SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR PERIOD ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2024
Charity Registration Number: 1204089
A. Hughes-Jones, Dyson & Co Chartered Accountants
Caernarfon
SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the account | 6 - 9 |
1
SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
Report Of The Trustees For The Period Ending 31st December 2024
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the period ending 31st December 2024.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Society's Articles of Constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting Charities', effective January 2015.
Reference and Administrative Details
The Society was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on the 25th July 2023 (Charity number 1204089) The activites of the Charity were previously undertaken by The Society of Bookbinders a charitable trust (Charity nmber 1032108). On the 1st May 2024 all assets and liabilities of the Charitable Trust were transferred to the new CIO.
The Trustees who served during the year were:
To August 2024(up to AGM) Jill Sellars (Acting Chair) Mary Asiedu Trish Burge George Davidson Dr Christopher McNall Ivan A Salcedo
From August 2024 (AGM) Sally Dore - Chair Dr Christopher McNall - Trasurer Mary Asiedu Deanna Fischer Ivan A Salcedo
Principal address C/o Dr C McNall
St John Street Chambers, 18-20 St John Street, Manchester, M3 4EA
Independent examiner Brian Hughes FCA
A Hughes Jones Dyson & Co, Chartered Accountants Capel Moreia, South Penrallt, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1NS
Structure, governance and management
The Society is overseen by the Board of Trustees, aided by a National Management Committee; the latter is composed of the chairs of the Society's seven regional committees and other named officers such as the Membership Secretary and newsletter editor.
The Trustees and the NMC each meet regularly.
Trustees retire at regular intervals and may stand for re-election; new trustees may be co-opted, and then subsequently stand for election at the AGM. At regional level there are local committees who arrange a varied programme of events.
The Society maintains informal contact at varying levels with similar organisations such as Designer Bookbinders (with whom we jointly run a popular and highly successful series of workshops), the Antiquarian Booksellers Association and the American Guild of Bookworkers.
The Trustees routinely assess and review both the Society's financial standing and our need for insurance cover. Other matters of good governance, such as financial reserves and appropriate banking practices, are discussed by the Trustees and re-considered when necessary.
2
THE SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
Objectives and activities for the public benefit
Society of Bookbinders (charity number 1204089) is governed by its Constitution dated 25th July 2023.
The Society was formed to advance education and encourage high standards for the public benefit in all aspects of bookbinding. These still remain the main objectives of the Society.
The Society continues to be run exclusively by the efforts of our many volunteers and the Trustees use this opportunity to pass on their thanks to all those who give their time and take part in our many and diverse activities. Without you we would not exist.
Achievements and performance
The Society is dedicated to preserving the craft of both traditional and contemporary bookbinding and the preservation and conservation of the printed and written word.
The Society maintains a publicly-accessible website (societyofbookbinders.com), with publicly-accessible resources, including funding opportunities, finding bookbinding tutors and courses.
Through its seven regions, the Society organises and holds visits, demonstrations and workshops of interest to bookbinders and members of the public.
In August 2024, the Society held a successful 3 day event for all members, at the University of York, featuring demonstrations and talks about the craft of bookbinding.
In October 2024, the Society held an online demonstration /workshop with Jacqui Dodds on mark making and design for lino printing. In December 2024, the Society held an online demonstration /workshop with Samuel Feinstein, a Chicago-based bookbinder, on gold tooling and titling with handle letters.
Financial review
The Trustees are of the opinion that current reserves are adequate to meet the charity's objectives
The balance held as unrestricted funds on the 31st December 2024 was £173,848
On behalf of the board of Trustees
Dr Christopher McNall
Dated 27th October 2025
3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
I report to the trustees on my examination the accounts of the Society of Bookbinders for the period ending 31st December 2024, which are set out on pages 4 - 9.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts 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
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:
-
(i) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or (ii) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
(iii) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the 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.
