Charity number: 1211185
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 4 |
| Trustees' responsibilities statement | 5 |
| Independent examiner's report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 14 |
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Trustees | M H Saddiq, Chair |
|---|---|
| J Shephard | |
| E Testanti | |
| E Wall | |
| J Sterling | |
| R Sexton | |
| J Chakrabarti-Gallemore | |
| M T Tudge | |
| D R Wood | |
| J Gray | |
| A Bretherton (appointed 9 May 2025) | |
| Charity registered number 1211185 Registered office Burges Salmon LLP 1 Glass Wharf Bristol BS2 0ZX Accountants Bishop Fleming Audit Limited Chartered Accountants 10 Temple Back Bristol BS1 6FL |
Page 1
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the period ended 1 September 2025.
Purpose
To address long-standing inequalities and underrepresentation faced by young people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds in Bristol. The charity was created to empower these young people to realise their potential, unlock their talent, and build a future that positively impacts their lives, families, and communities.
Aims
Provide opportunities for young people aged 14–21 from Black and marginalised backgrounds through:
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Work experience
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Career insights
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Apprenticeship and graduate scheme advice
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Career skills workshops
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Networking
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Site visits
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Mentoring
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Bespoke projects
Mission Statement
To inspire, prepare, and elevate future talent by connecting young people with meaningful opportunities for work experience, mentorship, and career growth through inclusive partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations. Our mission is to eliminate long-standing inequalities and underrepresentation faced by people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds in Bristol. We deliver the Elevate Program, offering work experience, mentoring, career workshops, and networking opportunities for youth aged 14–21. Activities include site visits, custom projects, and skills development sessions.
Objectives and Strategic Planning
The charity sets specific objectives for visibility, engagement, and partner recruitment, all of which are aligned with its mission to empower underrepresented young people.
Structure, Governance, and Management
Bristol Future Talent Partnership (BFTP) is a registered charity, governed by its constitution as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), and was registered on 29 November 2024. Prior to this, BFTP operated as a Community Interest Company (CIC). Following the establishment of the CIO, the net assets of the CIC were transferred to the CIO on 29 November 2024 and recognised as a donation of £40,601.
The Board of Trustees provides strategic oversight, meeting quarterly to review progress and risks. Day-to-day operations are delegated to the Operations Manager. Trustee recruitment prioritises diversity and relevant expertise in education, employment, and inclusion.
Bristol Future Talent Partnership was previously registered as a Community Interest Company. During the period a special resolution was held and the organisation was converted to a CIO, with the net assets of the previous CIC being recognised as a donation to the newly formed CIO.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing financial statements that give an accurate and fair view of the charity’s financial position and for safeguarding its assets. They ensure compliance with the Charities Act and SORP requirements.
Page 2
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
Charitable Purpose
To address inequalities and underrepresentation faced by young people from Black and marginalised backgrounds in Bristol.
Public Benefit Statement
The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. Bristol Future Talent Partnership’s activities are undertaken to further its charitable purposes for the public benefit by providing opportunities for young people from underrepresented backgrounds to access work experience, mentoring, and career development. These services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries and aim to reduce inequalities and improve life chances. Activities undertaken for public benefit include:
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Work experience placements
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Career workshops
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Mentoring programmes
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Employer site visits
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Apprenticeship and graduate scheme advice
All services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries.
Financial Review
Overview
The trustees present the financial results of Bristol Future Talent Partnership for the period ended 1 September 2025.
During the period, the charity continued to develop its partnership base and programme delivery model while operating within a lean cost structure. The trustees have maintained careful oversight of income generation, expenditure control, and cash flow management.
Income
Total income for the 10 month period amounted to £50,851 (2024 CIC year: £35,480).
Income was generated from the following sources:
-
Partnership contributions: £10,000
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Grant funding: £250
-
Donation of net assets from Bristol Future Talent Partnership CIC: £40,601
Partnership income remained a key funding stream during the period. The trustees recognise the importance of diversifying income sources and have prioritised strengthening grant applications and structured partnership agreements to support long-term sustainability.
Expenditure
Total expenditure for the 10 month period was £19,976 (2024 CIC year: £36,382).
Expeniture was primarily incurred in:
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Programme delivery costs
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Staffing and associated costs
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Governance and compliance
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Administrative and operational overheads
Page 3
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
The charity operates with a lean staffing structure, with day-to-day operations managed by the Operations Manager. Trustees continue to monitor expenditure carefully to ensure resources are directed toward frontline delivery and impact.
Net Movement in Funds
The charity recorded a surplus of £30,875 for the period (2024 CIC: £902 deficit).
At 1 September 2025, total funds held were £30,875, comprising all unrestricted funds.
Excluding the donation of net assets from Bristol Future Talent Partnership CIC (BFTP CIC), there was a deficit of £9,726 in the period. This reflects investment in programme development and organisational infrastructure while income diversification measures are being implemented.
