REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: CE032064 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1202807
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
FOR
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
Ainsworths Limited Charter House Stansfield Street Nelson Lancashire BB9 9XY
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 6 |
| Report of the Independent Auditors | 7 | to | 10 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 11 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 12 | ||
| Cash Flow Statement | 13 | ||
| Notes to the Cash Flow Statement | 14 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 15 | to | 23 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 24 | to | 25 |
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 Whitaker Organisation is a Registered Charity operating within a Company Limited by Guarantee. The trustees of the Company are representatives from local voluntary groups and individuals from within the Borough of Rossendale and beyond. The board of members has the authority to co-opt individuals with relevant expertise where appropriate.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims
The object of the charity is to:
• promote art, culture and heritage for the benefit of the public by the establishment and maintenance of the Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery and/or
• promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of Rossendale and the surrounding area the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interest of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of life of the said inhabitants.
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Significant activities
Referring to the objects of the charity set out above, these have been achieved through the following key achievements:
Funding Received
We realised all of our activity plan for Arts Council England in line with our National Portfolio Organisation agreement. An extension has been added to the funding securing our income until 2028.
We secured £250,000 from National Lottery Heritage Fund for a 3 year programme to improve our long term financial resilience. This enabled us to recruit 3 new staff members and to look into the feasibility and design of a potential new accommodation wing.
Further funds were secured from Jonathan Ruffer Curatorial Scheme and Museums Development North for staff development and training (£3,000 total), Simply Schools for our Education Programme (£3,000), Historic England for a project with young people to uncover hidden histories (£14,900), and £2,000 for a Museum on the move project from Rossendale Borough Council.
Exhibitions Hosted
April 2024 - local Waterfoot artist Caroline Johnson and London based Liane Lang
May 2024 - Whitaker volunteer and Hebden Bridge based Carolyn Curtis Magri and Venice based Deirdre Kelly had a 2 person show alongside Manchester artists Pat Flynn and Andrew McDonald
August 2024 - Ventriloquism, a major group show of local and national artists
November 2024 - NW collective Short Supply and local emerging artists Jasper Howard and Issac Jordan.
March 2025 - Blackburn artist Jamie Holman
All exhibitions included items from our heritage collection and artists talk, workshops and Q&A events were programmed. The final exhibition attracted 200 on the opening night and Jane Horrocks provided a voice over for the exhibition and attended the opening event.
We continue to support our more amateur local arts scene through making space available via our Corridor Gallery - in the last year we have hosted exhibitions from Rossendale Arts Trail, Waterfoot Prospect studios and Valley artists studio, artists from our volunteer team and students from Burnley College.
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Collections
The Whitaker's collection team have supported 5 contemporary visual art exhibitions, exploring themes in the collection such as technologies, collections, protest, art, lace and the local area. We have put on 7 historical displays about Rossendale Male Voice Choir, World War One memorial boards, a 60's display, still life's, interiors, new acquisitions and a foreign souvenirs display.
Many volunteers have been documenting the collections and ensuring that they are cared for and that people can engage with them. There have been 583 volunteer hours from 23 volunteers this year.
647 new records created (from untraced finds in collection or accessioned items) and 6022 records modified (updated locations, conditions, research, display)
We have delivered 50 weekly object handling sessions allowing visitors to handle and discuss different objects from the collection. 396 members of the public engaged in activity with 100% positive feedback.
We have loaned out two sets of items; Bellarmine Jugs and a Mute Swan egg and loaned in a banner associated with the Weaver's Uprising project/ We have accepted 10 donation offers and added these to our permanent collection and education collection.
Our Collections Curator has delivered 4 collections talks on; The Whitehead Family, Whitaker Park, The Shrunken Head, Heritage Open Days and 2 talks alongside the artists Short Supply and Jasper & Isaac on art in the collection. These proved very popular with objects on the collection which have proved very popular, with 342 attendees/listeners and 100% positive feedback.
We have led engagement projects such as working with 6 young people on the youth leaders project and 7 university students as part of a fine art residency.
We also share blog posts about particular items which engage a wider audience.
Key events
Pride - We delivered Rossendale's first ever Pride event in partnership with Spectrum Inclusion. This was a day of performances, music, workshops, information stands and a parade through the park. More than 550 people attended surpassing all of our expectations and this will now be an annual event.
Winterfest - our annual Christmas market, attracting over 1,000 people to quality craft stalls, festive food and drink and visits to Santa. Including this year our first session with Santa for those with special needs.
We have screened films twice a month, including opera and live theatre. Hosted artists masterclasses, family workshops, artist talks and demonstrations and sold out heritage talks.
