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2023-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 00058569 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 234558

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

for

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED CONTENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Paga Re￿rt of the Trustees Reference and AdminislratNe Details Independent Auditors. Rewt 10-13 Statemerrt of Financid ActNili8s {lrKxKF#N￿'rvj an Income armj Exwnditure Acxount) 14 Balar￿9 Sh99t 15 statemerrt of Cash Flcws 16-17 Notas to tha Finanoa Stat8mants 18-32

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

__________

The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, present their report for Stewards Company Limited (the "company") for the year ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2 to the accounts and comply with the company's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

As reported elsewhere in this report:

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objects for which the company is established are:

The principal activities of the company are:

A full record of all such trusts is listed in note 21 in the accounts. All the trusts are administered as far as possible in accordance with the known wishes of the donors or the requirements of the relevant trust deeds.

The company acts as property trustee for a number of church properties, with the elders of the churches concerned taking the day-to-day decisions on the use and maintenance of the properties. Annual contact is maintained with those who occupy these properties to ensure they are kept in good order, are insured and continue to be used for the purposes for which they were intended. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing programme, with the agreement of the respective church members to transfer the ownership or trusteeship of the UK church properties to UK Christian Trusts with objects consistent with those of the company dedicated to the ownership and maintenance of such churches.

For the two major trusts, the J W Laing Trust and the J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust, the J W Laing Committee (the "Committee") was formed to administer them. Trustees are appointed by the Board to the Committee which meets monthly. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman are ex-officio members of the Committee and can serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms of four years. The other members, other than the Secretary, can serve for a maximum of two terms of five years with a one-year break between terms. The Committee is responsible for approving all expenditure and monitoring the income, investments and administration of the trusts and detailed reports are provided to the Board at every meeting or earlier when necessary.

In 2022, two Christian donors known to the company approached the Committee with a request for the company to act as trustee of a charitable fund which they wished to establish in order to benefit causes which are in line with the company's objects. The Committee agreed to this request (after taking legal advice) on the understanding that, whilst the donors are at liberty to suggest Christian ministries to be supported, the final decision rests with the Committee, which carries out necessary due diligence as it does

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STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

__________

for all other grants which it makes. Funds were received from the donors during the year and were held in a designated bank account for “The Reach Fund”.

The J W Laing Trust has adopted as its principal objective "to help the church of Jesus Christ to fulfil the great commission". This is the instruction given by Jesus Christ to His disciples as recorded in Matthew's Gospel chapter 28, verses 16-20. As well as supporting individual churches, help is given to a range of evangelistic and mission organisations, movements publishing Bible resources, teaching of Scripture to school children and related enterprises. Further substantial financial support is given to strategic Christian organisations, literature production, other evangelistic and church development programmes together with the relief of poverty in a variety of countries overseas.

The objective of the J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust is to encourage the study of the Holy Bible. With this as its main objective, support is given to a variety of organisations furthering this cause including a number of evangelical Christian Bible Colleges; organisations which promote Christian work among university students both in the UK and overseas; and a centre which coordinates detailed Biblical research.

In addition to the J W Laing Trust Committee there are also the following other committees in place:

  1. The Executive Committee.

  2. The Investment Committee.

  3. The Research Committee.

  4. The Audit & Financial Reporting Committee.

  5. The Barnabas Trust Committee.

For each committee there are Terms of Reference & Objectives and these are updated, reviewed and agreed by the Board as necessary.

All committee members are appointed by the Board, and with the exception of one of the members, are all trustees of the company. All the above committees report initially to the Committee but ultimately to the Board with full reports being provided at each Board meeting.

Grant-making Policy

Numerous funding requests are received, many unsolicited, and all are considered. An online application process is in operation and together with the customer relationship management system helps inform the trustees more fully when such applications are reviewed and discussed. Grants made by the two major trusts are decided by the Committee after taking into account:

Public Benefit

The trustees acknowledge the guidance of the Charity Commission in respect of Public Benefit and the Advancement of Religion and have paid due regard to it in the affairs of the company. The wide-ranging and varied financial support provided by all of the trusts administered by the company has resulted in evident public benefit to numerous charitable organisations and individuals throughout the world (see note 10). Reports and letters of thanks from the recipients detail how the financial support helps meet religious, spiritual and educational needs as well as relieving poverty of individuals irrespective of background, status and faith.

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STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

__________

Related Parties

The company has no formal links with any organisation, although some trustees have involvement with other charitable bodies to which financial support is provided by way of grants. In such instances the trustees concerned absent themselves from the decision-making process where grants are discussed and agreed.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

The trustees are always anxious to help fund Christian ministries, both in the UK and overseas, in sympathy with the objects for which the company was established and meeting the company's other criteria.

