Homes & Community Agency Registered Number.. A3603
Charity RegSstffi•d Numbor". 202152
The Society of Merchant Venturers,
Almshouses Charity
Annual report and financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2022

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Annual report and financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2022
Contents
Page
Rep)rt of the Truslee
Independent auditor's rep(Ki lo the Trustee of The Society of Merchant Venturers, Amshouse Charity
Statement of comprehensive income
Balance sheet
12
13
Principal aecounting poI￿leS
Notes lo the financial slalemenls
14

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Report of the Trustee
for the year ended 31 December 2022
The Trustee presents ils annual report and the ￿tIlled financral statements for Ihe year en¢Jed
31 December 2022.
These financial statements have been wepared in a¢xordance with the Tnjsl deed. the Slalemenl of
Recommended Practice "Accounting by Registered Social Landlords" (updated 20191, the Accounting
Direction for Private Registered Provi(5ers of Social Housing 2019 and FRS 102.
Trustee. officers and advisers
The Trustee of the Charity is SMV Trustee Company Limited.
Listed below are those members who have served on Ihe Board of SMV Tnjstee Company Limited during
the year..
Patrick Despard
Michael Bolhamley
Robert Bourns
David Freed
Gilli8n C8mm
Ros5 Ancell
Charles Grrffilhs
Alan Lews
Mohammed Saddiq
Jonalhon Baker
Martin Thatcher
Dr Steve Allpress
Nick Bak
Karl Tvcker
Kalharine Finn
David Powdl
Mark Burchfield
Heather Frankham
(Relifed 10 November 2022)
(Retired 10 November 2022)
(Relifed 10 November 2022)
(Apwinled 10 November 2022)
(Apwinled 10 November 2022)
IApp)inled 10 November 2022)
Registored addross of the Charlty
Merchants, Hall
The Promenade
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 3NH
Charity Number.. 202152
Housing Association Number: A3603

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Report of the Trustee
for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Names and addresses of other relevant organisations
Audltor
KPMG LLP, 66 Queen Square. Bristol. BS1 48E
Banker
Nalwesl Bank plc, 32 Corn Street, Bristsl. BS99 7UG
Soll¢hor
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, 3 Temple Quay, Temple Back East. Bristol. BS16DZ
Investment Managers
Evelyn Partners Inveslmenl Management LLP. Porthll Flace. Por￿1 Lane, Bristol. BS16NA
(via the Merchant Venturers, Charities Inveslment Pwl IMVCIPI. Charity Number 1053459)
COIF Charity Funds. CCLA Investment Management Ltd, 80 Cheapside. London. EC2V 6DZ
Reference and administrative infomiation
The Almshouses Charity is a Regislered Social Landlord {Homes & Community Agency number A36031
and a charily registered with the Charity Commission (charity registration number 2021521.
The informalion with respect lo the Truslee, officers and advisers set out on page 1 forms part of this report.
Structure. govemance and management
Goveming document
The Charity is constiluled under a Charily Commission Scheme daled 29 May 1985 a5 amended by a
Scheme dated 8 May 1991, 2 May 1996 and 3 January 2017 and is a registered charity, number 202152.
Goveming body and organisational management
The Trustee of the Charity is SMV Trustee Company Limiled. 8 company limited by guarantee. All the
members of the Society of Merchant Venturers. Standing Committee are Directors of SMV Trustee
Company Limrted.
The Trustee rneels lo consider. al least on a quarterly basis. the broad Slrategy. direclM)n an(J investment
policy of the Charity.
Assisting the Trustee are the C8re of Older People Sub Comfflillee, the Audit Sub-commillee. Ihe
Investment Strategy Group. the FIna￿e and Investment SuWommittee and Ihe Conflicts of Inleresl Advisory
Sub-commillee.

