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2024-09-30-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1206886

Our Future

Unaudited Financial Statements 30 September 2024

SAMARA & CO

Chartered accountants 511 Kenton Lane Harrow Middlesex HA3 JW

Our Future

Financial Statements

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

Page
Trustees' annual report 1
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Statement of financial position 10
Statement of cash flows 11
Notes to the financial statements 12

Our Future

Trustees' Annual Report

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the period ended 30 September 2024.

Objects

The objects of the charity are to promote sustainable development for the benefit of the public, in particular but not exclusively in communities experiencing deprivation, by:

  1. the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in those communities, in particular but not exclusively by providing local networking groups, workshops and events, financial support, arts based activities and support to improve wellbeing and encourage participation;

  2. the promotion of sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration and improving of the natural and built environment in those communities; and

  3. raising public awareness in relation to sustainable development in post-industrial communities by promoting study and research in the subject and disseminating the results to the public at large.

For the purpose of the objects:

Public benefit

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s objectives and aims and in planning future activities.

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Our Future

Trustees' Annual Report

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

Reference and administrative details Registered charity name Our Future Charity registration number 1206886 Principal office 1st Floor 88 Baker Street London W1U 6TQ United Kingdom

The trustees

Mr J Stockwood (Appointed 27 April 2023) Dr M Osman (Appointed 7 June 2023) Dr D Anderson (Appointed 7 June 2023) Ms L Keijer-Palau (Appointed 7 June 2023) Mr J Perry (Appointed 7 June 2023) Independent examiner Samara & Co 511 Kenton Lane Harrow Middlesex HA3 JW

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Our Future

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

Structure, governance and management

Constitution

Our Future is a registered UK charity (no. 1206886) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 14831946). The charitable company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Application of income by the charitable company is limited to the promotion of its objectives as outlined above.

Decisions are made by simple majority of votes cast at Trustees' meetings with quorum, or by unanimous agreement in writing.

Organisation

Trustees can be appointed by ordinary resolution of the members.

The trustees who served throughout the financial year were as follows:

Jason Stockwood (appointed 27 April 2023) Majdi Osman (appointed 7 June 2023) Derrick Anderson (appointed 7 June 2023) Lucia Keijer-Palau (appointed 7 June 2023) James Perry (appointed 7 June 2023)

Jason Stockwood served as Chair for the period of these accounts. He resigned as Chair on 22 November 2024. The trustees appointed James Perry as Chair effective as of 22 November 2024.

Key Management Personnel

The trustees consider that they comprise the key management personnel of the charity along with the Executive team which comprises:

Emily Bolton Chief Executive Officer Trupti Shah Chief Operating Officer

Remuneration of the CEO is set by the board. Remuneration of other staff is set by the CEO and reviewed by the board.

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Our Future

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

Objectives and activities

We believe that people who live in or care about post-industrial towns have the ideas, skills, and drive to transform their communities - if they are given the platform and resources they need to get on with it.

The concept of Our Future was developed over two years ago. Its development was hosted by a charity, the SASC Trust. Our Future was incorporated on 27 April 2023 and became a registered charity on 5 February 2024.

Over our first year as an organisation we have built on the momentum for collective change we have been growing in Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire. This has focused on moving from a relatively small collection of people driving forward the work in Grimsby to a wider conversation across the town involving 1,100 people, and co-designing the infrastructure to support long-term change.

At the same time we have been working to raise the profile of Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire on the national stage and shift the narrative about the area to reflect the positivity and ingenuity of the change local people are leading.

Our activities this year

1. Events and networks

We have run over 17 events with over 911 attendances. These are intended to enable people to drive forward the practical work of building a positive future together. It involves forming new connections, creating a collective with a shared identity and ambition of the town, establishing new initiatives and collaborations, and raising the profile of Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire on the national stage.

The events have combined practical meetings on issues like community-led housing or making the money work for a town, with celebrations of the work underway - such as our annual event celebrating the work underway which brought together 164 people in November 2023, both from the area and national partners who are interested in the work.

2. Grimsby Together Conversation: A collective vision for the future

We worked to develop a vision for Grimsby as part of the central government Long-Term Plan for Towns initiative. Using the Pol.is platform the Grimsby Together Conversation involved 1,100 people, who shared 790 ideas and voted on them more than 52,000 times.

The conversation has provided a detailed understanding of the priorities which focused on eight areas reflecting the ambition people have for their home town. On the back of this we are moving forward by designing a collective initiative to support work in the eight priority areas and an attached wealth fund to provide the catalytic funding to enable this work to happen.

