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2024-09-30-accounts

(A Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee)

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

COMPANY 238630

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS & TRUSTEES

AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

CONTENTS Page
Background Information 3
Directors and Trustees 4
Report of the Trustees 5-7
Statement of Directors and Trustees Responsibilities 8
Statement by the Independent Examiner 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Balance Sheet 11-12
Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements 13-15

2

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

COMPANY REGISTERED NUMBER: 238630

CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER: 222946

REGISTERED OFFICE: 23 King’s Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 2HB

DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES:

Roger Simpson (Chair) David Rea (Vice-Chair) Steve Clarkson (General Secretary & Membership Secretary) Chris Cornthwaite (County Treasurer) Annie Clifton-Holt & Michael Lindsay (Ashford) Martin Hemming & Ivan Whitley (Bromley) David Cockburn (Canterbury) Steve Pritchards & James Knights (Dartford) Michelle Elliott & Tony Warren (Gravesend) Keith Underwood & David Wood (Mid Kent) Tony Trinick (Orpington) Cliff Hayward & Sue Knights (Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells) Bob Smith (Sidcup) Nick de Smith & Dave Keepence (Weald) James Cash & Peter Cobley (Westerham) Julie Coleman (Whitstable and Herne Bay)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:

Sargeant Partnership Limited

Chartered Accountants 5 White Oak Square London Road Swanley, Kent BR8 7AG

3

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES

For the Year Ended 30 September 2024

The following Directors and Trustees served throughout:

James Cash Steven Clarkson David Cockburn Julie Coleman Michelle Elliott Clifford Hayward Martin Hemming James Knights Sushelagh Knights Michael Lindsay David Rea Roger Simpson Robert Smith Anthony Trinick Keith Underwood

The following Directors and Trustees were appointed:

Shirley Anne Clifton-Holt 8 November 2023
Emily Madden 29 November 2023
Tony Warren 2 December 2023
Peter Cobley 21 May 2024
Stephen Pritchards 4 June 2024
Christopher Cornthwaite 24 June 2024
Nicholas de Smith 7 January 2025
Ivan Whitley 1 February 2025
David Keepence 4 February 2025
David Wood 4 March 2025

The following Directors and Trustees resigned:

Dougal Hendry 5 November 2023
Wendy Laffan 8 November 2023
Dithema Chiloane 21 November 2023
Lesley Fancote 2 December 2023
Robert Jackman 2 December 2023
Robert Dudgeon 8 May 2024
Edwina Fitzpatrick 31 May 2024
Alan English 4 June 2024
Ann Blackburn 23 October 2024
David Wood 4 January 2025
Kim Fletcher 7 January 2025
Emily Madden 8 January 2025

4

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 30 September 2024

The Trustees, who are Directors of the Company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report and financial statements of the Company for the year ended 30 September 2024. The Directors and Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objectives of the Company in delivering it’s activities in beekeeping and education of the public in bees and pollination are:

In furtherance of the above, the Company arranges courses to encourage good beekeeping husbandry and management as well as sponsoring all members who pass the British Beekeepers Association Assessments and examinations in beekeeping proficiency. A great deal of effort is put into increasing public awareness in the environment, the vital importance of bees in pollination and the many benefits of honey.

Beekeepers are encouraged to take the British Beekeepers Association examinations to increase both their knowledge and efficiency in the craft and encouragement is given to improve detection and treatment of bee diseases by beekeepers. The Company also provides advocacy, advice and information to the wider public about bees and other flying insects as well as raising awareness of the threats to pollinators in general.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Company is registered as a Charitable Company limited by guarantee without share capital and was set up by a Memorandum of Association. The governance of the Company consists of a Council and twelve branches, these are Ashford, Bromley, Canterbury, Dartford, Gravesend, Mid Kent, Orpington, Sevenoaks & Tunbridge Wells, Sidcup, Weald, Westerham and Whitstable & Herne Bay. The Council has up to 30 Trustees comprising up to 6 appointed officers and up to 2 representatives from each branch.

The management of the Company is the responsibility of the Directors who are elected under the terms of the Articles of Association. The Articles of Association authorise the Trustees to make and hold investments using the general funds of the Company without restriction. Implementation of the objectives is the responsibility of the Council, which meets periodically during each year. Branch representatives on the Council are Directors of the Company.

When reviewing the Company’s policies and objectives and planning activities, the Directors confirm that they have referred to and complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance, as published by the Charity Commission in their general guidance notes.

