FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report 01.02.2024 – 31.01.2025
CONTENTS
| SUMMARY | 3 |
|---|---|
| Section A: Reference and Administration Details | 4 |
| Section B: Structure, Governance and Management | 5 |
| Section C: Objectives and Activities | 8 |
| Section D: Achievements and Performance | 10 |
| Section E: Financial Review | 11 |
| Section F: Other Optional Information | 12 |
| Section G: Declaration | 13 |
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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SUMMARY
FabFutures – Trustees’ Annual Report Summary (2024–2025)
This was the very first year for FabFutures , and while we didn’t yet deliver public programmes, we laid the important foundations to build an exciting future for young people.
Our mission
FabFutures exists to give young people (up to 25) opportunities to learn, create, and grow. We will focus on:
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Music – giving access to instruments, lessons and practice spaces.
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Science & Innovation – helping young people explore ideas, develop inventions, and gain confidence.
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Health & Sustainability – providing affordable, healthy meals while tackling food waste.
What we achieved this year
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Registered as a charity (CIO) with the Charity Commission.
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Appointed our first trustees and created our constitution.
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Designed a clear Business Plan to guide our work.
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Developed our FabFutures identity and logo, ready for outreach and fundraising.
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Taken important preparatory steps to start Music Experiences in March 2025
Finances
We had no income or expenditure this year, as all our efforts went into preparation. Our fundraising will begin in the next financial year.
What’s next
In 2025, we’ll begin pilot projects in Manchester, offering young people the chance to try out music, the first of our focus areas to go live.
Our ethos
At FabFutures, we believe in young people helping young people . Together, we can unlock potential, share talents, and build a brighter future.
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Section A: Reference and Administration Details
Charity name: FabFutures
Registered Charity Number: 1208432 Charity's principal address: 77 Doncaster Avenue Manchester M20 1DH Email address: info@fabfutures.org Website: www.fabfutures.org
Charity Trustees
| Trustee Name | Office (if any) |
Dates acted (if not for whole year) |
|---|---|---|
| Lin Werner | Chair | |
| Xiulian Qian | ||
| Constanze Craddock | since 09.01.2025 | |
| Zoe Werner | since 09.01.2025 |
Independent Examiner / Auditor
No independent examiner or auditor was required for this period.
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Section B: Structure, Governance and Management
Type of governing document
FabFutures is governed by a Foundation Model Constitution , adopted on 24 May 2024 .
How the charity is constituted
The charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Trustee recruitment and appointment
Trustees are appointed by resolution of the existing trustees at properly convened meetings, with consideration given to the skills, knowledge and experience required for the effective administration of the CIO.
Based on advice received from the Charity Commission in May 2024, in the board meeting on 8 January 2025 it was decided to appoint Mrs Constanze Craddock and Miss Zoe Lin Werner as additional trustees, effective 9 January 2025. Accordingly, the overall number of trustees has increased to four.
This will help with the effective administration of the charity and ensure a broader range of skills within the trustee body.
The charity trustees will make available to each new charity trustee, on or before his or her first appointment: (1) a copy of the current version of the constitution; and (2) a copy of the CIO's latest Trustees' Annual Report and Statement of Accounts.
Additional governance topics
As this was the charity’s first year of operation, trustees concentrated on establishing governance structures, creating operational policies, understanding their legal duties and responsibilities as charity trustees and familiarising themselves with the CIO's constitution and business plan, ensuring that FabFutures is well prepared to move into programme delivery in the following year.
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Trustees' Responsibilities Statement
The trustees acknowledge and accept their responsibilities under charity law and confirm that:
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They have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission.
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They are responsible for preparing this Trustees' Annual Report and ensuring its contents comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and FabFutures' CIO constitution
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Although FabFutures has not yet commenced operational activities or handled any charitable funds during this initial period, all preparatory work and governance arrangements have been established in full compliance with FabFutures' CIO constitution. The trustees have:
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Established appropriate governance frameworks
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Developed operational procedures and controls
These foundations will ensure effective delivery of the charity's objectives and proper stewardship of charitable funds in future periods.