3. Community Plans

We are working with a partnership of five organisations on the East Marsh Community Plan - providing an opportunity for residents and organisations to come together to change the narrative for the ward and lead the change they want to see. In the UK's lowest income ward, we started by holding discussions with over 120 local residents and over 35 organisations to shape a long-term vision for the future of East Marsh. This work is about creating real ownership and a sense of possibility among residents, resident groups, and local organisations, and connected in the resources they need to deliver on a shared vision. Partners like the Integrated Care Board, East Marsh United, and Mercers Trust are demonstrating how different sectors can unite around a community-driven agenda.

We are also already working on supporting the delivery of this model in other areas. We think the East Marsh Community Plan can serve as the blueprint for sustainable, resident-led development in more

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Our Future

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

wards across North East Lincolnshire and nationally.

4. Home Wins Network: bringing together people with a connection to Grimsby who want to get involved helping their hometown

The Home Wins Network brings together people who have left Grimsby and provides them with opportunities to reconnect and support the transformation of their hometown.

Many who've left Grimsby still care deeply about the town. By harnessing their skills, networks, and passion, we're giving them a way to actively contribute to the change being led by citizens in the area.

We are now working on 1) planning a Grimsby Homecoming in 2025, 2) developing a skills database to support local projects, and 3) amplifying positive stories of change coming out of the region.

Achievements and performance

Over the past year, we have built significant momentum in enabling transformative change in Grimsby, and we are exploring work in three other post-industrial towns.

1. Changing the narrative and raising the profile of the great work happening in North East Lincolnshire

We have been working to change the narrative about Grimsby locally and nationally, sharing the magic of the work in progress and sharing stories of the change underway in the town.

Key achievements:

Quotes from our partners highlight the shift:

2. Proof Points: demonstrating impact and building confidence

Our model of change is rooted in practical action and partnerships that deliver tangible results. Throughout the past year, we focused on building "proof points" to showcase what's possible when communities take the lead.

Key achievements:

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Our Future

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

3. Supporting the local ecosystem: bringing resources to the Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire

Through a combination of local partnerships and national connections, we've helped create connections through which new funding has come in to support a range of community organisations in NE Lincolnshire.

Key achievements:

4. Expanding Our Reach: scoping new locations

Building on our success in Grimsby, we have started exploring new locations for Our Future's model of change. We are exploring potential partnerships with football and rugby clubs in three other areas, with strong interest from funders and other partners working in those areas to develop the Our Future model.

Financial review

A summary of the year's results can be found on page 9 of the attached financial statements.

Our Future's first operational year was a successful one from a financial and operational perspective with start-up funding secured primarily from charitable trusts and foundations.

Whilst the charity works to secure its longer-term funding base and build reserves, it is deliberately operating on a streamlined basis with low fixed costs. The operational team consists of three permanent staff members with additional expertise contracted in as required. The team work remotely or in a co-working space provided complimentary by a funder to eliminate expenditure on an office.

Income for the year equalled £667,226. The majority of this consists of grants from charitable and public funders. This includes £100,000 of restricted income secured for the East Marsh Community Plan, £68,510 of which is payable to our operational partners in the project.

The charity has ended the year with £211,165 of total funds carried over. This is funding secured for our second year of operations. The charity will need to fundraise further to cover the second year’s costs.

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Our Future

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

Reserves policy

As this is Our Future's first operational year, the charity is working to build up its reserves.

The charity maintains an unrestricted fund from which activities are funded in line with the approved annual budget. As of 30[th] September 2024, the charity had free reserves of £210,573 which is primarily funding secured to fund the second year of operations. Whilst the charity works to secure its longer term funding base, the trustees only commit to projects where the charity has committed funding.

The current reserves policy is to aim to maintain a level of free reserves equal to 3 months' of operational running costs ("core costs"). The current level of free reserves meets this requirement.

Thank you

Over this year, we have received significant support in the form of advice, funding, pro-bono office space and technical expertise from a range of individuals and organisations for which we are sincerely grateful. These supporters include:

Unrestricted funding: Segelman Trust, The DC Foundation, Treebeard Trust, Wates Family Enterprise Trust, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Dulverton Trust.

Restricted funding:

Support and advice: Gowling WLG, Greenwood Place, Grimsby Town Football Club, David Robinson of the Relationships Project, UCL Policy Lab, Simmons & Simmons LLP.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 29 January 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

James Perry Chair

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Our Future

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Our Future

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Our Future ('the charity') for the period ended 30 September 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Independent Examiner

511 Kenton Lane Harrow Middlesex HA3 JW

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Our Future

Statement of Financial Activities

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

Period from 27 Apr 23 to 30 Sep 24 27 Apr 23 to 30 Sep 24
Unrestricted Restricted
funds fundsTotal funds
Note £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 586,128 77,165 663,293
Investment income 5 3,933 3,933
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
Total income 590,061 77,165 667,226
================================ ============================ ================================
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities 6,7 379,488 76,573 456,061
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
Total expenditure 379,488 76,573 456,061
================================ ============================ ================================
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
Net income and net movement in funds 210,573 592 211,165
================================ ============================ ================================
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
Total funds carried forward 210,573 592 211,165
================================ ============================ ================================