The Society of Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity
Report of the Trustee
for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Governing body and organisational management (continued)
The Charity is 2 Registered Social Landlord and. under the supervision of the Trustee. is managed by the Care
of Older People Sulhcommillee of the SOc￿ty of Merchant Venturers, the memtHs of which are..
Or Jwueline Comish (Chair)
Caroline Duckworth
Anne Nisbel
Charles Densham
M8ry Prior
Charles Grrffilhs
AnllK)ny Brown (Retired 27 January 20231
Edward Ware
David Marsh
Sir Jay Tidrnarsh IAppc¥nled 10 November 2022}
The Sub£ommittee meets al leasl quartedy lo oversee and administer the efficient managementofthe Charity
and lo consKJer ar￿ subsequently recommend and gain approval from the Tnjstee for broaj operational and
Strateg￿ issues. The tenure ol membership is 3 years. re-dectaLle for 8 fijrther 3 years and, in special
circUmstan￿s, tenu￿ can be extended. The indUCt￿n pr(ws for any newty appointed member includes an
inrtial meeting and sile visits wlh Ihe Chaimian.
The Confiicts of Interest Advisory Sub-commiltee (￿mpriseS of ts¥o individuals wth no c￿ne¢ll(￿ lo either
SMV or SMV TCL w￿) can advise on areas where a confiict of interest might arise.
As detailed in note 16. the so¢￿tY of Merchanl Venturers wovided adminisifalive serV￿S to the charities of
which SMV TCL was trustee and las ￿M)Illed by Ihe Charity Commiss*)n} made a charge for these. The
Conflicts of Interest Advisory Sub-commillee has re¥￿ these charges and made a recommendation lo the
board of SMV TCL that the Fyiosed char￿5 are, in the opinion of the members of the Sub£ommittee
approprote.
Accounb'ng SUPF¥)rt is rKov*Jed by the Merchant Venlurers. Finance department.
Recruitment and training of the Trustee
The Directors of SMV Truslee Company Limited are elected annually from wrthin the membership of the
Society and are appraised of the general duties ofa Iruslee. In the event of S￿n￿lcan1 changes to legislation
or best practice, further relevant training is undertaken. The management and stratègy of the Charity are
considered in greater deiail by the Care of Older People sU￿0mmIttee. The members of this Sub-
Committee bring with them the necessary financial. property and care skills that enable them lo deal both
with more immediate issues as well as lo assess. monitor and make the necessary recommendations for
the future Strategic dIr￿LI0n an¢Y well-beirwJ of the Charity.

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Report of the Trustee
for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Rlsk management
In the light of the Corporate Governance guidance contained wilhin the Statement of Recommended
Praclice 2019"Accounling and Reporting by Charitie5" Ihe Trustee examined Ihe major risks faced by the
Charity.
The Trustee continues lo monitor and manage ongoing risks relats.ng lo areas such as Ihe achievement of
the charitsble objects and the protection of the charty'5 assets. Systems are In place lo monitor and control
these risks to mitigate the impact that they may have on Ihe charity in the future.
The Merchant Venture￿. Audit Commtitee is responsible for assessing Ihe $￿pe and effectiveness of the
systems and processes established by managemelll lo Hdenlify. assess, manage and monitor the financial
and non-financial risks. The risk register Is reviewed and updated as required and no less frequently than
twice yearly by Management and by the Care of Older People Sub-committee. 11 is reviewed by the
Merchant Venlurers. Audit Committee and is noted by the Trustee.
The Charity is r￿￿nI on the income from its investrnents and on the income from residents to enable il lo
provide accommodation in the fvrthwance of rt5 charitable objectives. The charity does however have reserves
in significant excess of its annuat expenditure and therefore rf required il could meet expenditure from these
reserves.
Objectives and activities
The Trustee confirms Ihal il has referred to the guidance contained in Ihe Charity Commission's general
guidance on pU￿1C benefit when fevbewing the Charity's aims and objectives and in planning future
aclivilies.
Objects of the Charity
The objects of the Charity. defined in the Chaty CommissK)n Scheme, whth should be referred lo for exact
details. are-.
'To provide Amshouses for persons of wjd character who (except in S￿la7 cases lo be approved by
the Charily Commission) are inhabitants of the Cty of Bristol..
During the year the Charity has continued to provide accommodation for older people in accordance with
the terms of the Scheme via the 12 self-conlained accommodation unrts.
Alms and intended impact
The aim of the Charity is lo provide affordable. svilable and fil for purpose accommodation for persons of
good character. The Trustee has given careful consideration lo the level of fees sel for the Almshouse and
has adhered lo the legislation which prescribes a formula of Consumer Price Index ICPII + 1010. This
enables residents lo meet their fees for rents wholly from Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (where they
are eligible individuals}.
Objectives for the year
This year the focus has been ensuring that the Almshouse is operaled. equipped and maintained lo meet
both current and future social housing requirerrbenls.

