Charity number: 208722
THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY
UNAUDITED TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The Benevolent Society
CONTENTS
| Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 2 - 4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 - 15 |
The Benevolent Society
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Trustees
Ms G Penfold, Chairman Mr G Wroe, Treasurer Mrs M Brennan, Trustee Mr T Green, Trustee Mr H Skouby, Trustee Mr J Ansell, Trustee Ms M Hawkins, Trustee Ms S Hurley (resigned 15th June 2024) Ms S Jordan (appointed 7th March 2024)
Charity registered number
208722
Principal office
Federation House, 10 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6LT
Secretary to the Trustees
Mrs L B Banner
Independent Examiner
Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG
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The Benevolent Society
TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.
Objectives and Activities
a. Policies and objectives
The principal objective of the society is to assist financially persons, or their dependants, working, or previously having worked in the trades embraced by the British Allied Trades Federation and are in conditions of need. To support education and training by providing for bursaries or other financial support to those working or intending to work in the trades. To execute this policy, the Society is dependent upon income from subscriptions from members of the British Allied Trades Federation, from donations, from events and from its investments.
b. Activities for achieving objectives
In setting the Charity’s policy and planning its activities, The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commissioner's general guidance on public benefit in exercising their powers or duties.
Achievements and performance a. Review of activities
The accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 show net outgoing resources of £76,228 which includes net outgoing resources in unrestricted funds of £76,228, and net incoming resource in restricted funds of £NIL. This is against a projected net loss of £118,350 and net incoming resource of £24,822 in 2022.The investments generated an income of £30,126 during the year. Market value of our investments is £904,563. The Trustees continued to be diligent in deciding upon grants made to individuals but were still able to award the sum of £63,548 to 38 needy beneficiaries.
One off grants totalling £33,750 were awarded to individuals for essential expenses/purchases such as white goods, a stairlift and necessary home repairs. Without these grants, the individuals wouldn’t have been able to afford these essential items.
£63,547 was paid in regular grants to beneficiaries to help towards their essential day to day living costs where there is a shortfall between their income and essential expenditure.
The Society is extremely grateful for the generous donations made by members of the British Allied Trades Federation totalling £21,492.
The 2023 Christmas Ball was successfully held at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham, making an income of £29,094. Plans are underway for the 2024 Christmas ball which will be held at the same venue on 5th December.
b. Investment policy and performance
The Trustees aim to maintain reserves at a level sufficient to meet the needs of its beneficiaries. They are conscious that their Investment Policy must be directed towards maintaining the real value of investments to produce income for prospective future beneficiaries as well as current beneficiaries.
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The Benevolent Society
TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
b. Investment policy and performance (continued)
The Society’s investment portfolio is entirely invested in a range of Common Investment Funds, Government Stocks and specialist Unit Trusts and is structured to meet the Trustees’ objectives in terms of income and risk. The suitability and performance of the investments is reviewed regularly by the Trustees and by a leading firm of investment managers.
Financial review
a. Reserves policy
The trustees retain a sufficient level of reserves to cover any payments which may become due necessary to give the society flexibility in carrying out its objectives. At the year end the society had unrestricted reserves of £970,929 (2022: £1,019,552) and restricted reserves of £nil (2022: £NIL).
b. Future developments
The society's plans for the future are to continue to provide grants and bursaries to worthy individuals.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The Benevolent Society is constituted by a Trust Deed made on 16 June 2016 and is a registered charity.
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
b. Method of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
c. Risk management
The Trustees did not carry out a formal assessment of the risks to which the Society is subject during the year as it was felt that nothing had changed since their previous risk assessment where they found no significant risks. A review of the existing risk assessment is planned for May 2025. They reaffirmed their strategy with regard to investments in the light of current market conditions.
Sponsors
The Society would like to thank our sponsors for their support (and whilst these are many), the principal ones are, Assay Office Birmingham, Charles Green & Son, Cooksongold, Diamonds Please, Beaverbrooks, Hockley Mint, T H March & Co Ltd, H S Walsh & Sons Ltd and Weston Beamor Ltd. The Trustees would also like to thank the Board of Directors of the Federation and the trade associations of the British Allied Trades Federation for their support throughout the year.
Bursaries
Bursaries to the total value of £43,300, were awarded to students in 2023, to enable them to benefit from various courses in the Jewellery, Giftware and Surface Engineering industries. The bursaries were awarded as a result of a change to the Society’s objectives in 2016, to support individuals beginning their careers as well as following their careers within the industries. Further bursaries will be available for 2024.