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 12 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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Our Future

Statement of Financial Position

30 September 2024

30 Sep 24
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 11 2,130
Current assets
Debtors 12 38,230
Cash at bank and in hand 311,663
--------------------------------
349,893
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 140,858
--------------------------------
Net current assets 209,035
--------------------------------
Total assets less current liabilities 211,165
--------------------------------
Net assets 211,165
================================
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 592
Unrestricted funds 210,573
--------------------------------
Total charity funds 15 211,165
================================

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 29 January 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by: James Perry, Chair

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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Our Future

Statement of Cash Flows

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

30 Sep 24
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income 211,165
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 492
Other interest receivable and similar income (3,933)
Interest payable and similar charges 260
Accrued expenses 95,907
Changes in:
Trade and other debtors (38,230)
Trade and other creditors 44,951
--------------------------------
Cash generated from operations 310,612
Interest paid (260)
Interest received 3,933
--------------------------------
Net cash from operating activities 314,285
================================
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible assets (2,622)
--------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (2,622)
================================
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 311,663
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
--------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 311,663
================================

The notes on pages 12 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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Our Future

Notes to the Financial Statements

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is 1[st] Floor, 88 Baker Street, London, W1U 6TQ, United Kingdom.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

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Our Future

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

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Our Future

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

4. Donations

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Donations
Charitable Donations & services 504,871 77,165 582,036
Donated Goods Services 81,257 81,257
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
586,128 77,165 663,293
================================ ============================ ================================

Charitable donation includes income for services provided.

The donated goods and services consisted of (1) legal services by Gowling WLG LLP (2) free room hire for events and meetings at Grimsby Football Club, (3) free room hire, lodging and catering for a leadership retreat at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge and (4) legal services by Simmons & Simmons LLP.

Grimsby Town Football Club is co-owned by Jason Stockwood, trustee of the charity. The football club provides complimentary room hire and catering at cost for events and meetings.

5. Investment income

Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024
£ £
Bank interest receivable 3,933 3,933
======================= =======================

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Our Future

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

6. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Charitable Activity 351,162 76,573 427,735
Support costs 28,326 28,326
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
379,488 76,573 456,061
================================ ============================ ================================
Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type
Activities
undertaken Support Total funds
directly costs 2024
£ £ £
Charitable Activity 427,736 427,736
Governance costs 28,325 28,325
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
427,736 28,325 456,061
================================ ============================ ================================
Net income
Net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
30 Sep 24
£
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 492
==============
Staff costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
Period from
27 Apr 23 to
30 Sep 24
£
Wages and salaries 169,757
Social security costs 9,496
Employer contributions to pension plans 15,485
--------------------------------
194,738
================================
The average head count of employees during the period was 3.
The following number of employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension
costs and employers national insurance) during the year between:
Period from
27 Apr 23 to
30 Sep 24
£
£30,000 - £39,999 1
£40,000 - £49,999 -
£50,000 - £59,999 1
£60,000 - £69,999 -
£70,000 - £79,999 -
£80,000 - £89,999 1
================================

7. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type

8. Net income

9. Staff costs

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Our Future

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

10. Trustee remuneration and expenses

11. Tangible fixed assets

Equipment Total
£ £
Cost
At 27 April 2023
Additions 2,622 2,622
----------------------- -----------------------
At 30 September 2024 2,622 2,622
======================= =======================
Depreciation
At 27 April 2023
Charge for the period 492 492
----------------------- -----------------------
At 30 September 2024 492 492
======================= =======================
Carrying amount
At 30 September 2024 2,130 2,130
======================= =======================
Debtors
30 Sep 24
£
Trade debtors 22,500
Prepayments and accrued income 15,730
----------------------------
38,230
============================
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
30 Sep 24
£
Trade creditors 23,272
Accruals and deferred income 95,907
Social security and other taxes 21,679
----------------------------
140,858
============================

12. Debtors

13. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

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Our Future

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Period from 27 April 2023 to 30 September 2024

14. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At
At 30 Septemb
27 April 2023 Income Expenditure er 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 590,061 (379,488)
210,573
============== ================================ ================================ ================================
Restricted funds
At
At 30 Septemb
27 April 2023 Income Expenditure er 2024
£ £ £ £
Restricted Fund 77,165 (76,573) 592
============== ============================ ============================ ==============
Analysis of changes in net debt
At At
27 Apr 2023 Cash flows 30 Sep 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 311,663 311,663
============== ================================ ================================

16. Analysis of changes in net debt

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