The total charitable grants made in the year amounted to £6,351,868 (2022: £5,730,075) and these were paid to 388 (2022: 355) recipients. Of these grants, £2,468,663 (2022: £2,196,832) were for overseas causes and £3,883,205 (2022: £3,533,243) were for UK causes (note 10).

All charities are required to acknowledge all gifts received.

The trustees monitor the organisations it supports in a variety of ways including:

Such visits, whether in the UK or overseas, and reports enable the trustees to fulfil their legal duties. In addition, they also assist them in understanding in greater measure the nature and impact of the organisations supported. Sometimes these visits and reports may result in further interest and support and sometimes they may cause support to be reduced or withdrawn.

Following the celebration in 2022 of the 100th Anniversary of the J W Laing Trust, the trustees have been encouraged to continue to receive requests for “The Service of Giving”, the book published to mark the occasion detailing the history and reach of the Trust over the 100 years. As hoped, the celebration has been a cause of continued challenge to other Christian donors and giving thanks to God for the generosity and inspiration of Sir John Laing.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

For the past financial year there was an operating deficit of £1,450,261 (2022: operating deficit of £2,808,892) which together with the gains on investments of £7,978,320 (2022: losses of £13,753,074) produced net incoming movement in funds for the year of £6,528,059 (2022: net outgoing movement of £16,561,966).

The accounts include a year-end provision of £23,818 (2022: £20,800) for all conditional promises of grants that have not yet been paid; this reflects the requirements of SORP FRS102 to provide for liabilities which arise from a valid expectation in third parties that the company will make these grants. Allowing for this the operating results are considered reasonable bearing in mind the level of distributions made, and the trustees confirm that the company's assets are adequate to fulfil its obligations.

Reserves Policy

The company holds investment funds for distribution to a wide range of Christian causes. The company seeks to respond flexibly to the ministry opportunities of the charities it supports and is not committed to maintaining the company in perpetuity. In view of this, the company accepts that the value of its reserves, after adjusting for general price inflation and after withdrawals to finance operating and donation

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STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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requirements, is likely to fall over time. This is as a result of the deficits that arise each year and are detailed in an earlier paragraph.

In 2020 the Board considered in detail the likely path of the company's reserves under a variety of longterm scenarios of investment performance and aggregate levels of donations. In the light of these considerations, the Board decided to limit the aggregate level of donations to a fixed amount each year until 2024 when a further review will be undertaken. The aggregate limit is helping to preserve the company's ability to support charities in the longer term while still allowing the company to have significant flexibility to respond to the opportunities of individual charities in the near future. This is not expected to result in a reduction in the absolute aggregate level of giving compared to that which applied in recent years.

At 31 December 2023 the company’s reserves totalled £158,477,986 (2022: £151,949,927) represented by:


by:
Expendable Endowment
Unrestricted Funds		 £155,190,383
£3,287,603
£158,477,986

Investment Policy

The main objective of the investment policy is to produce a good and stable return, exceeding general price inflation by at least 3% per annum over three-to-five-year periods. This will enable the company to maintain support for charities with which it has a longstanding relationship whilst having a relatively low risk of needing to reduce giving in any one year due to low or unstable investment returns.

The Investment Committee implements investment policy on behalf of the Board and has agreed terms of reference from the Board setting out its responsibilities and powers. The Investment Committee works closely with its investment adviser, Mercer Ltd, in deciding the structure of its investment portfolio, selecting investment managers and assessing their performance against agreed benchmarks.

In implementing the investment policy, the Investment Committee considers a range of factors in deciding on and changing the structure of its investment portfolio and selecting investment managers. These factors include economic outlook, expected total return, prospective volatility, manager performance, investment strategy, diversification of risk, liquidity and ethical, sustainability and governance (ESG) issues. Each investment manager has performance objectives set in a challenging relationship to benchmarks in the relevant asset class for each investment fund. Performance against these benchmarks is monitored closely. In overall terms, the investment portfolio has performed slightly below its aggregate benchmarks over the last three years due mainly to underperformance of an active equity, investment management mandate that has been terminated.

The Investment Committee has particular regard to ESG issues in its choice of investment managers. In 2022 the Investment Committee consolidated the company’s equity investments in the Mercer Passive Sustainable Global Equity Fund. This fund does not invest in businesses engaged in controversial weapons, civilian firearms, tobacco, fossil fuels, alcohol and gambling. The fund also screens out investments that do not comply with sustainable development goals, labour rights and environmental regulations.