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TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31sr DECEIABER 2023 Rèlationsh5p with British Allied Trades F•d•ration Thè lety assists those w) uwj to te enWOY in trales embr by Ihe Brttish Allied Trades Federati(. The Trustees appreciate the support aThY lime grven ty m8nkn of the Ball CmMIttee and trernendous help from memkn OF staff ofth? Federalion. Once again, the Tnjstees would like to re(ml Iheir gratitse to cMJr ccrfwttanL Sue All(xKk. to accountant for the year endiro 31st 0¢r2023, Hadfield. Examiner for the year ending 31st December 2023. Crowe U.K. LLP and SeLYetsry. Laijra Banner for their enthusiastic suprK)rt througtM)th the year. Néw Trusts Society. Thi4 r8rKxt *dS approved by the Trusle8s M 3011012024 aThJ gn&j on Iheir behalf by. MrHgnrik Sko
The Benevolent Society
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Benevolent Society
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
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 that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts 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.
Signed:
Matt Doyle-Healey
Dated: 30 October 2024 FCCA
Crowe U.K. LLP
Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG
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The Benevolent Society
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Incorporating Income and Expenditure Account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| 2023 £ Income from: Subscriptions and donations 2 32,419 Other trading activities 3 29,729 Investments 4 30,126 Total income 92,274 Expenditure on: Raising funds: Investment management fees 5,369 Charitable activities 163,133 Total expenditure 8 168,502 Net profit/(loss) before investment gains (76,228) Net gains/(losses) on investments 12 27,605 Net income before other recognised gains and losses (48,623) Net movement in funds (48,623) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 1,019,552 Total funds carried forward 970,929 Note Unrestricted funds |
2023 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - Restricted funds |
2023 £ 32,419 29,729 30,126 92,274 5,369 163,133 168,502 (76,228) 27,605 (48,623) (48,623) 1,019,552 970,929 Total funds |
2022 £ 34,548 88,189 26,646 Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 149,383 | |||
| 5,668 118,894 |
|||
| 124,562 | |||
| 24,822 (157,469) |
|||
| (132,647) | |||
| (132,647) | |||
| 1,152,199 | |||
| 1,019,552 |
All activities relate to continuing operations.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period.
The notes on pages 8 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
BALANCE SHEEr AS AT 31ST I)ECEMBER 2023 2022 Flxed ass•ts Irwestments 12 932.344 Currnnt assets Debtors 13 31314 83.175 Cash * bank and in hand 14,403 7Q703 97.578 Cr8(litors." armunts fallg due within ce 14 10.337 10.370 N•t current assets 87.208 Net assèts 1.019.552 Charlty Fund$ Restrtcted funds Unrestricled furKis 16 16 1.019.552 Total fvn(ts 1.019.552 The financial #alents were atvrvved by the TTrJstees on 3011012024 and signed on their behalf, by: PAr H•nrik Skouby
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
The Benevolent Society
1. Accounting Policies
1.1 Legal status of the Charity
The Benevolent Society is a charity constituted by a Deed of Trust in England, whose principal office is Federation House, 10 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6LT. It has no share capital. Its principal activity is to assist financially persons, or their dependants, working or previously having worked in the trades embraced by the British Allied Trades Federation.
1.2 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and Charities Act 2011.
The Benevolent Society constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
1.3 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.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The time and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 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.
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably, and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
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The Benevolent Society
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1. Accounting Policies (continued)
1.5 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.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made.
1.6 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless fair value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and shown in the heading ‘Gains/(losses) on investments’ in the Statement of financial activities.
1.7 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
1.8 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.
1.9 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.
1.10 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. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charges.
1.11 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 at their settlement value at the balance sheet date.
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The Benevolent Society
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1. Accounting Policies (continued)
1.12 Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The company has not made any accounting estimates or assumptions.
1.13 Going Concern
The Trustees believe that there are no material uncertainties that call into doubt the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and the accounts have therefore been prepared on the going concern basis.
2. Income from subscriptions, donations and legacies
| From members and associate members of BATF British Allied Trades Federation The Giftware Association Various donations Total donations and legacies |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 21,492 4,490 1,570 4,867 32,419 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - - - - **- ** |
Total funds 2023 £ 21,492 4,490 1,570 4,867 32,419 |
Total funds 2022 £ 22,348 4,352 135 7,713 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34,548 |
In 2023, of the total income from donations and legacies, £32,419 was to unrestricted funds (2022: £34,548) and £0 was to restricted funds (2022: £0)
3. Fundraising income
| Ball Fundraising Meal Total fundraising income |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 29,094 635 29,729 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - **- ** |
Total funds 2023 £ 29,094 635 29,729 |
Total funds 2022 £ 88,189 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88,189 |
In 2023, of the total income from other trading activities, £29,729 was to unrestricted funds (2022: £88,189) and £NIL was to restricted funds (2022: £NIL).