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Report of the Trustee
for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Strategles to achleve the objectives
The future short and long-lerm maintenance needs of the Amshouse have been considered in the light of
changing requirements of Ihe residenls. The Almshouse should receive suff￿lent investment lo meet
expectations of future residents.
Achievements and perfomiance
Throughout the year the Almshouse has provided 12 flats lo those in need al social housing rates.
Occupants of this close-knil community enjoy all the advantages of a historic building and setting bul located
in an inner-city environment. The Trustee continues to monitor and maintain the building for the benefit of
the residents and improve units. as they become vacant.
Financial review
The operating deficit for the year was1£580)12021= £23.188 surplus)-
The slalemenl on page 12 shows a lolal comprehensive income deficil for Ihe year of1£407,835112021'.
£364.079 surplus). The éecrease from 2021 10 2022 is largely due lo an unrealised loss in the value of
inveslmenls lolalling {£488,426) (2021.. £193.943 unrealised gain).
Investment policy and perfomiance
The Trustee has delegated investment management to Ihe Merchanl Venturers, Finance and Investment
Sub-commillee. including Ihe investment and performance of Ihe financial asseis.. the appointment of
appropriate Fund Managers and rnoniloring their performance.. and lo recommend lo the Trustee optimum
strategy for financial inveslmerit.
The Merchant Venturers Finance and Investment Suwmmittee's policy is lo incxease income whilst
￿￿erVIng the real value of the investments. The Ir￿Me provkyes unrestr5Cted fvnds lo enable the Trustee to
pursue the objects of the Chartty. indudiThJ plans for the future. The funds conlinue lo be invested in The
Merchant Venturers, Chanties Investrnent I"MVCIP"I {Charity Number 1053459).
The year ended 31 December 2022 vras a tumultuous year on almost every facet and financial markets
were deeply affected. There was mulli-decade record inflation and centr81 banks responded with rapidly
lightening monetary policy. Rising interest rates saw the correlation between bond5 and equities turn
positive, conlribuling lo large declilles across most asset dasses. FuThJs flows diverted away from growth
and momentum Strateg￿5. ar)d yield curves flallened. The lolal return of the investment portfolio in the
year was a Ios5 of110.6Yol versus the MSCI PIMFA Balanced Index loss of {8.1%}12021.' gain of 10.31 %
versus the PIMFA Conservalive Index benchmark gain of 6.890h).
Reserves policy
The Truslee aims as far as sy)ssible lo maintain years of resources expended in revenue reserve. Ai
31 Decemt*r 2022 the revenue reseNe was al £1.981.64312021.. 2,474,352).
The revenue reserve also includes the proceeds of sale of Si Nichdas wilh Burton's Almshouse1£830,000}
and Merchants. Alwnsh¢JJse1£620.0001 whth wll be used in the reprovision of new almshouse 3c£omodalion.
The Extraordinary Repair Reserve of £332,092 8131 December 2022 12021". £363.5921 provides for major
maintenance and repair of an extraordinary and irregular nalure. This policy is subject lo annual review.
The Trustee transfers £1,230 into tlp Extraordinary Repair Reserve on an anThJaS basis.

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Report of the Trustee
for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Going concem
The financial slalements have been prepared on a 9)ing concem basis wh￿h the Trustee coFisKlers lo be
appropriate for the following reasons.
The Trustee has prepared cash flow forecasts for a rEriod of 12 months from the dale of approval of these
financial statements which indicate that, takiro account of reasonably ￿sSIble downsides, the charity will
have sufficient funds lo meet ils IN4￿litieS as lttey fJl due for that peri¢JJ.
The downside scenarios consKlwed by Ihe Trustee i￿ude a situalM)n where income is swJnffjir2nlly
reduced. The Charity has current assets cor6iderably in excess of ils liabilil*s and, even with a significant
fall in income. has SUff￿ent resources lo meet its I￿l¥ll￿S as they fau due througlmjut the f(wst period.
Consequently. the Trustee is Ix)nfidenl thal the Charity will have sUff￿lent furKSs lo meet f(s IBbililies as Ihey
fall due for al least 12 months from the dale of apwoval of the fina￿la1 statements th￿efOre has prepared
the financial slalemenls on a going con￿rn basiq.
Govemance and Flnanclal Vlabllity
In accordance with t1￿ Accounlir¥J DireCt￿n for Privale Registered ProvKSers of Social Housing 2019, the
Trustee ¢ertJfies compliance with Ihe governan￿ and financial y￿111ty standard.
Future plans
Following an acknowledgement of the need lo plan for and meet changing needs and expeclalions a
strategic review of the future of Ihe Almshouses was conducted during 2016.
11 is planned to Use Ihe proceeds of the sale ol Mer¢banls' Almshouse in 2014 together with the proceeds
of the sale in 2007 of Sl Nicholas with Burton's Almshouse. in the re-provision of new almshouse
accommodation. During 2022 a further review of opwrtunilies within the area of benefit has been
undertaken.
In 2023 the Trustee will conlinue lo eX￿￿ore OPkKJrtunities to work in partnership with other Charities to
achieve this aim.