The various investment managers and other professional advisers to the company are listed on pages 8 and 9 of the accounts.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

With the continual demands and applications they receive, the trustees are conscious of the many needs and causes the company can support both in the UK and overseas. In addition, the necessary compliance with Charity Commission regulations, company law and best practice all demands time and attention be given to ensure the company is structured and administered in the most efficient manner.

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

__________

Following hindrances to meeting in person caused by the pandemic, a Planning Day was held in March 2023 at which the Committee gave further consideration to the direction and administration of the company. Recommendations from the Planning Day were brought to the Board for its attention.

Andrew Griffiths, Secretary and Director of Operations, made known his plans for retirement in May 2024 and following a recruitment exercise a successor has been identified and appointed. The terms of office for the Chairman and Vice Chairman will conclude in May 2025 and the Board will be considering the necessary replacements.

The continuing work of the Research Committee enables fresh funding opportunities to be considered and explored. The detailed research on youth ministry was concluded in the year and opportunities are being considered to support and strengthen Christian organisations working with young people throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The provision of scholarships for exceptional individuals continues enabling mature students to engage in theological studies in the UK over a period of one to three years.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The company (registration number 00058569) is a charitable company limited by guarantee and was incorporated on 15 August 1898. It is governed by its Articles of Association, the latest version of which was adopted by Special Resolution on 11 May 2022.

The company, which is a registered charity (registration number 234558), also has the status of a trust

corporation.

The company does not have share capital and is limited by guarantee of the members. All trustees are also members of the company, and, under the terms of the company's Articles, all the trustees remain in office. There were 21 trustees in office at the year end (within a permitted maximum number of 25). A full list of all the trustees (the "Board") is shown on page 8.

The Board meets twice yearly, usually in May and November, when the affairs of the company are discussed, and detailed reports are presented on its various activities.

Andrew Griffiths acts as the Secretary to the company and also as Director of Operations. He is joined in the Bath office by Rachel Daws, Financial Administrator, Fiona Gardner, PA and Andy Hoyle, Grants Officer.

Jonathan Loose, Research Director, works remotely in Suffolk but visits the office and is in regular contact with fellow members of staff and trustees.

Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees

The Board continued its discussions on the qualities and qualifications it deemed necessary to be found in future trustees to ensure continuity and the right balance of diversity, professional skills, qualifications, experience and geographical representation. During the year two individuals were interviewed as prospective trustees and, following successful elections, both were formally appointed to the Board at the company’s meetings in May and November 2023.

Trustees are appointed for a period of ten years after which they can offer themselves for re-election. All

trustees retire on their 75th birthday.

All new trustees are provided with a detailed portfolio of information on the history and progress of the company, basic guideline documents and relevant Charity Commission publications. After their appointment, all new trustees are invited to attend one of the Committee's meetings and gain an insight into the day to day matters of the company and its trusts. The Director of Operations keeps in contact with new trustees, seeking to advise on company matters and deal with any queries they may have.

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STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The risks to which the company is exposed were reviewed and considered by the Board at each 6 monthly meeting in the year. Eric Dolan, trustee and Risk Director, continued his thorough review of all areas of risk faced by the company, enabling him to recommend the necessary systems and controls required.

The principal risks are considered to be:

  1. potential declines in investment values and investment income;

  2. the loss of key staff and

  3. donations not achieving the impact expected.

The Investment Committee regularly reviews all investment matters, maintains a diversified portfolio and liaises closely with its investment adviser, Mercer Ltd, to anticipate and contain investment risks. The trustees are cognisant of the risks arising from the economic impact of the war in Ukraine and unrest in the Middle East. Although inflationary pressures are now easing, equity markets appear to be anticipating optimistic earnings trends that may well be frustrated. In 2023 our investment portfolio generally participated well in a relatively buoyant market environment but is defensively positioned for possible market downturns. The Investment Committee is mindful of long-term structural factors and ESG issues in determining the disposition of its portfolio.

The sharing of duties by staff, the involvement of trustees and securing key data in an accessible form helps to reduce the risks associated with potential loss of key staff.

A risk score card is prepared for all funding applicants and similar risks reviews will be carried out on all beneficiaries. The company's mechanisms for assessment, reporting, monitoring of donations and visiting supported organisations enable the trustees to judge whether the desired funding impacts are being achieved.

Key Staff Salaries

The trustees consider the Committee and the Director of Operations comprise the key management personnel of the company in charge of directing, controlling, running and operating the company on a dayto-day basis. All trustees give of their time freely and the remuneration information for the Director of Operations is disclosed in note 14 to the accounts. Details of trustees' expenses and related party transactions are given in notes 13 and 22 respectively.

