Charity number: 1194408
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 11 |
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
Trustees
Anthony Robert Bell, Chair Carol Rosemary Bell
Charity registered number 1194408 Principal office Rye Cottage Heath Road Norwich Norfolk NR12 0AX Accountants MA Partners Audit LLP Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors 7 The Close Norwich Norfolk NR1 4DJ
Page 1
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The charity's principal activity is to make grants to individuals and organisations.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
Achievements and performance
a. Review of activities
The charity recorded income from donations of £250,000 in the year and made no grant awards.
Financial review
a. 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.
b. Reserves policy
The Trustees have not set a reserves policy but monitor reserves when assessing grant awards. As at 5 April 2025 the charity had free reserves of £368,963.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The Bell Charitable Trust is a registered charity, number 1194408, and is constituted under a Trust deed.
b. 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.
Page 2
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
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 year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity 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 judgments 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 charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity 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:
Anthony Robert Bell
Date: 16 January 2026
Page 3
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Bell Charitable Trust ('the charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the charity 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 charity'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 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 & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity 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 charity 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.
This report is made solely to the charity'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 charity'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 charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 21 January 2026 Alice Lynch BSc FCA DChA
MA Partners Audit LLP
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors 7 The Close Norwich Norfolk NR1 4DJ
Page 4
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Investments 4 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 250,000 4,429 254,429 1,856 1,856 252,573 116,390 252,573 368,963 |
Total funds 2025 £ 250,000 4,429 254,429 1,856 1,856 252,573 116,390 252,573 368,963 |
Total funds 2024 £ 115,813 270 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 116,083 | |||
| 1,488 | |||
| 1,488 | |||
| 114,595 | |||
| 1,795 114,595 |
|||
| 116,390 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 7 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
Page 5
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 5 APRIL 2025
| Note Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Total net assets Charity funds Unrestricted funds 10 Total funds |
67,913 302,292 370,205 (1,242) |
2025 £ 368,963 368,963 368,963 368,963 |
44,163 73,716 117,879 (1,489) |
2024 £ 116,390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 116,390 | ||||
| 116,390 | ||||
| 116,390 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Anthony Robert Bell
Date: 16 January 2026
The notes on pages 7 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
1. General information
The Bell Charitable Trust is registered in England and Wales and its registered address is Rye Cottage, Heath Road, Hickling, Norwich, NR12 0AX.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 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 Bell Charitable 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.
2.2 Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
2.3 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 on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.4 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
Page 7
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.5 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.
2.6 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.
2.7 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 charity 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.
2.8 Financial instruments
The charity 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.
2.9 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 charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Donations 250,000 Total 2024 115,813 |
Total funds 2025 £ 250,000 115,813 |
Total funds 2024 £ 115,813 |
|---|---|---|
Page 8
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
4. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Bank interest 3,111 Other interest 1,318 4,429 Total 2024 270 Analysis of expenditure by activities Support costs 2025 £ Administrative costs 1,856 Total 2024 1,488 |
Total funds 2025 £ 3,111 1,318 4,429 270 Total funds 2025 £ 1,856 1,488 |
Total funds 2024 £ 270 - |
|---|---|---|
| 270 | ||
| Total funds 2024 £ 1,488 |
||
5. Analysis of expenditure by activities
6. Independent examiner's remuneration
The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £1,242 (2024 - £1,188) , and other taxation services of £420 ( 2024 - £300 ).
7. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 5 April 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL) .
Page 9
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
8. Debtors
| Due within one year Tax recoverable |
2025 £ 67,913 67,913 |
2024 £ 44,163 |
|---|---|---|
| 44,163 |
9. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 1,242 | 1,489 |
10. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Statement of funds - prior year Unrestricted funds General Funds |
Balance at 6 April 2024 £ 116,390 Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 1,795 |
Income £ 254,429 Income £ 116,083 |
Expenditure £ (1,856) Expenditure £ (1,488) |
Balance at 5 April 2025 £ 368,963 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 5 April 2024 £ 116,390 |
Page 10
THE BELL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
11. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Current assets 370,205 Creditors due within one year (1,242) Total 368,963 |
Total funds 2025 £ 370,205 (1,242) 368,963 |
|---|---|
12. Related party transactions
During the period Anthony Robert Bell, a Trustee, donated £100,000 ( 2024 - £71,650 ) to the charity. During the period Carol Rosemary Bell, a Trustee, donated £100,000 ( 2024 - £Nil ) to the charity.
Page 11