Many schools, colleges and university groups have attended for formal and informal tours.
We have screened 18 films, including opera, family films and a special 'eat the movies' event. We've shown 5 National Theatre Live screenings. We've hosted 12 artists talks and 18 adult masterclasses or special interest sessions, and 18 family workshops.
We have continued with our weekly creative Early Years sessions (33) bringing our youngest visitors to the TW every Wednesday.
We currently have 118 volunteers! These include front of house, shop support, maintenance, activity and collections roles. We are proud of our diverse range of volunteers and our ongoing support with local refugees and asylum seekers who are part of this valuable team.
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Partnerships
Rossy Rays have continued to develop activity on our Coach House, partnering on programming and providing activities for children with additional needs and their families.
Beacon Dementia continue to provide space in their on site workshop and activity in our garden for people living with dementia and their carers.
Spectrum Inclusion Rossendale partnered with us on Pride and are keen to move into our garden area with their own unit, funding allowing.
Salford University have students with us once again on a residency engaging with our collections to create new artwork.
MMU invited us to partner on a project exploring the theme of Time which we hope will lead to a larger event based at The Whitaker in the future.
Issues faced and plans for the Future
Elior took over the hospitality operation in May 2024 and unfortunately it did not work out for either partner and they gave notice to terminate the contract after 6 months.
We went out to tender and secured a new hospitality operator, Danny Murphy of MANR, who took over in May 2025.
Expensive building repairs continue to affect the budget, we have increased our allocation in this year's budget to reflect this.
We are focusing our efforts into sponsorship and donations through the increased staffing capacity via the NLHF sustainability funding and hope to see an increase in financial support during the year ahead. We are also working on the feasibility and design of a new studio and accommodation wing and plan to look into funding avenues to realise this ambitious development.
Public benefit
The trustees are confident that the charity offers services of real and practical use to the local population and therefore complies with the responsibility placed on all charities under the Charities Act 2011, to demonstrate a public benefit.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The company was incorporated on 4th December 2013 as a Community Interest Company and then converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 24th April 2023. The charity is controlled by its governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustees are appointed to reflect the skills required to support the Board and its range of activities. Recruitment is through advertising and by individual contact.
Tenure is for three years with an opportunity for re-election at the appropriate Annual General Meeting.
Induction of the new board members is facilitated by the Chairman. A full orientation is offered on the services provided and the role and responsibilities of a trustee.
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Organisational structure
The Board currently consists of five trustees and is responsible for key policy decisions and the effective governance of the organisation overall. The Board meets on a quarterly basis.
Related parties
Trustees are required to declare an interest if they are involved in any activities which may compromise their role as a trustee and a monitoring mechanism is in place. There have been no related party transactions during the past year.
Risk management
The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to ensure regular reports are produced and that the necessary steps can be taken to address any issues arising.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number
CE032064 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
1202807
Registered office
Rossendale Museum and Art Gallery Haslingden Road Rawtenstall Lancashire BB4 6RE
Trustees
Mr I M Taylor Mr G Spelman Mrs C Grime Mrs A McCall Mrs C Fogg Mrs Y S Choudry (resigned 18.4.2024)
Auditors
Ainsworths Limited Charter House Stansfield Street Nelson Lancashire BB9 9XY
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees (who are also the directors of The Whitaker Organisation for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued
Company law 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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those 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 in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and 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 charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
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there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and
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the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
AUDITORS
The auditors, Ainsworths Limited, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 10th July 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Mr I M Taylor - Trustee
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Whitaker Organisation (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31st March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31st March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
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the trustees were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Based on our understanding of the charity and the nature of the sector in which it operates, we have identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to, but were not limited to, the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011 and tax legislation.
We have evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks were: inappropriate journal entries, improper application of revenue cut-off procedure, manipulation of cash takings at prime entry and inappropriate going-concern assessment any further options from the option list. Our audit procedures designed to address these risks included, but were not limited to:
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obtaining an understanding of internal controls relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the internal controls
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enquiries with management, regarding any known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud;
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agreement of the financial statement disclosures to the underlying supporting documentation;
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- performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risk of material misstatement due to fraud;
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challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates, particularly in relation future performance;
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auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through the testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness;
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reviewing board minutes and other evidence gathered;
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revenue year end cut-off procedures; and
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- cash taking completeness procedures.
Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve concealment by misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' 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 charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Mark Sunter FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Ainsworths Limited Charter House Stansfield Street Nelson Lancashire BB9 9XY
10th July 2025
Page 10
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME FROM Voluntary income 2 206,838 Other trading activities 3 94,851 Total 301,689 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 4 58,466 Charitable activities 5 Charitable activities 247,908 Total 306,374 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (4,685) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward (307,516) TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD (312,201) |
Restricted funds £ 168,718 - 168,718 - 65,001 65,001 103,717 126,435 230,152 |
31.3.25 Total funds £ 375,556 94,851 470,407 58,466 312,909 371,375 99,032 (181,081) (82,049) |
31.3.24 Total funds £ 290,048 309,932 599,980 160,258 464,676 624,934 (24,954) (156,127) (181,081) |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
BALANCE SHEET 31ST MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 11 24,396 Heritage assets 12 8,925 33,321 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 13 4,048 Debtors 14 21,222 Cash at bank and in hand 41,600 66,870 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 15 (412,392) NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) (345,522) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES (312,201) NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) (312,201) FUNDS 16 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted funds £ 106,389 - 106,389 - - 123,763 123,763 - 123,763 230,152 230,152 |
31.3.25 Total funds £ 130,785 8,925 139,710 4,048 21,222 165,363 190,633 (412,392) (221,759) (82,049) (82,049) (312,201) 230,152 (82,049) |
31.3.24 Total funds £ 150,490 8,325 158,815 10,157 20,318 58,044 88,519 (428,415) (339,896) (181,081) (181,081) (307,516) 126,435 (181,081) |
|---|---|---|---|
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 10th July 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
Mr I M Taylor - Trustee
Caroline Grime (Jul 11, 2025 09:27 GMT+1)
Mrs C Grime - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 12
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 1 Taxation refund Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Purchase of heritage assets Net cash used in investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period |
31.3.25 £ 114,850 - 114,850 (6,931) (600) (7,531) 107,319 58,044 165,363 |
31.3.24 £ 7,955 2,530 10,485 (2,639) - (2,639) 7,846 50,198 58,044 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 31.3.25 £ Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) 99,032 Adjustments for: Depreciation charges 26,636 Decrease in stocks 6,109 Decrease in debtors 40,794 Decrease in creditors (57,721) Net cash provided by operations 114,850 2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS |
31.3.24 £ (24,954) 28,599 1,635 55,513 (52,838) |
|---|---|
| 7,955 | |
| At 1.4.24 | Cash flow | At 31.3.25 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Net cash | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 58,044 | 107,319 | 165,363 |
| 58,044 | 107,319 | 165,363 | |
| Total | 58,044 | 107,319 | 165,363 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the charity will be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due. In order to support the charity, the parent company, Rossendale Leisure Trust, has confirmed that they will not seek repayment of the outstanding debt for at least 12 months. The trustees have considered this support, along with the cashflow forecasts and budgets. Accordingly, the trustees have concluded that it is appropriate for these financial statements to be prepared on the going concern basis.
Income
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. Turnover is recognised at the point when significant risks and rewards have passed to the buyer, the amount of turnover can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transactions will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect to the transaction can be measured reliably. Turnover is recognised in the Income Statement on the following basis:
Income type Basis of recognition Sale of goods At the point the goods are transferred to the customer. Facility hire In line with the hire period. Event/admissions At the date of admission or event taking place. Commission At the point the 3rd party goods are transferred to the customer.
Income received in advance in advance of recognition basis is represented on the Balance Sheet until recognition period criteria has been met, at which point the income is released to the Income Statement.
Grants
Grants are credited to the Income Statement in full in the period they are received with any surplus held in unrestricted or restricted funds until they are spent.
Grants received in advance relating to a specific period of time are treated as deferred income and carried forwards in the Balance Sheet to the applicable period.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Short leasehold - Over the period of the lease Plant and machinery - 20% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 20% on cost, 10% on cost and 5% on cost
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Tangible fixed assets
Computer equipment - 33% on cost and 20% on cost
The short leasehold relates to a single lease which expires on 4th December 2043.
Heritage assets
Heritage assets are stated at valuation as at the date of introduction, which is usually the cost price of the asset. They are not depreciated or revalued as a matter of routine, as the assets are deemed to have indeterminable lives. Impairment reviews are carried out only if the asset suffers physical deterioration or doubts arise as to their authenticity.
Related party exemption
The charitable company has taken advantage of exemption, under the terms of Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', not to disclose related party transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries within the group.
Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
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continued...