The Council elects members onto a number of committees to implement the Company’s policies and to undertake the various management and administrative duties: Executive & Finance Committee, Show Committee and Education & Examinations Committee.

FINANCIAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The Council addresses relevant health and safety matters at each meeting and has assessed the major risks to which the Company is exposed. Branches have their own apiaries and have procedures in place to promote safety to members, visitors and the general public. Procedures are reviewed to ensure all beekeeping activities are conducted in a safe manner.

5

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES CONTINUED

for the Year Ended 30 September 2024

The Company’s financial objective is to maintain longer term surplus funds to generate investment growth that is sufficient, when added to the rest of the Company’s income to cover total expenditure, including the funding of initiatives to fulfil the Company’s key objectives. The Council seeks to obtain a reasonable return on its surplus funds whilst retaining flexibility of access should unforeseen expenditure arise. Longer term surplus funds are invested in low risk investment funds for both capital and income growth and shorter term surplus funds are placed on deposit and rates of return reviewed regularly to ensure that satisfactory market rates are obtained.

Accounts are kept and compiled to assist Council to fulfil its responsibilities of financial prudence and for the preparation of the required financial statements from the accounting records of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice. The Accounts of the individual Branches are each checked annually by Independent Examiners at a local level. The consolidated accounts of the Company are compiled annually from the individual branch accounts and the accounts covering the County itself. The annual consolidated accounts are then reviewed and checked by an Independent Examiner.

The Directors are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the risks and risk assessments are prepared for all events.

ACHIEVEMENTS, ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS

During the year to 30 September 2024, the Company had 1,234 (2023: 1,200) members.

The Company, largely through the work of its branches, works with schools, scouts and local communities to raise the awareness of beekeeping by promoting and educating the benefits of beekeeping through displays, demonstrations and information stands at local shows, fetes and lecture visits. The Company also participates each year in a honey show and a honey-cake cooking competition at the Kent County Show and the number of show and competition classes were successfully maintained for 2024. The Company plays a leading role in the organisation and sponsorship of the National Honey Show each Autumn and most of our branches hold their own local honey shows.

Branches all hold regular meetings and provide support and assistance to teachers in keeping bees in schools and providing bees for education. Branches welcome and help newcomers learn about beekeeping through talks, lectures, events and training sessions along with visits to participate in the branch apiaries to give practical demonstrations on bee husbandry and hive management. Branches participate in, and contribute to, local events arranged by other community groups at which they raise the profile of beekeeping in all its many aspects.

The Company is co-operating with the National Bee Unit and with Asian Hornet Alert against the establishment of asian hornets in the county; through awareness campaigns and the scheme to match-fund approved branch initiatives in fighting this species.

The Company has worked with Kent Scouts on raising the awareness of the threat to pollinators from the invasion of asian hornets along with distributing 26,000 asian hornet identification cards.

Members of the Company’s Show Committee supported the ‘Kent County Agricultural Society Living Land Event’ at the Kent County Showground which was attended by over 2,500 primary school children. The year saw 26 (2023:19) candidates taking and passing the various British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) ‘Assessments and Examinations in beekeeping proficiency’.

The branches undertake a wide range of further work including swarm collection services, asian hornet monitoring and apiary-based activities. All activities are carried out by members on a voluntary basis. The Trustees thank them all for their commitment throughout the year.

Branch submissions were digital this year and branches have embraced digital eReturn2 membership payments.

6

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES CONTINUED

for the Year Ended 30 September 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Income & Expenditure Account shows a net surplus, before taking into account unrealised gains on investments, for the year to 30 September 2024 of £3,175 (2023: £152) arising from total income for the year of £127,783 (2023: £101,673) whilst total expenditure for the year amounted to £124,608 (2023: £101,521). Unrealised gains on investments for the year amounted to £680 (2023: £5,188), producing a movement in funds for the year to 30 September 2024 of £3,855 (2023: £5,340).

Apiary and other activities for the year to 30 September 2024 show a contribution of £1,319 (2023: £4,633) comprising income from Apiary and other activities this year of £49,653 (2023: £40,461) with expenditure from Apiary and other activities of £48,334 (2023: £35,828).

Readiness and awareness activities for the yellow-legged asian hornet for the year to 30 September 2024 show a net cost of £14,546 (2023: £1,592) comprising Asian Hornet funding income this year of £5,041 (2023: £NIL) with Asian Hornet expenditure of £19,587 (2023: £1,592).

The Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2024 shows retained reserves of £274,777 (2023: £264,649) largely made up of Investments of £123,848 (2023: £123,168), bank balances of £109,669 (2023:£105,170) as well as tangible fixed assets of £39,161 (2023: £37,267).

The Company meets its financial objective and the finances of the Company remain in a strong position which in this increasingly volatile world will enable it to respond appropriately to new challenges.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The Directors will continue actively to promote the objectives of the Company by organising lectures, seminars, courses, show competitions and demonstrations as well as working with Kent Scouts, schools and other local groups. They consider that the present level of funding is adequate to support the continuing objectives of the Company, and this is kept under regular review.

The arrival of the asian hornet in the UK has led to significant activity by the Company in raising awareness of the problem and in fighting this challenge. This has created a marked increase in expenditure and this significant expenditure is likely to continue to be incurred in the next few years by the Company as it reacts to the moving situation.

The Company has also commenced working with Kent Scouts on the ‘Big Buzz Programme’ during 2024 which started to be rolled out during October 2024 involving a range of activities, for all age groups, learning about bees and asian hornets which will progress to a range of activities, including fundraising, towards each scout being able to earn a scout ‘Big Buzz’ badge.

Members of Kent Beekeepers’ Association (KBKA) are also instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of increasing the diversity of cultivated and wild plants that are suitable for encouraging pollinators and the Company is continuing to support this locally in the hope that this will encourage greater numbers of pollinators and result in an increase in both honey bees and the diversity of plants.

The Trustees will continue to place significant emphasis on the education and training of members. A wide range of courses will continue to be offered to the membership to broaden the skills base available within each branch.

7

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES CONTINUED

for the Year Ended 30 September 2024

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' AND TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directors and Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a fair and true view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the surplus or deficit of the Company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors and trustees have:

The Directors and Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Company has an appropriate system of controls in place both financial and otherwise. They also acknowledge that they are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. They also acknowledge that they are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the Directors and Trustees and authorised at Council on 10 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

........................................................................ Steven Clarkson Director and Company Secretary

8

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION (‘THE COMPANY’)

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 September 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the company (and also 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 company 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 your charity’s accounts as 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 material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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.

………………………………..

Joanne Brown – FCCA Sargeant Partnership Limited Chartered Accountants 5 White Oak Square London Road Swanley Kent BR8 7AG

Date ………………………………..

9

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 30th September 2024

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Note
Subscriptions
Donations
Apiary & Other Activities
Investments and Bank Income
2
Asian Hornet Income
Gift Aid
Investments Sold (Realised)
Grants
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
BBKA Capitations
Publications
Apiary & Other Activities
Bee Diseases Insurance Premiums
Depreciation
5
Other Costs
3
Asian Hornet Expenditure
Total
NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR
Unrealised gains on Investments
6
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR
4
All activities relate to continuing operations.
2024
2023

£
£
47,285
45,714
4,851
2,998
49,653
40,461
2,387
3,065
5,041
-
5,066
4,235
13,000
5,000
500
200
127,783
101,673
18,543
20,245
19,307
19,053
48,334
35,828
3,264
3,046
5,453
5,774
10,120
15,983
19,587
1,592
124,608
101,521
3,175
152
680
5,188
3,855
5,340

There is no difference between the (expenditure)/income on ordinary activities for the year stated above and its historical cost equivalent. Hence the turnover and operating surplus derive entirely from continued operations.

10

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

BALANCE SHEET

As at 30th September 2024

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Note
Land
5
Equipment
5
Trophies
5
CURRENT ASSETS
Investments
6
Stock
Debtors & Prepayments
7
Cash at Bank and in Hand
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Amounts falling due within one year
8
NET CURRENT ASSETS
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities
Reserves brought forward at start of year
Prior year adjustment to assets
Movements in funds for year
Total Funds
2024
2023
£
£
5,000
5,000
18,801
17,140
15,360
15,127
39,161
37,267
123,848
123,168
4,997
4,055
571
602
109,669
105,170
239,086
232,995
3,470
5,613
235,616
227,382
274,777
264,649
264,649
247,909
6,273
11,400
3,855
5,340
274,777
264,649

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

11

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

For the year ending 30 September 2024, the Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the Company to obtain an audit of its financial statements in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The Directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of financial statements, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 30 September 2024.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies.

