THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
(Registered Charity No: 1206329 )
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PERIOD ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
The Pickle Palace CIO Trustees’ report for the period ended 30 April 2025
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Trustees’ report | 1 - 5 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the accounts | 9 - 16 |
The Pickle Palace CIO Trustees’ report for the period ended 30 April 2025
The Trustees are pleased to present their report and financial statements for the period ended 30 April 2025.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2022, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and 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)
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Registered 21 December 2023
Registered address:
Chopwell Centre For Sport Chopwell Cp School Derwent Street Chopwell NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE17 7HS
Trustees in the period:
Susan Hall Chair appointed 21 Dec 2023 Christopher Slater Appointed 21 Dec 2023 Patrick Kane Appointed 8 October 2025 Andrew Billingham Appointed 21 Dec 2023 Resigned 26 April 2024 Friederike Bolam Appointed 21 Dec 2023 Resigned 18 March 2025 Helen Haran Appointed 21 Dec 2023 Resigned 17 May 2025 Amanda Roberts Appointed 21 Dec 2023 Resigned 30 May 2025 Jane Townsley Appointed 21 Dec 2023 Resigned 30 May 2025
Bankers:
Co-operative Bank PO Box 4931, Swindon SN4 4PL
1
The Pickle Palace CIO Trustees’ report for the period ended 30 April 2025
The Trustees are aware of their responsibilities and obligations in relations to the guidance and criteria issued by the Charities Commission (including public benefit). Each Trustee is directed to these before appointment. The Trustees comply with these and Nominations for potential Trustees are made taking into account the remit of the Charity and to achieve a balance of skills.
Legal status:
The Pickle Palace CIO is an incorporated Charitable Organisation registered with the Charities Commission. It was first registered on 21 December 2023 to continue the operation and activities of the Community Interest Company also named The Pickle Palace, and inheriting the assets and residual funds of that organisation. The Charity commenced trading in its own right on 1 October 2024 once its bank account had been established.
The Charity's Remit:
The Pickle Palace's mission is to rescue food and feed people in the North East of England. Its vision is to provide long term food support in deprived communities of the North East, helping the most vulnerable as well as those who wish to live a more sustainable and eco-friendly life. It aims to teach people to think about and see food differently so as to eat better and waste less.
The Charity has taken over the responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the activities previously undertaken by The Pickle Palace CIC.
The day-to-day management of the operation is the responsibility of the management team comprising 3 paid contractors, as shown below, two of whom were the founders of The Pickle Palace CIC. This team is supported by periodic /occasional invoiced services and unpaid Volunteers and Ambassadors.
| dors. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hannah Reay | Education Manager | ||
| Julie Brown | Operations Manager | ||
| Emma Arthur | Communications Manager |
2
The Pickle Palace CIO Trustees’ report for the period ended 30 April 2025
Finances:
The Charity is funded through a mixture of grants, donations and to a lesser extent trading income from its markets and other activities.
During this reporting period, grant funding was received from the following:
-
Gateshead Council - HSF 2 x payments of £5,250 received in August and December 2024 for food-related costs;
-
Gateshead Food Partnership £2,500 received in February 2025 for BIND training;
-
NL Community Fund - Awards for All - £20,000 received in March 2025; and
-
Comic Relief / Groundwork £5,000 received in March 2025.
A significant lump sum donation of £10,000 was received from Associated British Ports in January 2025 to assist with core costs as matched funding to £9,600 from an individual benefactor.
The results for the reporting period and the charity’s financial position at the end of the year are shown in the attached financial statements. During this period the Charity had an income of £78,362 and expenditure of £66,424. There was an operating surplus of £11,938. At 30 April 2025 the Charity had net assets of £38,740.
The Trustees consider the level of reserves, £38,740 (of which £2,570 is unrestricted) and with future funding already secured, that the immediate future of the charity for the next 12 – 18 months is secure and that on this basis the charity is a going concern. Our reserves policy is reviewed annually.
Review of main activities and outcomes:
Collection of surplus foods donated by supermarkets (Aldi, ASDA, Co-op, Morrisons & Tesco) and sourced from similar food rescue initiatives such as FareShare. This covers a range of dry, tinned, frozen and fresh goods that are used to support the Charity's main programmes.
The Charity has 3 main programmes that run on a regular basis:
3
The Pickle Palace CIO Trustees’ report for the period ended 30 April 2025
-
Food markets where customers can buy food at an affordable price (per shopping bag) from donated food and other rescue food sources;
-
Happy Bags: regular order and delivery of food items in return for a fixed price - for example delivered to pensioners, and other households within the area covered by the Charity;
-
School Workshops - run at Chopwell and High Spen Schools, educating young people into how to cook and prepare food, especially on a budget and reducing food waste.