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 2. VOLUNTARY INCOME Donations Grants Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: Arts Council England Rossendale Borough Council Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council University of Manchester Brian Mercer Trust Zion arts Friends of Rossendale Museum Arts Society Consulate General of Ireland Complicite National Lottery Heritage Fund Historic England Art Fund Cinema For All York Museums Trust 3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Retail Cafeteria, Bar and Catering Admissions, events and hire Other |
31.3.25 £ 10,552 365,004 375,556 31.3.25 £ 159,933 32,200 3,000 - 25,000 750 12,043 - - - 124,993 3,725 1,400 200 1,760 365,004 31.3.25 £ 12,373 57,608 22,898 1,972 94,851 |
31.3.24 £ 17,172 272,876 |
|---|---|---|
| 290,048 | ||
| 31.3.24 £ 159,933 80,000 3,000 2,000 20,000 1,056 1,962 3,000 1,425 500 - - - - - |
||
| 272,876 | ||
| 31.3.24 £ 16,131 250,956 41,206 1,639 |
||
| 309,932 |
continued...
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THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
4. RAISING FUNDS
Other trading activities
| Opening stock Purchases Closing stock 5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Charitable activities 6. SUPPORT COSTS Management £ Charitable activities 17,641 |
31.3.25 £ 10,157 52,357 (4,048) 58,466 Support Direct costs (see Costs note 6) £ £ 284,758 28,151 Governance Finance costs £ £ 1,142 9,368 |
31.3.24 £ 11,792 158,623 (10,157) 160,258 Totals £ 312,909 Totals £ 28,151 |
|---|---|---|
7. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| 31.3.25 | 31.3.24 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Auditors' remuneration | 4,850 | 4,786 |
| Depreciation - owned assets | 26,636 | 28,599 |
| Other operating leases | 1,115 | 1,115 |
8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.
continued...
Page 18
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 9. STAFF COSTS Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Catering and retail Museum Management and administration No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund £ INCOME FROM Voluntary income 252,907 Other trading activities 309,932 Total 562,839 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 160,258 Charitable activities Charitable activities 410,570 Total 570,828 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (7,989) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward (299,527) TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD (307,516) |
31.3.25 £ 155,250 7,855 3,076 166,181 31.3.25 1 6 1 8 Restricted funds £ 37,141 - 37,141 - 54,106 54,106 (16,965) 143,400 126,435 |
31.3.24 £ 261,573 14,453 4,420 280,446 31.3.24 15 5 1 21 Total funds £ 290,048 309,932 599,980 160,258 464,676 624,934 (24,954) (156,127) (181,081) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 19
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 1st April 2024 Additions At 31st March 2025 DEPRECIATION At 1st April 2024 Charge for year At 31st March 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31st March 2025 At 31st March 2024 12. HERITAGE ASSETS MARKET VALUE At 1st April 2024 Additions At 31st March 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31st March 2025 At 31st March 2024 13. STOCKS Stocks |
Short leasehold £ 69,408 - 69,408 8,513 3,096 11,609 57,799 60,895 |
Plant and machinery £ 16,381 2,361 18,742 10,984 2,174 13,158 5,584 5,397 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 118,290 - 118,290 48,666 13,899 62,565 55,725 69,624 |
Computer equipment £ 42,300 4,570 46,870 27,726 7,467 35,193 11,677 14,574 31.3.25 £ 4,048 |
Totals £ 246,379 6,931 |
Totals £ 246,379 6,931 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 253,310 | ||||||
| 95,889 26,636 |
||||||
| 122,525 | ||||||
| 130,785 | ||||||
| 150,490 | ||||||
| Total £ 8,325 600 8,925 8,925 8,325 31.3.24 £ 10,157 |
Total £ 8,325 600 |
|||||
| 8,925 | ||||||
| 8,925 | ||||||
| 8,325 |
continued...
Page 20
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 14. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors Rossendale Borough Council VAT Prepayments and accrued income 15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Rossendale Leisure Trust Rossendale Borough Council Social security and other taxes Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At 1.4.24 £ Unrestricted funds General fund (307,516) Restricted funds Fixed asset fund 126,435 National Lottery Heritage Fund - Historic England - Friends of Rossendale Museum - 126,435 TOTAL FUNDS (181,081) |
31.3.25 £ 11,849 - 1,603 7,770 21,222 31.3.25 £ 6,621 365,103 23,528 3,265 - 13,875 412,392 Net movement in funds £ (4,685) (20,279) 110,271 3,725 10,000 103,717 99,032 |
31.3.24 £ 2,231 8,009 3,920 6,158 20,318 31.3.24 £ 4,065 405,458 - 2,509 119 16,264 428,415 At 31.3.25 £ (312,201) 106,156 110,271 3,725 10,000 230,152 (82,049) |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 21
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Fixed asset fund National Lottery Heritage Fund Rossendale Borough Council Historic England Friends of Rossendale Museum TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund Fixed asset fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 301,689 - 124,993 30,000 3,725 10,000 168,718 470,407 At 1.4.23 £ (299,527) - 143,400 143,400 (156,127) |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (306,374) (4,685) (20,279) (20,279) (14,722) 110,271 (30,000) - - 3,725 - 10,000 (65,001) 103,717 (371,375) 99,032 Net movement At in funds 31.3.24 £ £ (7,989) (307,516) 4,193 4,193 (21,158) 122,242 (16,965) 126,435 (24,954) (181,081) |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 22
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund Fixed asset fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 562,839 37,141 - 37,141 599,980 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (570,828) (7,989) (32,948) 4,193 (21,158) (21,158) (54,106) (16,965) (624,934) (24,954) |
|---|---|---|
Restricted funds
The restricted fund relates to grants received for specific purposes.
