (74,074) | – | (74,074) |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
|
| Net assets | 25,501 | 90,294 | 115,795 |
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
21. Related Parties
The charity pays rent to the Marine Discovery Centre Whitby CIC (MDC) for the area it occupies within the Visitor Centre. Terry Pearson, a trustee of the charity for 9 months and Joe Redfern, general manager of the charity are directors and shareholders of MDC. The rent for this space is £410 per month from October 2023. £2,460 is due for the year to 31st March 2025 and £410 is owing to MDC at the year end.
The charity also pays rent to Lobstore Ltd for the space used by the water tanks and the charity's office. Terry Pearson is a director and shareholder of Lobstore Ltd and he was a �W���K�H�U�H Trustee of the charity for 9 months within this reporting period. The rent for this space is £215 per month from March 2023. £2,580 is due for the year to 31st March 2025 and this is classed as a long term liability as at 31st March 2025. It has been agreed that the debt will be paid once the charity has managed to reach its goal of holding reserves of £40,000.
Finally, the charity is charging MDC for part use of the charity's office. This is charged at £115 per month from March 2023. £1,380 is shown in income for the year to 31st March 2025 and the same amount is also shown in accrued income.
19
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Management Information
Year Ended 31 March 2025
The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements.
20
North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery)
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
Year Ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Donations | 8,625 | (12,917) |
| Fishmongers Company | – | 20,000 |
| Woodsmith Foundation | 46,400 | 61,165 |
| UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) | 50,146 | 25,648 |
| Marine Management Organisation (MMO) | 67,370 | 12,609 |
| Sofia Offshore Windfarm | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| SSE | 25,000 | – |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| 222,541 | 131,505 | |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Charitable activities | ||
| RWE Crab Feasibility study | 35,000 | – |
| UKSPF Project management | 5,520 | – |
| RWE Juvenile Lobster Release | 15,000 | – |
| Other income from charitable activities | 15,993 | 9,808 |
──────── |
─────── |
|
| 71,513 | 9,808 | |
──────── |
─────── |
|
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Total income | 294,054 | 141,313 |
═════════ |
═════════ |
|
| Expenditure | ||
| Costs of charitable activities | ||
| Merchandise and cost of sales | 4,187 | 7,058 |
| Wages | 46,420 | 32,917 |
| Pension costs | 925 | 722 |
| Rent and site hire | 8,856 | 7,858 |
| Cleaning | 600 | – |
| Repairs & maintenance | 6,464 | 9,737 |
| Insurance | 937 | 562 |
| Planning & development | – | 357 |
| Motor expenses and travel | 6 | 811 |
| Professional fees | 22,194 | 4,065 |
| Office costs | 3,228 | 1,313 |
| Amortisation | 1,745 | 2,327 |
| Depreciation | 21,932 | 19,809 |
| Profit on disposal of equipment | – | (399) |
| Consultancy | 53,876 | 5,598 |
| Other costs | 3,221 | 2,889 |
| Small equipment | 9,541 | – |
| Staff training and expenses | 958 | – |
───────── |
──────── |
|
| 185,090 | 95,624 | |
───────── |
──────── |
|
| Governance costs | ||
| Accountancy fees | 1,507 | 2,213 |
| Legal fees | 7,378 | – |
| Bank charges | 298 | 383 |
─────── |
─────── |
|
| 9,183 | 2,596 | |
─────── |
─────── |
|
───────── |
──────── |
|
| Total expenditure | 194,273 | 98,220 |
═════════ |
════════ |
|
| Net income | 99,781 | 43,093 |
═════════ |
════════ |
21