The Society of Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity
Report of the Trustee
for the year ended 31 December 2022 (continued)
Accounting and reporting responsibilities
Statement of Trustee's responslbilitles In rospect of the Trusteo's Annual Report and th¢ finanGial
statements
Under charily law. the trustees are responsi1￿e for yeparing a Tnjstees, Annual Report and the financial
Statements in accordance wlh applicable law and regulations. The Iruslees are required lo prepare the
financial slalemenls in accordance wlh UK Accounting Slandar(Is, including FRS 102 The Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The financial slalements are required by law lo gNe a true aThY fair view of the slate of affairs of th& charity
and of the incoming resources and application of resources for that period.
In preparing these finan(Mal slatemenls. generally accepted accounting practice entails that the iruslees..
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consi81ently.'
make jijdgements and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent.,
stale whether applicable UK Accounting Standard5 and the Statement of Recommended Praclice have
been followed, subject lo any rnaterial departLrres disclosed and explained in the financial slalemenls.,
slate whelher Ihe financial slatemenls comply wlh the trust deed. subject lo any material departures
disclosed and explained in Ihe financial stalemenls".
assess the charity 5 ability to continue as a gryng concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related lo
going coneern., and
use the going concern bas15 of accounting unless they either intend lo liquidate Ihe charity or lo cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative bul to do so.
The Iruslee5 are required lo act in accordance wth Ihe trust deed of the charity. within the framework of
trust law. They are responsible for keeping accounling records which are sufficienl to show and explain
the charity's transactions disclose at any lime. with reasonable accuracy, the financial posilion of the
charity al that lime, and lo enable Ihe Iruslees to ensure Ihal, where any statements of accounls are
prepared by them under seclion 132{11 of the Charities Acl 2011, those slatemenls of accounts comply
with the requirements of regulations under Ihal provision. They are responsible for such internal control as
they determine is necessary lo enable the preparalion of financial sialemenls that are free from material
rnisstalemenl. whether due lo fraud or error. and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are
reasonably open lo them lo safeguard the assets of the charily and lo prevent and detect fraud and other
irregularilies.
The Iruslees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the financial and other information
included on the charity'5 website. Legislation in the UK goveming the preparats.on and dissemination of
financial statements may differ from legislalion in olher Ivrisdictions.
Sign
for and on behalf of the Trustee
Patric
Despard
Director
Merchanis. Hall, The Promeiiade, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3NH
Dale.. XÉ

Independent auditor's report to the Trustee of
The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Opinion
We have audited the financial slalemenls of The Society of MeTchanl Venturers. Almshouses Charity {'Ihe
¢harily') for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise the stalemenl of financial aclivilies. balance
sheet and related notes. including the accounting policies on pages 14 10 15.
In our opinion the financial statements-.
give a true and fair view of the slate of the charity's affairs as al 31 December 2022 and of its incoming
resources and application of resources for the year then ended".
have been properly prepared in accordance with UK accounting star￿ardS. including FRS 102 The
Financial Reporting Standard applic8ble in the UK and Republic of Ireland: and
have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basls for oplnlon
We have been appointed as auditor under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {or ts p￿deCesS0r$) and
report in accordance with regulalions made under section 154 of that Act.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI I'ISAS IUKI'I and
applicable law. Our responsibilities a￿ deseribed below. We have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities
under. and are independent of the ch8rily in accordance ￿th. UK ethical reqLJirements induding the FRC
Ethical Standard. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is a Suff￿lent and appropriate basis
for our opinion.
Going collcern
The trustees have prepared the financial statements on the going concem basis as they do not intend lo
liquidate the charity or to cease ils operations. and as they have concluded th21 the charity s financial
position means that this is realistic. They have also conduded that there are no material uncertainties that
could have cast significant doubl over tts ability lo continue as a going concern for at least a year from the
date of approval of the financial slalements 1.the going concem period')-
In our evaluation of the Iruslees, conclusions. we considered the inherent risks to the charity's business
model and analysed how those risks might affect the charity's financial resources or ability lo continue
operations over the going concern perk)d.
Our condusions based on this work=
we consider that the Iruslees. use of the going concern ba515 of ￿counting in the preparation of the
financial slalemenls is appropfiate..
we have not identified. and concur with the Iruslees. assessment that Ihere is not, a material uncerlaSnly
related lo events or condition5 thal. individually or collectively. may cast significant doubl on the
charity s ability lo continue as a wing concern for the going concern period.
However, as we cannot predict all future evenls or conditions and as subsequent events may result in
outcomes that are inconsislenl with judgements that were reasonable al the lime they were made, the
above conclusions are not a guarantee that the charity wll continue in operation.

## **Independent auditor’s report to the Trustee of The Society of Merchant Venturers’ Almshouses Charity (continued)** 

## **Fraud and breaches of laws and regulations – ability to detect** 

_Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to fraud_ 

To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud (“fraud risks”) we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included: 

- Enquiring of management as to the charity’s high-level policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud as well as whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. 

- Reading Standing Committee, audit committee, and investment committee meeting minutes. 

- Using analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected year on year movements. 

We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout the audit. 

As required by auditing standards, and taking into account our overall knowledge of the control environment we performed procedures to address the risk of management override of controls, in particular the risk that management may be in a position to make inappropriate accounting entries. 

On this audit we did not identify a fraud risk related to revenue recognition due to the simple recognition criteria and limited scope for judgement. We therefore assessed that there was limited opportunity for management to manipulate the income that was reported. 

We did not identify any additional fraud risks. 

In determining the audit procedures we took into account the results of our evaluation and testing of the operating effectiveness of some of the fraud risk management controls. 

We also performed procedures including: 

- Identifying journal entries and other adjustments to test based on risk criteria and comparing the identified entries to supporting documentation. These included unusual accounts combinations. 

_Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to non-compliance with laws and regulations_ 

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience and discussed with the directors and other management the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. 