The Chairman and the Committee formally review the staff salaries annually, the last review took effect on 1 January 2024.

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of Stewards Company Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom accounting standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

__________

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Statement of Disclosure to the Auditor

In so far as the trustees are aware:

Auditors

The auditors, Haines Watts Bristol Limited, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

The trustees consider it an honour and privilege to be involved in the support of God's work and they believe that the company fulfils a significant support role in the maintenance and growth of Christian life and witness both in the United Kingdom and overseas.

By order of the Board on 22 April 2024

G J Davies

Chairman

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

__________

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

G J Davies Bridgend, Chairman D C Bingham Lisburn, Vice-Chairman J Aitken Bristol J Armstrong Kilwinning (appointed 10 May 2023) K A D Bintley Bishops Stortford Dr J H Burness Bristol I S Childs Enniskerry Ms A S M Chung London E Dolan Jersey G A Eccles Harpenden (appointed 8 November 2023) Dr J M Fitzhugh Belfast J Gamble Law A B Griffiths Bath H N Iley Brampton M Leto St Albans A I Mayo Caterham Mrs J M Michael Maidenhead D N Roberts Carshalton S Shaw Holywood S Tomlinson Lancaster P J Young Maesteg

Secretary & Director of Operations A B Griffiths Financial Administrator Miss R C Daws

Registered Office & Principal Office 122 Wells Road, Bath, BA2 3AH Charity Number 234558 Company Number 00058569 (England and Wales) Senior Statutory Auditor Andrew Jordan FCA

Auditors Haines Watts Bristol Limited, Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors, Bath House, 6-8 Bath Street, Bristol BS1 6HL

Bankers NatWest, City of Bath, First Floor, 24-25 Stall Street, Bath BA1 1QF

Investment Adviser Mercer Ltd, The Paragon, Counterslip, Bristol, BS1 6BX

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STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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Investment Managers Cordea Savills, Lansdowne House, 33 Market Street, London, W1G 0JD CQS Investment Management Ltd, 5[th] Floor, 33 Grosvenor Place, London, SW1X 7HY

Fulcrum Asset Management, Marble Arch House, 66 Seymour Street, London W1H 5BT (appointed 2023)

J P Morgan , 60 Victoria Embankment, London, EC4Y 0JP Ruffer LLP, 80 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5JL

Mercer Global Investment Europe, 78 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland

Solicitors Anthony Collins, 134 Edmund Street, Birmingham B3 2ES Hugh James, Two Central Square, Cardiff, CF10 1FS (formerly Loosemores)

9

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Stewards Company Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Stewards Company Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

10

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Stewards Company Limited

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

11

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Stewards Company Limited

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

i) We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the charity and the sector in which it operates. We determined the following laws and regulations of most significance were: Charity SORP 2019 and UK GAAP.

(ii) We obtained an understanding of how the charity complies with those legal and regulatory frameworks by making inquiries of management. We corroborated our enquiries through our review of board minutes and other relevant meeting minutes.

(iii) We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

12

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of Stewards Company Limited

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Andrew Jordan FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Haines Watts Bristol Limited Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Bath House 6 - 8 Bath Street Bristol BS1 6HL

23 April 2024

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STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
6
Advancement of Christian religion
Investment income
5
Other income
7
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
8
Charitable activities
9
Advancement of Christian religion
Total
Net gains/(losses) on investments
17 & 18
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Transfers between funds
21
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 2023
Unrestricted
Endowment
Total
funds
funds
funds

£
£
£
655,036
-
655,036
39,741
-
39,741
4,795,511
-
4,795,511
158,697
-
158,697
5,648,985
-
5,648,985
260,248
-
260,248
6,838,998
-
6,838,998
7,099,246
-
7,099,246
115,063
7,863,257
7,978,320
(1,335,198)
7,863,257
6,528,059
1,809,386
(1,809,386)
-
474,188
6,053,871
6,528,059
2,813,415
149,136,512 151,949,927
3,287,603
155,190,383 158,477,986		 2022
Total
funds
£
250,000
15,927
3,516,528
15,181
3,797,636
364,764
6,241,764
6,606,528
(13,753,074)
(16,561,966)
-
(16,561,966)
168,511,893
151,949,927

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.