Financial Sustainability
During the period, the trustees continued transitioning from a contribution-supported model toward a more structured and commercially sustainable partnership framework.
While employer engagement has strengthened, income volatility remains a key financial risk. The trustees have responded by:
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Developing a tiered partnership model
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Increasing focus on grant funding
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Introducing structured income forecasting and pipeline monitoring
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Strengthening board oversight of income concentration risk
The charity remains operational and solvent as of the date of approval of these accounts.
Reserves Policy
The trustees aim to maintain reserves equivalent to 3–6 months of operating costs to ensure continuity of services. Current reserves are below target; plans are in place to build reserves through partnership income and grant funding. At period end:
-
Free reserves held: £30,875
-
Target reserve level: £7,150 - £14,300
While reserves exceed the target range, trustees have prioritised income diversification and multi-year partnership agreements to strengthen financial resilience over the next 12–24 months in light of the in period deficit (excluding donation from BFTP CIC).
Plans for Future Periods
Objectives for 2025–2028 include partnering with 65 organisations, inspiring 3,000+ students, securing £225,000 in funding, and maintaining student and partner satisfaction at 80% and above. We will expand bespoke training for partners and strengthen monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on and signed on behalf by:
M H Saddiq
Trustee
Page 4
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these 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 of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 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 order of the members of the board of Trustees on _______ and signed on its behalf by:
M H Saddiq Trustee
Page 5
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Bristol Future Talent Partnership ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the period ended 1 September 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: Christopher Trantham MA FCA Bishop Fleming Audit Limited Chartered Accountants 10 Temple Back Bristol BS1 6FL
Page 6
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and grants 2 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 3 Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 50,851 50,851 19,976 19,976 30,875 30,875 30,875 |
Total funds 2025 £ 50,851 50,851 |
|---|---|---|
| 19,976 19,976 |
||
| 30,875 | ||
| 30,875 30,875 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period.
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP REGISTERED NUMBER:
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 10 Unrestricted funds 10 Total funds |
5,000 26,983 31,983 (1,367) |
2025 £ 259 |
|---|---|---|
| 259 30,616 |
||
| 30,875 | ||
| 30,875 | ||
| 30,875 | ||
| - 30,875 |
||
| 30,875 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on _______ and signed on their behalf by:
M H Saddiq Trustee
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1.1 BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Bristol Future Talent Partnership meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 GOING CONCERN
After making appropriate enquires, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
The charity is in a strong financial position with healthy reserves. The cash balance as at 1 September 2025 was £26,983 and we consider that the charity holds sufficient funds to mitigate against the risks of any loss of income. For this reason, it is considered appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 INCOME
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations
Donations are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
Grants
Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
1.4 EXPENDITURE
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Page 9
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
1.5 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
- Office equipment 20% reducing balance
1.6 DEBTORS
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.7 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.8 LIABILITIES AND PROVISIONS
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
1.9 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
1.10 PENSIONS
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the period.
1.11 FUND ACCOUNTING
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Page 10
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Donations 10,000 Grants 250 Donation from CIC 40,601 50,851 |
Total funds 2025 £ 10,000 250 40,601 50,851 |
|---|---|
Included within donations and legacies is a donation of £40,601, which represents the net assets of Bristol Future Talent Partnership CIC donated upon the transfer to CIO.
3. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|
| funds | Total | |
| 2025 | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | 19,976 | 19,976 |
Summary by expenditure type
| Staff costs | Depreciation | Other costs | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | 16,687 | 65 | 3,224 | 19,976 |
4. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REMUNERATION
The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £ -.
Page 11
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 5. STAFF COSTS Wages and salaries Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the period was as follows: Average headcount No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year. 6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES During the period, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits. During the period ended 1 September 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred. 7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST OR VALUATION Additions At 1 September 2025 DEPRECIATION Charge for the period At 1 September 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 1 September 2025 |
2025 £ 16,518 169 16,687 2025 No. 1 Office equipment £ 324 |
|---|---|
| 324 | |
| 65 | |
| 65 | |
| 259 |
Page 12
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 8. DEBTORS DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors 9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other taxation and social security |
2025 £ 5,000 |
|---|---|
| 5,000 | |
| 2025 £ 1,367 |
Page 13
BRISTOL FUTURE TALENT PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 SEPTEMBER 2025
10. STATEMENT OF FUNDS STATEMENT OF FUNDS - CURRENT PERIOD
| Balance at 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| September | |||
| Income | Expenditure | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| UNRESTRICTED FUNDS | |||
| General Funds | 50,851 | (19,976) | 30,875 |
11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS - CURRENT PERIOD
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Tangible fixed assets 259 Current assets 31,983 Creditors due within one year (1,367) TOTAL 30,875 |
Total funds 2025 £ 259 31,983 (1,367) 30,875 |
|---|---|
12. PENSION COMMITMENTS
The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the group to the fund and amounted to £169.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Bristol Future Talent Partnership has not entered into any related party transaction during the period, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Bristol Future Talent Partnership at 1 September 2025.
Page 14