As the Charity is regulated, our assessment of risks involved gaining an understanding of the control environment including the entity’s procedures for complying with regulatory requirements. 

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. 

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably. 

Firstly, the Charity is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including charities legislation) and taxation legislation and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items. 

Secondly, the Charity is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: health and safety, employment law, and certain aspects of charity legislation recognising the financial and regulated nature of the Charity's activities and its legal form. 

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal 

9 



Independent auditor's report to the Trustee of
The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charlty (continued)
co￿eSpOnden￿, rf any. Therefore rf a breach of operational regulatKJnS is not disclosed lo us or evident
from relevant correspondence. an audit will not delecl that breach.
Contexl of Ihe 8bilily of Ihe audit to detect fraud tx treaches of law or regUlat￿n
Owing lo the inherent limitations of an audit. there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have delecled
some material misslalemenls in the financial slalemenls, even though we have properly planned and
performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-
compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial
slatemenls, the less likely the inherenuy limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify
ID addition. as with any audit, there remained a h￿her risk of non-deteclion of fraud. as these may invdve
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions. misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit
procedU￿S are designed lo detect material misslalemenl. We are not responsible for preventing non-
compliance or fraud and cannot be expected lo delecl non<ompliance with all laws and regulations.
Other inforniation
The Iruslee is responsible for the other infomalion. which comprises the Report of the Trustee. Our opinion
on the financial slalemenls does not cover the other irbfomialion and, accordingly. we do not express an
audit opinion or. except as eX￿1Cl11Y slated below. any form of assurance conclusion Ihereon.
Our responsibilty is lo read Ihe other infomialion and. in doing so. consider whether, based on our financial
stslemenls audit work, the infofmation therein is malerkglly misstated or In￿nSIStenI with the financial
stslemenls or our audit knowledge. We are required lo report lo you rf..
based solely on that wth, we have identrfied malerial misstslements in the other infoTmation-. or
in our opinion, the infomialion gNen in the Rep(Yt of the Trustees is incon5islenl in any malenal respect
with Ihe financial sialements.
We have nothing to rewrt in these respects.
Matters on which we aro requirod to report by exceptlon
Under the Charities Acl 2011 we are required lo repc￿l lo you rf. In our opinion..
the charity has not kept suffiaent accounting records. or
the financial statements are not in agreement wth the accounting rec￿ls. or
we have not received all the infomialion and explanations we ￿qUIre for our audit.
We have nothing lo report in these respects.
Trustoes, iesponslbS1itles
As explained more fulty in their statement sel out on page 7. the trustees are responsible for.. the Preparation
of financial statements which give a tnJe and fair view.- such internal control as they delermine is necessary
lo enable the preparation of financial slalemenls that are free from material misslalemenl, whether due lo
fraud or erfor." assessing the charity's ability lo continue as a going concern. disclosing. as applicable,
mallers related to going concern", and using the going concem basis of accounting unless they either intend
lo liquidate the charity or lo cease operations. or have no realistic altemative but lo do so.
10

Independent auditor's report to the Trustee of
The Society of Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity (continued)
Auditor's responsibilities
Our objectives are lo obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial slalemenls as a whole are
free from material misstalemenl, whether due to fraud or error. and to issue our opinion in an auditor's
report. Reasonable assurance is a high levd of assurance bul does not guarantee that an audit conducted
in accordance with ISAS {UKI ￿11 always detect a material misslalemenl when il exists. Misslalernenls Ga
arise from fraud or error and are considered material rf. indtvidually or in aggregate, they could reasonably
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users tsken on the basis of the financial slalemenls.
A fuller description
of our reswnsibililies
www.frc.o
-ukJaudilorsres
nsibilities.
is
provided on the FRC'S website al
The purpose of our audlt work and to whom we owe oui responsibilities
This report is made solely lo the charity's trustees as a body. in accordance with section 145 ofthe Charities
Act 2011 lor ils predecessors) and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audtt work has
been undertaken so Ihal we might slate to the charity'5 tnjslees those mallers we are required lo slate lo
them in an auditor's report and for ￿ other purpose. To the fullest exlenl permitted by law. we do not
accept or assume responsibility to anyone other Ihan the charity and its tnjstees as a ly)dy. for our audit
work. for this report, or for Ihe opinions we have formed.
Johathan Brown
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP. Statutory Auditor
Chartered AGcounlants
66 Queen Square
Bristol
BS148E
Dale-.
14 J￿.￿£ KLJ15
KPMG LLP is elwible to act as an audrf¢Y in lerms of sedKin 1212 of the Companies Acl 2006