The notes form part of these financial statements

14

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Balance Sheet 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
16
Investments
Investments
17
Social investments
18
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
19
Cash at bank
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
20
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
21
Unrestricted funds
Endowment funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 2023
Unrestricted
Endowment
Total
funds
funds
funds

£
£
£
2,770
1,057,543
1,060,313
2,478,191
149,878,601 152,356,792
-
1,301,913
1,301,913
2,480,961 152,238,057 154,719,018
68,136
1,620,691
1,688,827
748,964
1,435,898
2,184,862
817,100
3,056,589
3,873,689
(10,458)
(104,263)
(114,721)
806,642
2,952,326
3,758,968
3,287,603
155,190,383 158,477,986
3,287,603
155,190,383 158,477,986
3,287,603
155,190,383
158,477,986		 2022
Total
funds
£
1,084,336
145,198,712
1,164,167
147,447,215
1,755,839
2,944,159
4,699,998
(197,286)
4,502,712
151,949,927
151,949,927
2,813,415
149,136,512
151,949,927

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 April 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

G J Davies, Chairman

The notes form part of these financial statements

15

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Cash Flow Statement FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of fixed asset investments
Purchase of social investments
Sale of tangible fixed assets
Sale of fixed asset investments
Sale of social investments
Dividends and interest from investments
Net cash provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents
in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the reporting period		 2023
£
(6,315,308)
(6,315,308)
(35,572,785)
(108,280)
-
36,413,559
28,006
4,795,511
5,556,011
(759,297)
2,944,159
2,184,862		 2022
£
(7,128,662)
(7,128,662)
(32,506,498)
-
1,550
36,836,160
-
3,514,617
7,845,829
717,167
2,226,992
2,944,159

The notes form part of these financial statements

16

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the
Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
(Gain)/losses on investments
Dividends and interest from investments
Increase in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Net cash used in operations		 2023
£
6,528,059
24,023
(7,978,320)
(4,795,511)
(10,994)
(82,565)
(6,315,308)		 2022
£
(16,561,966)
24,023
13,753,074
(3,514,617)
(852,116)
22,940
(7,128,662)

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

Net cash
Cash at bank
Total		 At 1.1.23
£
2,944,159
2,944,159
2,944,159		 Cash flow
£
(759,297)
(759,297)
(759,297)		 At 31.12.23
£
2,184,862
2,184,862
**2,184,862 **

The notes form part of these financial statements

17

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee (registered number 234558 and company number 58569) registered in England. The charity's registered office is 122 Wells Road, Bath, BA2 3AH.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £. Comparative information relates to the year ended 31 December 2022.

The trustees are confident that the secure level of unrestricted reserves means the charity has a secure future. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Company status

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the trustees named on page 8. In the event of the charity being wound up the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £5 per member of the charity.

Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

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.

Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objects are grants made by the charity to support Christian charitable projects, both overseas and at home and the support costs relating to this activity.

Support costs comprise staff and other costs incurred directly as a result of the charity making grants.

Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

All resources expended are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Conditional grants are recognised as commitments and are accounted for as expenditure when those conditions are fulfilled.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

continued...

18

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Tangible fixed assets

Properties vested in the charity as custodian trustee or on similar terms are included in the Balance Sheet at a nominal value of £1, together with the cost of vesting the property and any subsequent expenditure incurred on alterations and improvements if not otherwise charged to revenue.

All other assets over £5,000 are capitalised.

With regard to the company's offices at 122 Wells Road, the cost of property, other than land, is depreciated on a straight line basis over 50 years and the cost of plant and machinery is depreciated over 20 years. The assessed cost of land is not depreciated.

In the opinion of the trustees it is inappropriate to depreciate the sundry custodian or similar properties vested in the charity as they are held at a nominal value.

Programme related investments

Programme related investments are included at cost as adjusted for exchange gains and losses.

Taxation

The charity has no liability to corporation tax as it does not engage in any taxable activities.

Fund accounting

Expendable endowment funds are those endowment funds where the trust deed has specified that the initial capital could be converted to income.

Unrestricted funds are funds where the distribution of income is at the discretion of the trustees.

Investment income and gains are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Where a trust comprises both an expendable endowment fund and an unrestricted fund it is the policy to transfer sufficient funds from the expendable endowment fund to cover any deficit in the other fund.

Debtors

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount at which the charity is expected to benefit in a future-period.

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.

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.

continued...

19

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make some judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities as at the Balance Sheet date and the amounts reported for income and expenditure. However, the nature of estimation means that actual outcomes could differ from those estimates.

The following significant judgements have been made by management in preparing these financial statements:

4. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
Gift aid
5.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends
Deposit account interest
Mixed motive investment income
6.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Rental income
Advancement of Christian religion
7.
OTHER INCOME
Other income		 2023
£
530,000
125,036
655,036
2023
£
4,745,969
43,483
6,059
4,795,511
2023
£
39,741
2023
£
158,697		 2022
£
200,000
50,000
250,000
2022
£
3,508,362
6,255
1,911
3,516,528
2022
£
15,927
2022
£
15,181

Other income includes £115,000 of refunded grants this year (2022: £nil).

continued...