This combines both the trustees' responsibilities declaration and the constitution compliance.
Risk Management Statement
As a newly-established CIO charity, FabFutures has not yet implemented a formal risk management framework. Nevertheless, the trustees recognise that identifying, assessing and managing risks is essential to safeguarding the charity’s future. Accordingly, they have agreed the following interim approach, with a view to putting in place a full risk management process once operational activities commence and funding is secured:
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Risk Identification
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Governance risks (e.g. unclear decision-making lines)
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Operational risks (e.g. delays in launching pilot projects)
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Financial risks (e.g. unexpected startup costs, cashflow gaps)
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Compliance risks (e.g. failure to meet regulatory or reporting obligations)
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Reputational risks (e.g. stakeholder confidence in early-stage activities)
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Risk Assessment and Prioritisation
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Each risk will be rated in terms of likelihood and impact
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High-priority risks will be escalated for immediate action planning
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Risk Mitigation and Control
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Assignment of clear ownership for each risk item
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Definition of controls or actions to reduce likelihood or impact
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Documentation of these controls in a simple risk register
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Monitoring and Review
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The risk register—and associated controls—will be reviewed quarterly by the trustees
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Key changes, emerging risks or control failures will be reported to the board promptly
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An annual formal review of the charity’s risk framework will be conducted, aligned to budget-setting and strategic planning
Next Steps: Once FabFutures begins to receive income or incurs expenditure, the trustees will:
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Develop and adopt a detailed Risk Management Policy
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Integrate risk considerations into all project and financial planning
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Provide risk awareness training to incoming staff or volunteers
By taking these early steps - even before formal operations begin - the trustees are satisfied that FabFutures is well-prepared to manage the risks identified as the charity grows.
Reserves Policy Statement
Given that FabFutures had no income or expenditure during this initial period, the trustees have not yet established a formal reserves policy. However, they recognise that maintaining reserves is critical to
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Safeguarding against unforeseen liabilities, and
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Ensuring continuity of core activities in early stages.
Accordingly, once income generation commences, the trustees intend to hold unrestricted reserves equivalent to three to six months’ anticipated operating costs. This policy will be reviewed annually in conjunction with the charity’s risk assessment and budgeting process and adjusted as necessary to reflect evolving plans and financial projections.
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Section C: Objectives and Activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
The objects of FabFutures, as set out in its constitution, are to act as a resource for young people up to the age of 25 by providing advice, assistance and activities, with the aim of:
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developing young people’s skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals;
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advancing education;
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relieving unemployment; and
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providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.
Guided by its Business Plan, FabFutures has identified three key strands of future activity:
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The Art of Music – widening access to musical instruments, rehearsal space and opportunities for young people to learn from and teach one another.
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Science & Innovation – clubs and competitions to encourage creativity, confidence and STEM learning.
3. Health & Sustainability – repurposing surplus school meals to provide nutritious and affordable food to young people, while reducing food waste.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects
During this initial reporting period, FabFutures focused entirely on establishing its foundational framework to enable future charitable activities. As a newly registered CIO (registered 29 May 2024), the trustees' primary focus was on governance, strategic planning, and administrative setup. Key preparatory activities included:
- Developing and finalising the charity's Business Plan to guide future operations.
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Establishing internal governance procedures and policies.
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Researching potential partnerships and funding opportunities.
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Laying the groundwork for future program delivery, in line with the charity's objects.
No direct charitable activities involving beneficiaries were undertaken during this period, as the charity was in its formative stage. All efforts were directed towards ensuring the charity is robustly prepared to deliver its public benefit effectively in subsequent periods.
During this initial period, all work was undertaken by the charity trustees on a voluntary basis. No other volunteers were formally engaged.
Statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. Although direct charitable activities had not yet commenced, the preparatory work undertaken during this period was essential to establish a sound and effective charitable organisation. This foundational work directly contributes to future public benefit by ensuring that FabFutures will be wellgoverned, strategically focused, and operationally ready to deliver its charitable objects effectively and sustainably, thereby benefiting the public as intended.