B Hughes
Mr Brian Hughes, Chartered Accountant for and on behalf of A. Hughes-Jones, Dyson & Co. Statutory Auditors & Chartered Accountants Capel Moreia, South Penrallt, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1NS
Dated
27th October 2025
4
SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
Statement of Financial Activities for the Period Ending 31st December 2024
| Notes Income Donations and legacies 2 Investment income 3 Income from charitable activities 4 Total income Expenditure Charitable activities Promotion of bookbinding 5 Total Expenditure Net Income Transfers between funds Funds transferred from the Charitable Trust 1st May 2024 Fund balances at 31st December 2024 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 1,391 1,416 95,835 98,642 107,937 107,937 (9,295) - 183,143 173,848 |
Restricted Funds £ - 254 - 254 - - 254 - 10,603 10,857 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 1,391 1,670 95,835 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98,896 | |||
| 107,937 | |||
| 107,937 | |||
| (9,041) - 193,746 |
|||
| 184,705 |
5
SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2024
| Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Current Assets Debtors Cash at Bank and In Hand Creditors:amounts falling due within one year 10 Net Current Assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Restricted funds 11 Unrestricted funds |
£ £ - - 193,475 193,475 (8,770) 184,705 184,705 10,857 173,848 184,705 2024 |
£ £ - - 193,475 193,475 (8,770) 184,705 184,705 10,857 173,848 184,705 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 184,705 | |||
| 10,857 173,848 |
|||
| 184,705 |
The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 27th October 2025 and signed on their behalf by
Dr Christopher McNall
6
SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
Notes To The Accounts For The Period Ending 31st December 2024
1 Accounting Policies
1.1 Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice, 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the Uk and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
1.2 Income
All income is included in the Statement of Financial Affairs when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Investment income and gains are allocated to the appropriate funds
1.3 Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis, and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs 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 the resources.
1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 25% reducing balance
1.5 Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
1.6 Accumulated funds
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
2 Donations and legacies
| Donations and gifts Investment income Interest receivable |
Unrestricted Funds £ 1,391 Unrestricted Funds £ 1,416 |
Restricted Total Funds 2024 £ £ - 1,391 Restricted Total Funds 2024 £ £ 254 1,670 |
|---|---|---|
3 Investment income
7
SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
Notes To The Accounts For The Period Ending 31st December 2024
4 Income from charitable activities
| 5 6 7 |
Unrestricted Funds £ Subscriptions 21,700 Adverts 677 Competition 6,478 Regions activities 22,057 Conference income 41,054 Outreach & Education 3,869 95,835 Expenditure Unrestricted Funds £ Charitable activities Promotion of bookbinding Activities undertaken directly 99,309 Support costs 8,628 Total 107,937 Activities undertaken directly Unrestricted Funds £ Other costs relating to Promotion of bookbinding comprise: Bookbinder 14 Website development 462 Conference costs 62,105 Outreach & Education Costs 4,909 Competition Costs 7,117 Regional costs 22,014 General Bursary 2,688 - 99,309 Support costs Unrestricted Funds £ Administration costs and trustees expenses 4,735 Legal Fees 2,333 Independent Examination 1,560 8,628 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - Restricted Funds £ - - - Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - Restricted Funds £ - - - - |
Total 2024 £ 21,700 677 6,478 22,057 41,054 3,869 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95,835 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 99,309 8,628 |
|||
| 107,937 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 14 462 62,105 4,909 7,117 22,014 2,688 - |
|||
| 99,309 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 4,735 2,333 1,560 |
|||
| 8,628 |
8
SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
Notes To The Accounts For The Period Ending 31st December 2024
8 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the period.
9 Employees
There were no employees during the year.
10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | |
|---|---|
| Accruals Deferred income |
2024 £ 2,520 6,250 |
| 8,770 |
11 Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
| Transfer from Charitable Trust 1.5.2024 £ Gordon Hartley Memorial Fund 10,603 10,603 |
Incoming Resources resources expensed £ £ 254 - 254 - Movement in |
Transfers £ - - funds |
Balance at s1st December 2024 £ 10,857 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,857 |
The Gordon Hartley Memorial Fund was established to honour the memory of Gordon Hartley, who died in office as Chairman in November 2007. The intention is that the interest would permit the funding of a Bursary every two years for one person to attend the Society's Conference as a resident.
9
SOCIETY OF BOOKBINDERS
Notes To The Accounts For The Period Ending 31st December 2024
12 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Analysis of net assets between funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fund balances at 31st December 2024 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
Unrestricted funds £ - 182,618 (8,770) 173,848 |
Restricted funds £ - 10,857 - 10,857 |
Total £ - 193,475 (8,770) |
| 184,705 |
| 13 Funds General funds Central Charity Scotland London and South Midlands Western East Anglia North East North West and North Wales Designated Funds Outreach and Education Bernard Middleton Fund Aiden Portnall Fund Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Gordon Hartley Memorial Fund Total funds |
2024 £ 75,909 3,066 4,122 12,773 13,130 8,526 4,609 7,644 |
|---|---|
| 129,779 32,555 10,740 774 |
|
| 173,848 | |
| 10,857 | |
| 10,857 | |
| 184,705 |