Note: the above activities are mostly undertaken by staff and members of British Allied Trades Federation for the specific benefit of the Society.
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The Benevolent Society
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
4. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Dividends and interest receivablef 30,126 Total investment income 30,126 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - **- ** |
Total funds 2023 £ 30,126 30,126 |
Total funds 2022 £ 26,646 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26,646 |
In 2023, of the total investment income, £30,126 (2022: £26,646) was to unrestricted funds and £NIL (2022: £Nil) was to restricted funds.
5. Direct costs
| Bursaries Grants to beneficiaries Hardship Fund Other Total direct costs |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 43,300 63,547 33,750 800 141,397 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - **- ** |
Total 2023 £ 43,300 63,547 33,750 800 141,397 |
Total 2022 £ 25,832 77,055 _- _ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 102,887 |
37 Individuals benefited from grants made in 2023 (2022: 42) amounting to £97,298 (2022: £77,055).
6. Support costs
| Secretarial fees Event organisers Visiting fees Insurance Miscellaneous Total support costs |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 7,500 1,428 4,588 1,639 3,967 19,122 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - - - - - - |
Total 2023 £ 7,500 1,428 4,588 1,639 3,967 19,122 |
Total 2022 £ 7,500 - 4,485 1,628 352 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13,965 |
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The Benevolent Society
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
7. Governance costs
| Independent examination fee Meeting expenses Total governance costs |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 1,990 624 2,614 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - - **- ** |
Total 2023 £ 1,990 624 2,614 |
Total funds 2022 £ 1,814 228 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,042 |
8. Analysis of resources expended by expenditure type
| Expenditure on investment management Cost of generating funds Direct and support costs Expenditure on governance Total expenditure |
Other costs 2023 £ 5,369 5,369 160,519 2,614 168,502 |
Total 2022 £ 5,668 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,668 116,852 2,042 |
||
| 124,562 |
9. Net incoming resources/ (resources expended)
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration (2022: £NIL).
During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind (2022: £NIL).
During the year 2023, 1 Trustee received £488 in reimbursement of travel costs to meetings (2022: £155).
10. Auditors' remuneration
The Independent Examiner's remuneration amounts to £1,659 (2022: £1,512)
11. Staff costs
The charity has no employees other than the Trustees, who did not receive any remuneration (2022 £NIL).
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The Benevolent Society
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
12. Fixed Assets
| Market Value At 1st January 2023 Additions Disposals Net movements in cash Net gain/(loss) on investments At 31st December 2024 Investments at market value comprise: UK £ Listed investments 477,732 13. Debtors: amounts falling due in one year British Allied Trades Federation Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income Total debtors 14. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Total creditors Deferred income at 1 January 2023 Resources deferred in the year Amounts released from previous periods |
Overseas 426,831 |
2023 £ 904,563 2023 £ 22,337 200 9,776 32,314 2023 £ 10,337 10,337 2023 4,675 6,239 (4,675) 6,239 |
Listed securities 2023 £ 932,344 80,914 (108,223) (28,077) 27,605 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 904,563 | |||
| 2022 £ 932,344 |
|||
| 2022 £ 29,342 200 53,633 |
|||
| 83,175 | |||
| 2022 £ 10,370 |
|||
| 10,370 | |||
| 2022 - 4,675 - |
|||
| 4,675 |
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The Benevolent Society
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
15 Statement of funds
| Current Year Brought forward 2022 £ Unrestrictred funds General funds - all funds 1,019,552 Total funds 1,019,552 Prior Year Brought forward 2022 £ Unrestrictred funds General funds - all funds 1,152,199 Total funds 1,152,199 |
Income 2023 £ 92,274 92,274 Income 2023 £ 149,383 149,383 |
Expenditure 2023 £ (168,502) (168,502) Expenditure 2023 £ (124,562) (124,562) |
Gains/ (losses) 2023 £ 27,605 27,605 Gains/ (losses) 2023 £ (157,469) (157,469) |
Carried forward 2023 £ 970,929 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 970,929 | ||||
| Carried forward 2023 £ 1,019,552 |
||||
| 1,019,552 |
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The Benevolent Society
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
16. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 904,563 76,703 (10,337) 970,929 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - - - - |
Total funds Total 2023 2022 £ £ 904,563 932,344 76,703 97,578 (10,337) (10,370) 970,929 1,019,552 |
|---|---|---|---|
17. Related party transactions
British Allied Trades Federation provides accountancy administration to The Benevolent Society. During the year British Allied Trades Federation donated £4,490 to The Benevolent Society (2022: £4,352), and at the year end outstanding debtors comprised £22,337 (2022: £29,343).
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