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2022
Notes
2022
2021
Tumover
Renial income
103,811
6.274
(18.669)
100,845
Services charges
Less-. Rent losses from voids
6.080
112,427}
Net conlribulK)n
91.416
94,498
41,037
Other rental income
44,350
135.766
135,535
Opèrating costs
Services
56,896
42.619
16&
17
Management
Routine maintenance
17,191
50.499
16,774
36,002
Depreciation
11.760
16,952
1136,3461
(5801
(112,3471
23.188
Operating ldeflcltysurplus
Unrealised {lossygain on investmenls
Unrealised Ilossllgain on investments
of designated reserves
Net revaluation (deficitllsurplus
Inleresl receivable and other
income
(488.4261
793,943
10&
14
132.730
1521.1561
53.666
270.797
114,299
93,712
Inleresl payable and similar
expenses
13981
14301
Total comprehensivg {deficitifiThcome for the year
1407,835)
364,079
The re$￿tS presented above relate thlly lo continuing actNities.
There is no drfference bets•￿en the deficil on ordinary &tiviiies frx the year as slated atK)ve and their historical
osl equivalents.
The accofflpanying r￿leS fomi part of the financial stslemenls.
12

The Soclety of Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity
Balance sheet
at 31 December 2022
Notes
2022
2021
Fixed assats
Housing properties
Investments
11,760
1,140,381
1,152,141
1,514,273
1,514.273
Total fixed assets
Current assets
Debtors
36,886
1.688,777
34,991
Investments
1,946.295
Extraordinary repair ￿$￿e
investments
10
332.092
363.592
Cash at bank and in hand
341,518
831,091
2,399,273
3.175.969
Creditors: amounts falling duo
within on8 year
Net current assets
(21.961)
128,690}
2,377,312
3.891,585
3,147,279
Net assets
4.299.420
Capital and r8s•rv•$
Capital account
Investment revaluation reserve
12
873.S76
268.776
13
704,274
1,192,700
Extraordinary repwr reserve
Revenue reswve
14
332.092
1.981,643
363.S92
15
2,474,352
Total Capital and reserves
3.891.$85
4.299,420
The financial stslemenls on page5 12 to 22 were approved by ￿ Truslee on 2$ 3k>fyE 2¢Ji3￿d are signed
on ils behalf by..
ick Despard
ctor
Michael Bothamloy
Director
Dir
The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.
13

The Soclety of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Principal accounting policies
Prgsantatlon of flnancial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in ￿dance with the historical cost convenlK)n as modified by
revaluation of inveslmenis. They comply wilh the Stslemenl of Recommended Practi￿ for Accounling by
Registered Social Landlords {SORP) (2018}, Ihe Financk41 ReFMXting Standard appiicatAe in the UK and
Republic of Ireland IFRS102} a￿1 the Accwnting Drection Private Registered Providers of sou.al Housing
2019.
The accounting p)liC￿S that the Charity has adopted to delennine the amunts included in respect of materia
items shown in the balance sheet and also lo delemiine the in￿￿ne and expenditure have been applied
consislenlly in the current aTrJ preceding year and we shoym beltrw.
The Society of Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity meets the definIt￿n of a pviAic benefit entity under
FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are Initial￿ recwised al histor￿al cost or transaclion value unless othe￿iSe
staled in the relevant aecounling pdry.
Basis of accountlng
The financial slalemenls have been prepared under the hislorThl cosl Convent￿n. as modrfied by the
revaluation of fixed asset inveslmenls. and in &eordance with the Statement of Recommended PraCt￿e
'Accounling and Rep(wtirvJ by charib.es {SORP 2019). appliCa￿e lo charilEs preparing their accounts in
accordan￿ with Financial Rep￿.ng SlarKlard aPFAicable lo the UK arKJ Rewblic of Irdand {FRS 1021.
Golng Concem
The Trustee has (X)nS￿ered whettw use of going concern 15 appropriate. i.e. whether there are any
material uncertainties rdaled lo evenls or Condi￿nS that may cast SWJnrf￿anI doubl on the ability of the char
to continue as a g(Mng co[￿er￿. The Trustee mak&s this assessmenl for a ￿0d of ￿￿1ve months from the
date of approval of the financial 51atemenls.
Under all the scenarios revi￿￿, the charity has sufficienl reserves lo enable il to continue as a wing cortern
for the foresèeable future. F[￿ this reason, il continues lo adopt the ￿Ing concem basis in preparing the
financial statements.
Critical accounling judg9rnents and kgy sources of gstimatlon uncertainty
In ap￿Ying the charity's ￿lUnt]r￿J poliues. the Trustee is required lo make judgemenls, estimates and
assumptions about ￿ carrying amounts of assets aThY liabilities that are not re&Jly apparent from other
sources. Actual results may drffer from these estvmales.
Turnover
Turnover rep￿SentS rental income and Maintenan￿ (￿ntn"￿￿t￿S reeeivable. Al turnover 15 derived from
operations in the Uniteé Kingdom.
Expendlture
Expendilure is accounted for on an accruals basis. inclusNe of irrecoverable VAT, and is recognised when
there is a legal or conslruclive obligation lo pay for expenditure.
Housing properti¢S
The almshouse is slated al I￿gInal cost less acujmulaled depreciat￿.
14