20

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8.
RAISING FUNDS
Investment management costs
Portfolio management
Investment advice
9.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Advancement of Christian religion
10.
GRANTS PAYABLE
Advancement of Christian religion
The total grants paid during the year were as follows:
Christianity Explored Ministries
Christian Workers Relief Fund
Counties
Echoes International
Gospel Literature Outreach
International Fellowship of Evangelical Students
Living Leadership
Operation Mobilisation
Retired Missionary Aid Fund
Strategic Resource Group
Tyndale House
UCCF
Other £25,000 to £99,999
Other under £25,000		 Grant
funding of
activities
(see note
10)
£
6,351,868		 2023
£
193,756
66,492
260,248
Support
costs (see
note 11)
£
487,130
2023
£
6,351,868
2023
£
305,000
300,000
377,239
-
126,500
206,000
-
106,500
264,000
300,000
220,000
286,000
1,889,942
1,970,687
6,351,868		 2022
£
310,794
53,970
364,764
Totals
£
6,838,998
2022
£
5,730,075
2022
£
-
300,000
387,285
130,000
115,000
210,000
100,000
-
240,000
242,042
200,000
310,000
1,745,743
1,750,005
5,730,075

continued...

21

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. GRANTS PAYABLE - continued

2023 2022
£ £
Home grants 3,883,205 3,533,243
Overseas grants 2,468,663 2,196,832
6,351,868 5,730,075
During the year 388 (2022 - 355) grants were awarded.
11. SUPPORT COSTS
Governance
Management costs Totals
£ £ £
Advancement of Christian religion 394,453 92,677 487,130
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
Management
2023 2022
Advancement
of
Christian Total
religion activities
£ £
Salaries 244,450 220,001
Property costs 36,161 24,604
Printing, stationery and telephone 3,252 9,766
Travel and sundries 24,501 16,860
General insurance 2,884 2,252
Overseas property insurance 11,420 11,810
Legal and professional 26,589 38,810
Computer and IT implementation 15,467 15,901
Bank charges 1,635 1,553
Depreciation 24,023 24,023
General equipment 138 635
Miscellaneous 3,933 -
100th Anniversary costs - 74,265
394,453 440,480

22

continued...

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

11. SUPPORT COSTS - continued Governance costs

SUPPORT COSTS - continued
Governance costs
2023 2022
Advancement
of
Christian Total
religion activities
£ £
Salaries 54,902 45,593
Auditors' remuneration 6,825 6,500
Auditors' remuneration for non-audit work 2,625 2,500
Trustee meetings 28,325 16,616
92,677 71,209

12. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

Auditors' remuneration
Other non-audit services
Depreciation - owned assets		 2023
£
6,825
2,625
24,023		 2022
£
6,500
2,500
24,023

13. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Trustees' expenses

During the year, 17 (2022 - 19) trustees were reimbursed expenses of £14,848 (2022- £13,589), in accordance with the charity’s Articles of Association, for travel to meetings.

General insurance expenditure includes trustee indemnity insurance with cover of £1,000,000.

continued...

23

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14. STAFF COSTS

Salaries
Social security
Social security employer's allowance
Contribution towards salary costs
Other pension costs		 2023
£
246,733
27,635
(5,000)
(9,900)
29,984
**289,452 **		 2022
£
218,816
25,574
(5,000)
(10,125)
26,204
255,469

The Board of trustees consider that the Committee and the Director of Operations are the key management personnel of the charity. The employee benefits of key management personnel included in staff costs above is a salary of £84,119 (2022 - £80,810), employer national insurance of £10,319 (2022 - £10,375) and pension costs of £15,367 (2022 - £14,871). The Director of Operations was reimbursed expenses, mainly for travel, of £1,015 (2022 - £154).

There was an average of 5 employees during the year (2022 - 5), of whom there was 1 employee (2022 - 1) whose emoluments as defined for taxation purposes amounted to over £60,000 in the year, falling into the band of £90,000 to £99,000.

15. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Advancement of Christian religion
Investment income
Other income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Advancement of Christian religion
Total
Net gains/(losses) on investments
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Transfers between funds		 Unrestricted
Endowment
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
250,000
-
250,000
15,927
-
15,927
3,516,528
-
3,516,528
15,181
-
15,181
3,797,636
-
3,797,636
364,764
-
364,764
6,241,764
-
6,241,764
6,606,528
-
6,606,528
(192,051)
(13,561,023)
(13,753,074)
(3,000,943)
(13,561,023)
(16,561,966)
2,613,193
(2,613,193)
-

24

continued...