Other occasional activities include the preparation of hand-made preserves etc from donated food, which are then sold to raise funds for the Charity and
Key achievements over the period from inception to 30 April 2025
-
Charitable status established 21 December 2023
-
Bank account for CIO opened 1 October 2024
-
Trading activities of CIC transferred to CIO from October 2024
-
Assets and residual funds of CIC transferred to CIO October 2024
-
Markets from Greenside and Rowlands Gill markets consolidated and transferred to Greenside Social Club premises; Greenside Cricket Club location secured for the Container storage;
-
Cooking Workshops run with community groups in the Chopwell, Highfield, Rowlands Gill and Barmoor areas.
Future plans
-
To procure and establish a proprietary accounts package to replace the current spreadsheet reporting and hence enhance reporting
-
To establish a dedicated office space at Chopwell School site, equipped with computer and printer;
-
To formalise the current time-recording process, and review the basis on which the current contractors are retained i.e. employee vs contractor.
-
Management team to document the key responsibilities and duties of key volunteers; and
-
Potential of resuming a lunch club, as previously run by the CIC.
4
The Pickle Palace CIO Trustees’ report for the period ended 30 April 2025
Responsibilities of Trustees
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Charity SORP 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 incoming resources and application of resources, including the receipts and payments of the charity for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity. 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 the Trustees on 11 March 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Susan Angela Hall Susan Angela Hall (Mar 12, 2026 22:09:18 GMT)
Sue Hall Chair
5
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
For the period ended 30 April 2025
I report on the financial statements of The Pickle Palace CIO for the period ended 30 April 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to 16.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2022 ("the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act), and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
the accounts did 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 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.
Lilian Hetherington (Mar 13, 2026 12:47:13 GMT)
Lilian Hetherington Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Connected Voice Business Services One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX
Date: 13/03/2026
6
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the period ended 30 April 2025
| 7 8 Other trading activities 9 Expenditure on: 10 6 Total funds carried forward Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Exceptional Item Net income/(expenditure) and net movement of funds Notes Total income Donations and legacies Income from: Charitable activities Grants and contracts Operation of the charity Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Charitable activities |
Unrestricted Funds £ 17,112 - 11,500 28,612 52,844 52,844 ( 24,232 ) 26,802 2,570 - 2,570 |
Restricted Funds £ - 49,750 - 49,750 13,580 13,580 36,170 - 36,170 - 36,170 |
Total 2025 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17,112 49,750 11,500 |
|||
| 78,362 | |||
| 66,424 | |||
| 66,424 | |||
| 11,938 26,802 |
|||
| 38,740 - |
|||
| 38,740 |
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 9 to 16 form an integral part of these accounts.
7
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
BALANCE SHEET
As at 30 April 2025
| Fixed assets Tangible assets 15 Total fixed assets Current assets Stock Cash at bank and in hand 16 Total current assets Creditors:amounts falling due within one year 17 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets or liabilities Funds of the charity Unrestricted income funds Restricted income funds Total funds Notes |
£ 650 24,516 25,166 ( 462 ) |
Total 2025 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 14,036 | ||
| 14,036 24,704 |
||
| 38,740 | ||
| 38,740 | ||
| 2,570 36,170 |
||
| 38,740 |
The company was entitled to an exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with the respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form an integral part of these accounts.
These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 11 March 2026
and are signed on its behalf by:
Sue Hall Chair Susan Angela Hall Susan Angela Hall (Mar 12, 2026 22:09:18 GMT)
8
For the period ended 30 April 2025
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
2 Basis of accounting
2.1 Basis of preparation
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
The accounts have been prepared 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) (effective 1 January 2015) – Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2022.
The Pickle Palace CIO meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
2.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The charity reported total unrestricted funds at the year end of £2,570 and has already secured a significant amount of funding for the current year. The trustees are of the view that the immediate future of the charity for the next 12 to 18 months is secure and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.
3 Income
3.1 Recognition of income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the resources, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is more likely than not that the resources will be received and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
3.2 Offsetting
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102 SORP or FRS102.
3.3 Grants and donations
Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria of income recognition are met.
9
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 30 April 2025
3.4 Donated goods and services
Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.
Donated services and facilities are included in the SoFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided that the value of the gift can be measured reliably. Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with the equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SoFA.
3.5 Volunteer help
The value of volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.
3.6 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 bank.
3.9 Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the
4 Expenditure and liabilities
4.1 Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised when it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
4.2 Charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of work and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.
4.3 Governance and support costs
Support costs have been allocated between governance cost and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
4.4 Irrecoverable VAT
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
10
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 30 April 2025
4.5 Creditors
The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.
4.6 Provisions for liabilities
A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.
5 Assets
5.1 Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis.