The Society of Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity
Principal accounting policies (continued)
Fixed assets and depreciation
Depreciation is charged so as lo vrrile off assets on a slr2ighl-line basi5 over the expe¢ted useful economic
lives of the assets concemed. The annual rates used for thi5 purpose have been..
Freehold properties
Building improvemenls
Fixtures and fillings
10%
20%
Land is not depfecialed.
Assets wlh a cost of less than £l.000 are written off io expenditure during Ihe year.
Investments
Both current and fixed asset investments are staled al bid-market value in accordance with FRS102.
The income and expenditure &count includes the nel gains 8r)d losses arising on revaluations and
disposals during Ihe year.
Extraordlnary repair reserve
An amount is transferred annually from revenue lo this reserve to provide tr fflaior expenditure of an
extraordinary nature (notes 10 and 14). The arwKMJnt so transferred is arthorBed by the Charity Commission.
Apportionment order
The apportionment order recoups capital expenditure on the renovab.on of the Sl Nicholas with Burton's
Ajmshouses from 20 August 1996 10 27 October 1997 (note 121. Payment is made over 25 years by way of
annual contributions pursuant of a Charity Commission order dated 2 May 1￿ and is invested in Ihe M￿chan1
Venturers, Charities Invesknenl Pod l-MVCIW} (Charity Number 10534591.
Irrecoverable VAT
Any irrecoverable VAT is charged lo the income and expenditure account or capilalised as parl of the cost
of the related assel. where appropriate.
Cash Ilow statement
A slalemenl of cash flows has not been prepared as the charity ha5 taken advanlage of Ihe exemption
available in the SORP for smaller charities.
Taxation
The Society of Merchant Venlurers. AlmsFK)uses Charity is registered as a charity and as such lax exemplion
applies lo the income arising from and expended on charitable activities and lo ils investment income and
gains.
15

The Society of Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2022
Rental income from residents
Wthin the rental income from residents ts £6.274 rdating to serv￿8 Char￿12021.. £6,080).
Trustee's emoluments
The Trustee did not recetve any emduments ￿ T￿Mbur$ement of expenses in rest*ct of services during the
year12021= nill, nor had any benef￿la1 interest in any contracl wilh the Charity during the year or in the prior
year.
Employee Information
The Charty had no empk)yee5 in eilher 2021 or 2022. Hthvevw. a recharge is rrbade by the Society of
Merchant Venturers and The Cole Charity as dtsc*)sed wi notes 16 and 17.
Interest receivable and other income
2022
2021
Snveslmenl income
114,013
93,566
146
Other income
286
114,299
93,712
Interest payable and similar charges
2022
2021
Bank interest and charges
398
430
398
430
16

The Society of Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2022
(Deficit)Isurplus on ordinary activities
2022
2021
IDeficil}ISurplus on ordinary activities is slated after charging..
Audit fee
5.316
5.316
Depreciation on owned asset$
11,760
16,952
The audit fee exduding irrerAjverat￿e VAT was £4.430 I￿22.. £4.430).
Fixed assets- Almshouses
Building
improvements
Flxtures
and
fittlngs
Land and
buildings
Total
Cost
Al 1 January 2022
At 31 December 2022
164.744
265.287
26.522
456,553
164.744
265.287
26,522
456,553
Accurnulated depreGiation
Al 1 January 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2022
154.179
265,287
25,327
444,793
10.565
1.195
11,760
164.744
265.287
26,522
456,553
Net book value
At 31 December 2022
Al 31 December 2021
10.565
1,195
11,760
All properties are freehdd arKI hekl for the purwses of providing supp￿ed housing.
Accumulated depreeialion indudes amounts histor￿lty disclosed as Social Housing Grant Y*ilhin the note,
which relate back to deprecob.on of deemed cost exdudsng ganls re￿Ned the original recognition of the
property.

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2022
Investments
Flxed assot investment
2022
2021
Market value
Al 1 January
Additions al cost
1,140,381
604.800
1230,9081
1.514.273
1,063,928
4.800
Revalualion
71.653
At 310ecernber
1.140.381
Historlcal ¢ost
86B,776
263.976
Current assot investment
2022
2021
Market value
At 1 January
Revaluation
1,946,295
{257,518)
1,688.777
1,824,005
122.290
At 31 December
1,946.295
Hlstorlcal cost
1,630.000
1,630,000
The funds continue lo be invested ￿ The Merchant Ven1w￿s, charit￿ Investmenl Pool I"MVCIP'I (Charity
Number 1053459).
The current asset investment represents the proceeds of sale of Si Nicholas ￿th Burton's in 2007 and the
proceeds of sale of Merchants. Ajmshouse in 2014 arKI does r￿1 1￿M part of the endowment fund of the
Charity. The Charty is actively l(x)king for Ihe best use of Ihese funds for new Amshouses lo meet its
objectives.
Variations in the market value of the ￿veStmentS we shrywn byway of movement in the inveslment revaluation
reserve (see note 13).
Debtors
2022
2021
Arnount$ falling due within one year.
Rent
39
8.042
Other debl¢Ns
32.337
4,510
36.886
23,808
Prepaymenls and accnjed income
3.141
34,991
18