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
16.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Freehold
property
£
COST
At 1 January 2023 and
31 December 2023
579,603
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2023
17,434
Charge for year
11,623
At 31 December 2023
29,057
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023
550,546
At 31 December 2022
562,169		 OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted
Endowment
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
(387,750)
(16,174,216)
(16,561,966)
3,201,165 165,310,728 168,511,893
2,813,415149,136,512 151,949,927
Plant and
Custodian
Land
machinery
property
Totals
£
£
£
£
290,000
247,997
2,770
1,120,370
-
18,600
-
36,034
-
12,400
-
24,023
-
31,000
-
60,057
290,000
216,997
2,770
1,060,313
290,000
229,397
2,770
1,084,336

In the opinion of the trustees the market value of the custodian and similar properties is in excess of the amount at which they appear in the financial statements, but this value cannot be ascertained with any certainty due to the nature of their use.

continued...

25

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

MARKET VALUE
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 December 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Listed
investments
Totals
£
£
145,198,712
145,198,712
35,572,785
35,572,785
(36,413,559)
(35,052,783)
7,998,854
7,998,854
152,356,792
152,356,792
152,356,792
152,356,792
145,198,712 145,198,712

Investments above include cash held with investment managers of £2,589,358 (2022: £2,544,652).

The investments as at the year end include forward contracts valued by the investment manager at £91,484 as at 31 December 2023. These forward contracts matured within one month of the year end.

All investment assets are held with UK based investment managers.

The trust had the following investments representing more than 5% of the investment portfolio (including cash) by value:

2023 2022 2022
£ % £ %
TM Fulcrum Diversified Absolute Ret Fund C Acc 11,418,912 7.5 - -
GBP
Mercer Passive Sustainable Global Equity 30,137,137 19.8 26,641,532 18.3
Mercer Passive Sustainable Global Equity (hedged) 32,586,546 21.4 26,437,271 18.2
CQS Credit Multi Asset Fund 17,825,959 11.7 20,595,791 14.2
Cordea Savills - Charities Property Fund 18,804,150 12.3 20,638,565 14.2
J P Morgan IIF UK 1 Hedged LP 18,370,299 12.1 16,846,902 11.6

continued...

26

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

18. SOCIAL INVESTMENTS

MARKET VALUE
At 1 January 2023
Reclassification
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 December 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Equity
£
414,167
-
-
-
(20,534)
393,633
393,633
414,167		 Loans
£
750,000
-
-
-
-
750,000
750,000
750,000		 Mixed
motive
investments
Totals
£
£
-
1,164,167
78,006
78,006
108,280
108,280
(28,006)
(28,006)
-
(20,534)
158,280
1,301,913
158,280
1,301,913
-
1,164,167

The loan to the Church Growth Trust (£78,006 brought forward as at 1 January 2023) has been reclassified in this year as a mixed motive investment to recognise the nature of the asset (included in other debtors previously).

The programme related investments loans relate to redeemable loan stock held which it is not intended to redeem in the immediate future.

19. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Other debtors
Prepayments		 2023
£
1,664,236
24,591
1,688,827		 2022
£
1,738,518
17,321
1,755,839

continued...

27

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Other creditors
Investment management charges
Grants payable
Accrued expenses		 2023
£
15,081
62,708
23,818
13,114
114,721		 2022
£
49,825
96,488
20,800
30,173
197,286

21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
Revenue Account
The Barnabas Trust
The J W Laing Trust
The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust
Estate of Miss Edwards deceased
Guarantee Fund
The Reach Fund
Endowment funds
The J W Laing Trust
The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust
Estate of Miss Edwards deceased
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.1.23
£
266,445
2,531,796
-
-
-
100
15,074
2,813,415
121,233,998
27,885,987
16,527
149,136,512
151,949,927		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(73,387)
7,610
(1,040,138)
(752,721)
(16,527)
5
539,960
(1,335,198)
6,056,242
1,807,015
-
7,863,257
6,528,059		 Transfers

between
funds
£
21,875
-
1,040,138
752,721
16,527
-
(21,875)
1,809,386
(1,040,138)
(752,721)
(16,527)
(1,809,386)
-		 At
31.12.23
£
214,933
2,539,406
-
-
-
105
533,159
3,287,603
126,250,102
28,940,281
-
155,190,383
158,477,986

continued...