Equipment Van
Straight line over 4 years Straight line over three years
11
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 30 April 2025
| 6 Exceptional Item Transfer of assets from CIC to CIO Analysis of income 7 Donations and legacies 8 Charitable activities Income from grants Comic Relief/Groundwork 9 Other trading activities Donations Happy Bags Other Donations Other income Gateshead Council Associated British Ports Gateshead Food Partnership National Lottery Community Fund Awards for |
Unrestricted Funds £ 26,802 26,802 10,356 6,756 17,112 - - - - - - 11,500 11,500 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - 5,250 19,500 2,500 20,000 2,500 49,750 - - |
Total 2025 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26,802 | |||
| 26,802 | |||
| 10,356 6,756 |
|||
| 17,112 | |||
| 5,250 19,500 2,500 20,000 2,500 |
|||
| 49,750 | |||
| 11,500 | |||
| 11,500 |
Income was £78,362 of which £28,612 was unrestricted or designated and £49,750 was restricted
12
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 30 April 2025
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
| 10 | Charitable activities Direct costs Support costs Governance costs Staff costs Vehicle costs Food Provision Costs Miscellaneous expenses Depreciation Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts Utilities Rent Insurance |
Unrestricted Funds £ 42,136 2,039 1,574 720 1,420 1,495 34 2,964 462 52,844 |
Restricted Funds £ 1,666 - 11,914 - - - - - - 13,580 |
Total 2025 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43,802 2,039 13,488 720 1,420 1,495 34 2,964 462 |
||||
| 66,424 |
Expenditure on charitable activities was £66,424 of which £52,844 was unrestricted or designated and £13,580 was restricted
11 Fees for examination of the accounts
| Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts | 2025 £ |
|---|---|
| 462 | |
| 462 |
There were no other fees paid to the examiner (: £nil)
12 Analysis of staff costs and the cost of key management personnel
The charity currently does not employ staff directly; all staffing costs relate to independent contractors.
13 Transactions with trustees
None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity.
14 Corporation Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives.
13
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 30 April 2025
| 15 Tangible fixed assets Cost Balance brought forward Additions Disposals Balance carried forward Depreciation Basis Rate Balance brought forward Depreciation charge for year Balance carried forward Net book value Brought forward Carried forward 16 Cash at bank and in hand 17 Cash at bank and in hand Accruals Independent examination of accounts Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year) |
Equipment £ - 7,000 - 7,000 SL 25% - 1,021 1,021 - 5,979 2025 £ 24,516 24,516 2025 £ 462 462 |
Van £ - 10,000 - 10,000 SL 33% - 1,943 1,943 - 8,057 |
Total £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| - 17,000 - |
|||
| 17,000 |
|||
| - 2,964 |
|||
| 2,964 |
|||
| - | |||
| 14,036 |
|||
18 Events after the end of the reporting period
No events (not requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period.
14
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 30 April 2025
19 Analysis of charitable funds
Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds
| Unrestricted funds General unrestricted fund Totals |
Fund balances brought forward £ - - |
Incoming resources £ 28,612 28,612 |
Resources expended £ ( 52,844 ) (52,844) |
Exceptiona Item £ 26,802 26,802 |
Fund balances carried forward £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,570 |
|||||
| 2,570 |
Purpose of unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund The 'free reserves' of the charity
Analysis of movement in restricted funds
| Restricted funds Gateshead Council Associated British Ports Gateshead Food Partnership National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All Comic Relief/Groundwork Totals |
Fund balances brought forward £ - - - - - - |
Incoming resources £ 5,250 19,500 2,500 20,000 2,500 49,750 |
Resources expended £ ( 5,250 ) ( 6,664 ) - ( 1,666 ) - (13,580) |
Transfers £ - - - - - - |
Fund balances carried forward £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - 12,836 2,500 18,334 2,500 |
|||||
| 36,170 |
Purpose of restricted funds
Restricted funds represent income resources used for a specific purpose within the charity as identified by the donor.
Gateshead Council Food costs Associated British Ports Core costs Gateshead Food Partnership BIND Training National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All Core costs Comic Relief/Groundwork Core costs
20 Capital commitments
As at 30 April 2025, the charity had no capital commitments
15
THE PICKLE PALACE CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 30 April 2025
21 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Stock Tangible fixed assets Other net current assets/(liabilities) Cash at bank and in hand |
Unrestricted Funds £ 14,036 650 ( 11,654 ) ( 462 ) 2,570 |
Restricted Total Funds 2025 £ £ - 14,036 - 650 36,170 24,516 - ( 462 ) 36,170 38,740 |
|---|---|---|
22 Guarantee
There have been no guarantees given by the charity at 30 April 2025.
23 Debt
There is no debt outstanding which is owed by the charity and which is secured by an excess charge on any of the assets of the charity at 30 April 2025.
24 Governing document
The organisation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Foundation registered on 21 December 2023 as a body corporate under part 11 of the Charities Act 2022.
16
Pickle Palace Annual Report YE 30 Apr 2025 - combined
Final Audit Report
2026-03-13
Created: 2026-03-12 By: Lilian Hetherington (lilian.hetherington@connectedvoice.org.uk) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAXBRTFQd8RRCiAsKFsS_ly_X7egBBSl_1
"Pickle Palace Annual Report YE 30 Apr 2025 - combined" Histo
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