These financial statements were approved by the Directors and Trustees and authorised for issue at Council on 10 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

……………………………….. Roger Simpson Director and Chair

………………………………… Christopher Cornthwaite Director and County Treasurer

12

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 30 September 2024

Note 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, 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 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006.

1.2 Company Status

The Company is a Company limited by guarantee. The members of the Company are the Trustees named on Page 3. In the event of the Company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Company.

1.3 Fund Accounting

All the Company funds are general funds which are unrestricted funds available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company.

1.4 Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the Company has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably .

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

1.6 Cashflow

The financial statements do not include a cashflow statement because the Company, as a small reporting entity, is exempt from the requirement to prepare such a statement under the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015).

1.7 Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives at varying rates.

Apiary and other equipment held by branches are considered to have negligible realisable value. Cups and trophies are at cost or if donated to the Company have been included in these accounts at a deemed valuation on 30 September 2003 and are not depreciated.

1.8 Investments

Fixed asset investments are shown on the balance sheet at their fair value. Listed investments are valued at their mid market value as at the balance sheet date. Any changes in fair value are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which they arise.

1.9 Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

13

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

For the year ended 30 September 2024

1.10 Directors and Trustees Remuneration

During the year no Directors or Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023: £NIL) except for a small honorarium being paid to each of the General Secretary, Membership Secretary, County Treasurer and Asian Hornet Coordinator.

Directors and Trustees reimbursed expenses for the year ended 30 September 2024 totaled £157 (2023: £46).

Note 2. INVESTMENT & BANK INCOME

Dividends
Interest
Note 3. OTHER COSTS
Membership support
Governance of KBKA
2024
£
1,329
1,058
2,387
2024
£
5,464
4,656
10,120
2023
£
2,740
325
3,065
2023
£
10,087
5,896
15,983

Note 4. NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR

The net surplus for the year ended 30 September 2024 totalling £3,175 (2023: £152) is stated after charging depreciation of £5,453 (2023: £5,774) on tangible fixed assets.

Note 5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

At 1 October
Additions
Asset adjustments
Disposals
Reclassifications
Less Depreciation
At 30 September
Land
£
Apiary
Equipment
£
Trophies
£
2024
Total
£
2023
Total
£
5,000
17,140
15,127
37,267
26,341
-
1,042
33
1,075
5,300
-
6,273
-
6,273
11,400
-
-
-
-
-
-
(200)
200
-
-
5,000
24,254
15,360
44,614
43,041
-
(5,453_)_
-
(5,453)
(5,774)
5,000
18,801
15,360
39,161
37,267

14

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

For the year ended 30 September 2024

Note 6. INVESTMENTS

At 1 October
Investment Gains
Investments Sold
At 30 September
Listed
Securities
Unlisted
Securities
2024
Total
2023
Total
£
£
£
£
123,167
1
123,168
117,980
13,680
0
13,680
10,188
(13,000)
0
(13,000)
(5,000)
123,847
1
123,848
123,168

The listed securities are in Charities' Common Investment Funds (M&G Charifund and BNY Mellon/Newton Global Growth Fund).

The unlisted security comprises 2,326 £1 Ordinary Shares in Bee Craft Limited, a company registered in England and Wales, representing 38.8% of the issued share capital of the company. In view of the non-marketability of the shares and the lack of any return thereon, their value is considered to be negligible.

Note 7. DEBTORS & PREPAYMENTS

Due Within One Year -
Debtors
Prepayments
Note 8. CREDITORS
Due Within One Year –
Creditors
Accruals
2024
£
571
-
571
2024
£
1,920

1,550

3,470


2023
£
572
30
602
2023
£
4,113
1,500
5,613



Included within creditors is a balance totalling £200 (2023: £1,070) relating to deferred income. The Company defers income relating to subscriptions and examination fees paid in advance.

Note 9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year, the Company subscribed to publications amounting to £19,307 (2023: £19,053) from the Company’s unlisted security, Bee Craft Limited. These publications were purchased on an arms length basis. There were no amounts outstanding to or from the Company at 30 September 2024 (2023: £NIL).

Note 10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

The Council of Trustees is considered to be the controlling party due to its ability to influence the operations and strategic direction of the Company. The compensation of these individuals is disclosed in note 1.10 to the financial statements.

The Directors, Steven Clarkson and David Cockburn, are both a director of the Company's unlisted security, Bee Craft Limited, registered in England and Wales.

15