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Section D: Achievements and Performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
Although FabFutures was not yet in a position to deliver public-facing programmes in its first financial year, important progress was made in laying strong foundations:
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Successful registration as a CIO with the Charity Commission.
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Adoption of the governing constitution.
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Appointment of the first trustees.
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Development and approval of the charity’s Business Plan, which outlines long-term vision, strategic goals, and programme structure.
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Creation of a distinctive organisational identity, including the FabFutures logo and initial communications strategy.
These preparatory achievements ensure that the charity is well placed to launch active programmes in the coming financial year.
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Section E: Financial Review
During the initial financial year ending 31 January 2025, FabFutures had no income and no expenditure.
Accordingly, there were no reserves and no funds in deficit at the year end.
The financial year ending 31 January 2025 recorded:
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Income: £0
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Expenditure: £0
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Reserves: none held
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Funds in deficit: none
As the charity’s income was below the statutory threshold, no audit or independent examination was required for this reporting period.
The charity’s principal sources of funds
Looking ahead, the trustees anticipate potential future funding sources, including: working with young people around Manchester to support the charity, collaboration with other organisations to provide musical instruments, grants and cooperation with other charities or foundations, fundraising days in schools, gift aid, and sponsored events such as concerts and competitions.
All funds raised will be applied to support the charity’s core objectives of improving the lives of young people.
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Section F: Other Optional Information
Future Plans
Although no programmes were delivered during the charity’s first year of operation, considerable time and effort were invested in preparation for the launch of activities. This work resulted in the successful commencement of the first music sessions in Manchester’s Fallowfield Library on 8 March 2025, early in the charity’s second year.
Through the planning process, it became clear that it would not be feasible to initiate programmes across all three designated areas of activity simultaneously. The trustees therefore resolved to adopt a staggered approach: beginning with music sessions and then expanding into the other areas once the first programme is fully established and a minimum level of sustainable funding is secured.
The trustees will place a strong emphasis on sustainability and safeguarding, ensuring that all activities are safe, inclusive, and future-focused.
Central to FabFutures’ ethos is the principle of “young people helping young people.” In the medium term, the charity will actively involve young people not only as beneficiaries but also as contributors, recognising their potential to support one another and share their talents.
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Section G: Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Annual Report above.
----- Start of picture text -----
Signed on behalf of the charity trustees.
LIN WERNER XIULIAN QIAN
Print name
CHAIR n.a.
Position
Date 31 August 2025 31 August 2025
Signatures
----- End of picture text -----
FabFutures Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Annual Accounts
for the year ended 31 January 2025
FabFutures
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Registered Charity Number 1208432
Statement of Receipts and Payments
| Receipts | £ | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Donations and legacies | 0.00 | ||
| Charitable activities | 0.00 | ||
| Other income | 0.00 | ||
| Total Receipts | 0.00 | ||
| Payments | £ | ||
| Charitable activities | 0.00 | ||
| Governance costs | 0.00 | ||
| Other expenditure | 0.00 | ||
| Total Payments | 0.00 |
Net receipts/(payments): £ 0.00
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 January 2025
| Assets | £ | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash funds | 0.00 | ||
| Other assets | 0.00 | ||
| Total assets | 0.00 | ||
| Liabilities | £ | ||
| Creditors(amounts fallingdue) | 0.00 | ||
| Total liabilities | 0.00 |
Total funds: £ 0.00
FabFutures Annual Accounts for the year ending 31 January 2025
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Notes to the Accounts
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Basis of accounts: These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis, as permitted for CIOs with income not exceeding £250,000.
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Trustees’ remuneration and expenses: No trustees received any remuneration, benefits, or expenses from the charity during this period.
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Audit/Independent Examination: As the charity’s gross income was nil, no audit or independent examination was required under the Charities Act 2011.
Trustees’ Approval
The trustees declare that these accounts have been approved and signed on their behalf by:
SIGNED: ___
NAME: Lin Werner
POSITION: Chair DATE: 31 August 2025
FabFutures Annual Accounts for the year ending 31 January 2025
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