28

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
Revenue Account
The Barnabas Trust
The J W Laing Trust
The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust
Estate of Miss Edwards deceased
Guarantee Fund
The Reach Fund
Endowment funds
The J W Laing Trust
The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
42,864
(116,251)
80,166
(187,619)
4,045,090
(5,085,228)
850,892
(1,603,613)
7
(16,534)
5
-
629,961
(90,001)
5,648,985
(7,099,246)
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,648,985
(7,099,246)		 Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
-
(73,387)
115,063
7,610
-
(1,040,138)
-
(752,721)
-
(16,527)
-
5
-
539,960
115,063
(1,335,198)
6,056,242
6,056,242
1,807,015
1,807,015
7,863,257
7,863,257
7,978,320
6,528,059

continued...

29

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
Revenue Account
The Barnabas Trust
The J W Laing Trust
The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust
Estate of Miss Edwards deceased
Guarantee Fund
The Reach Fund
Endowment funds
The J W Laing Trust
The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust
Estate of Miss Edwards deceased
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.1.22
£
372,233
2,828,842
-
-
-
90
-
3,201,165
133,846,319
31,430,966
33,443
165,310,728
168,511,893		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(115,788)
(297,046)
(1,729,027)
(867,250)
(16,916)
10
25,074
(3,000,943)
(10,883,294)
(2,677,729)
-
(13,561,023)
(16,561,966)		 Transfers

between
funds
£
10,000
-
1,729,027
867,250
16,916
-
(10,000)
2,613,193
(1,729,027)
(867,250)
(16,916)
(2,613,193)
-		 At
31.12.22
£
266,445
2,531,796
-
-
-
100
15,074
2,813,415
121,233,998
27,885,987
16,527
149,136,512
151,949,927

continued...

30

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
Revenue Account
The Barnabas Trust
The J W Laing Trust
The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust
Estate of Miss Edwards deceased
Guarantee Fund
The Reach Fund
Endowment funds
The J W Laing Trust
The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
7,588
63,157
2,818,710
658,013
84
10
250,074
3,797,636
-
-
-
3,797,636		 Resources
expended
£
(123,376)
(168,152)
(4,547,737)
(1,525,263)
(17,000)
-
(225,000)
(6,606,528)
-
-
-
(6,606,528)
Gains and
losses
£
-
(192,051)
-
-
-
-
-
(192,051)
(10,883,294)
(2,677,729)
(13,561,023)
(13,753,074)
Movement
in funds
£
(115,788)
(297,046)
(1,729,027)
(867,250)
(16,916)
10
25,074
(3,000,943)
(10,883,294)
(2,677,729)
(13,561,023)
(16,561,966)

continued...

31

STEWARDS COMPANY LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

21. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Funds

Revenue Account - The revenue account represents the assets of the Stewards Company Limited for which a use has, as yet, not been determined. All income is allocated to the revenue account unless otherwise restricted by the donor or specifically designated by the trustees.

The Barnabas Trust - The Barnabas Trust is for charitable purposes.

The J W Laing Trust - This trust is for the benefit of Christian work in the UK and overseas. The object of this trust is defined as "To help the Church of Jesus Christ to fulfil the great commission" (Matthew 28 vv 16-20).

The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust - This trust is concerned with matters covering Bible Studies generally and also benefits certain work connected with students and undergraduates which was specifically mentioned by the original donor.

Estate of Miss M Edwards deceased - The income is distributed among full time Christian workers connected with Wales. The funds have all been spent out in the year.

Guarantee Fund - The guarantee fund represents a contribution of £5 for each of the present members in accordance with the charity's Articles of Association. In the financial year in which a person ceases to be a member of the charity their contribution is transferred to the revenue account.

The Reach Fund - This fund reflects donations received from two specific donors where there are suggestions for the distribution of grants but the decision rests with the Committee.

Endowment Funds - Expendable endowment funds are those capital funds relating to the respective Trusts where the trust deed has specified that the initial capital could be converted to income.

The transfers to the Unrestricted Funds of The J W Laing Trust, The J W Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust and the Estate of Miss M Edwards deceased are the net amounts expended of the unrestricted aspect of those funds.

A transfer of £21,875 (2022 - £10,000) has been made from the Reach Fund to the Revenue Account to reflect an administration fee.

22. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the year the company paid grants to charitable institutions that have trustees in common with Stewards Company Limited. In such cases the trustees concerned absented themselves from the decision-making process when grants were discussed.

The company has provided the services of an administrator and rented a small office to Western Counties and South Wales Evangelization Trust (charity number 234557), of which Mr G J Davies is a trustee. All transactions and charges are treated at arm's length.

During the year a grant of £1,033 (2022 - £1,000) was awarded to Mr P J Young, a trustee, from the Miss Edwards Trust.

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