The fixed asset fund relates to grants received for specific tangible fixed assets acquisitions, which are being depreciated over their useful economic life.
17. ULTIMATE PARENT COMPANY
The ultimate controlling party are the members of Rossendale Leisure Trust, the parent company, by virtue of their control during the year.
18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
The charity operates from premises owned by Rossendale Borough Council (RBC) which it occupies at a rent of £10,000 per year. The board members of the parent company, Rossendale Leisure Trust, also includes some councillors, representing RBC.
During the year the charity received grants of £32,200 (2024: £80,000) from RBC in relation to the core activities of the charity.
Page 23
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 31.3.25 | 31.3.24 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME | ||
| Voluntary income | ||
| Donations | 10,552 | 17,172 |
| Grants | 365,004 | 272,876 |
| 375,556 | 290,048 | |
| Other trading activities | ||
| Retail | 12,373 | 16,131 |
| Cafeteria, Bar and Catering | 57,608 | 250,956 |
| Admissions, events and hire | 22,898 | 41,206 |
| Other | 1,972 | 1,639 |
| 94,851 | 309,932 | |
| Total incoming resources | 470,407 | 599,980 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Other trading activities | ||
| Opening stock | 10,157 | 11,792 |
| Purchases | 52,357 | 158,623 |
| Closing stock | (4,048) | (10,157) |
| 58,466 | 160,258 | |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Wages | 138,914 | 245,219 |
| Social security | 6,853 | 13,451 |
| Pensions | 2,773 | 4,116 |
| Other operating leases | 1,115 | 1,115 |
| Rates and water | 4,693 | 4,328 |
| Insurance | 2,830 | 3,549 |
| Light and heat | 41,107 | 42,701 |
| Telephone | 2,828 | 2,572 |
| Postage and stationery | 489 | 1,348 |
| Advertising | 6,646 | 14,253 |
| Volunteers expenses | 2,218 | 3,394 |
| Cleaning | 10,562 | 8,024 |
| Computer costs | 3,934 | 2,996 |
| Subscriptions | 2,680 | 2,742 |
| Sundries | 1,040 | 1,242 |
| Staff training | 179 | 450 |
| Management charges | - | 20,180 |
| Carried forward | 228,861 | 371,680 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 24
THE WHITAKER ORGANISATION
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 31.3.25 | 31.3.24 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | ||
| Brought forward | 228,861 | 371,680 |
| Repairs and renewals | 19,261 | 19,848 |
| Rent | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Bad debts | - | 481 |
| Short leasehold | 3,096 | 3,096 |
| Plant and machinery | 2,174 | 2,508 |
| Fixtures and fittings | 13,899 | 14,621 |
| Computer equipment | 7,467 | 8,374 |
| 284,758 | 430,608 | |
| Support costs | ||
| Management | ||
| Wages | 16,336 | 16,354 |
| Social security | 1,002 | 1,002 |
| Pensions | 303 | 304 |
| 17,641 | 17,660 | |
| Finance | ||
| Bank charges | 1,142 | 4,893 |
| Governance costs | ||
| Auditors' remuneration | 4,850 | 4,786 |
| Professional fees | 4,518 | 6,729 |
| 9,368 | 11,515 | |
| Total resources expended | 371,375 | 624,934 |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 99,032 | (24,954) |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 25
2025-07-11
The Whitaker accounts 2025
Final Audit Report
Created: 2025-07-11 By: Mark Sunter (marksunter@ainsworths.co.uk) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAEoDUn3sTp8k9F-Hs3rM_pS8iQmguQcZw
"The Whitaker accounts 2025" History
Document created by Mark Sunter (marksunter@ainsworths.co.uk)
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