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2022
10 Investments held on account of the extraordinary repair reserve
The investments held on account of the extr*)rdinary repair reserve are held by COIF. Wrthdr8wals from the
reserve musl be approved by the Trustee and income arisirwJ from the investments is accumulated in the
reserve. The investments are stat&1 at the￿ fflarkel value on 31 Decemter 2022. Their hislorul eosl is
£71,76412021: £70,534).
2022
2021
Market valuo
Al 1 January
Additions al cost
363,592
308.696
1,230
1,230
Revaluation lo market value
{32.7301
332,092
53.666
At 31 December
363,592
11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2022
2021
Other creditors
5.793
14,074
14.616
Accruals and defeffed income
16,168
21.961
28.690
19

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2022
12 Capital account
Al 1 January 2022
Transfer from income and expenditure account
At 31 December 2022
268,776
604.800
873,576
The capital account and fixed asset investment revaluation rewve fomi the endowment fund of the Charity.
A Iransfer from ircome and expendtture has been made under an apportK)nmenl order Isee accounting
polic￿$1.
13 Investment revaluation reserve
Current
asset Flxed ass8t
Investment Investment
Total
At 1 January 2022
Revaluation lo market value
316.295
876,405
1.192,700
(488,4261
704,274
(257.518)
$8,777
1230,9081
645.497
At 31 December 2022
Movements on the investment revaluation reserve represent ehanges in the market value of the current and
rixed asset inveslmenis held on acs)unt of the share of the Ctsrrty in the Merchant Venlurer5' Charities
Inveslmenl Pool (see note 8).
20

The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2022
14 Extraordinary repair reserve
Al 1 January 2021
Transfer from income and expendtiure account
Investment revalualion for year
Al 31 December 2022
363.592
1,230
{32.7301
332.092
15 Revenue reserve
At 1 January 2022
Surplus on ordinary activities for year
Transfer lo exlraordinary repair reserve
Transfer to eapilal account
At 31 December 2022
2.474.352
113.321
11,2301
1604,8001
1.981,643
16 Transactions with related parties
Socioty of Merchant Venturers
The Charity incurred a reall0cal￿n of Salar￿ and overh¥l costs of £13.CQ512021." £12.170) from the Soctely
of Merchant Venturers, lo ￿er the s￿le£S il wovKJes in r￿at￿n lo the management and adminislr2lion of
the Charity, of which £nil is oulslanding al Ihe year*nd (2021.. £nil).
Mgr¢hant Venturers. Charftles Investmènt Pool {MVCIPI
SMV Trustee Company Limited is the TnJstee of MVCIP aThY the ullimale controlling party of The Society of
Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity. For details of investments held arKI income ￿ceiVed from
investments in MVCIP. see notes 4 and 8. Al 31 December 2022 the charity was owed £nil by MVCIP {2021.'
£nil).
17 Connected charlty
The Cole Charity (Rwslered Charily Number 257237) is a connected charity under the definition of the
Charities, SORP 2019 as it has related objects and the same Trustee as The Society of Merchant Venturers,
Almshouses Charity. Further informalÈon can be obtained from the Charity's registered address detailed on
page 1 of the Report of the Trustee.
The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouses Charity incurred a charge of £9.796 {2021-. £4,604) for the
services of the Almshouse Manager and the maintenance officer. Al 31 December 2022 £nil12021.. £nill
was owed by The Society of Merchant Venturers, Almshouse Charity lo The Cole Charity relating lo these
service5. The Cole Charily recharged The Society of Merchanl Venturers. Almshouse Charity for various
seivices during the year including," the cost of a Chaplain of £1.054. the cosl of insurance and other sundry
items al a cost of £6,22512021". £275 vrds recharged from The Society of Merchant Venturers. Almshouse
Charity lo The Cole Charilyl. Al 31 Oecember 2022 £522 {2021.. £138 owed lo The Society of Merchant
Venturers. Almshouse Charity) was outstanding.
21

The Society of Merchant Venturers. Almshouses Charity
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2022
18 Owned l Managed units (Social Housing)
Number of unlts as at 31 D8cembw 2022
The Charity owns 12 units for disadvanlw people of wFMch 8 have been fully occJJpied t￿ughOut the year
12021.. 9 fully Occup￿).
Residents. rents
Residents rents are set usir#J the legisla￿n whKh wescx'bes a fomiula of Corsumer Price Index {CPI) + 1%.
Where necessary, all or part of the rent can be redaimed. From 1 Ar￿"12022 rent for the Amshouse was
£174.32 per week.
The charging of rents pmduced a contribution nei of vcmds over the year of £85.14212021= £94,498).
22