## **COUNTIES**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
**Charity registration number: 264278 Company registration number: 01041761**
## COUNTIES
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
|**CONTENTS**|page|
|---|---|
|Report of the trustees|1 – 11|
|a) Constitution & Objects||
|b) Future vision & strategy||
|c) Review of Developments during the year:||
|i) Launching Counties Connect||
|ii) Evangelists||
|iii) Training||
|iv) Church resources||
|v) Schools’ Resources||
|d) Results and Financial Review||
|e) Challenges faced||
|f) General Public Benefit||
|g) Risks Policy||
|h) Reserves and Investment Policy||
|i) Related Parties and Relationships with other Charities||
|j) Relations with Financial Supporters||
|k) Structure, Governance and Management||
|l) Statement of trustees’ responsibilities||
|Legal and administrative information|12|
|Report of the independent examiner|13|
|Statement of Financial Activities|14|
|Balance Sheet|15|
|Statement of Cashflows|16|
|Notes to the financial statements|17 – 28|
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
## COUNTIES
The trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, submit their Annual Report and the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102 2019) Accounting and Reporting by Charities in preparing the annual report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 17 and 18 and comply with the charity’s governing documentation and applicable law.
## **a) Constitution & Objects**
The charity is a charitable company, Counties number 01041761, and until May 2024 was registered as Counties (formerly Counties Evangelistic Work). The charity (registered number 264278) was founded in 1899 and was set up as a company on 9 February 1972, limited by guarantee. It is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The object of the charity, as outlined in the Memorandum and Articles of Association are “to advance the Christian Faith by such means being charitable as the charity may determine”.
## **b) Future vision & strategy**
We are excited about the future direction of the work of Counties. Historically Counties has used three words to define it’s strategy. They were:
- Evangelists
- Training
- Resources
These elements will still exist in the future of the work, but will be reshaped so as to create easier accessibility and greater benefit to local churches. The future vision is shaped by our new mission statement ‘Making Jesus known: inspiring and equipping local churches’, and is more fully expressed as ‘building broader and deeper connections with churches to inspire, equip and engage in evangelizing and disciple-making, leading to healthy church growth and church planting’.
The key words, _**inspire, equip, engage**_ are key to our approach, as we believe that ‘the Gospel is _still_ the power of God to save everyone who believes’ (Romans 1:16), and therefore our strategy is built on this conviction and expressed and pursued through these simple three words.
Through a growing investment in communications, we will _**inspire**_ both Christians and local churches with stories and testimonies of God at work. This will happen through traditional approaches such as _Ignite_ magazine and Praise and Prayer updates, through our new email _Connect Newsletter_ , aimed at Church leaders, and to a new audience through extended use of social media with new video content.
With inspiration, we will create simple programmes that will _**equip**_ believers and Church leaders, enabling them to better pursue and fulfil the Great Commission, namely to make disciples:
_Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20_
The first of these programmes, The Connect Evangelist Training Programme (CETP), is launching in 2025, with a stated goal of training 125 church based evangelists over the next three years (2025-2027).
In order to sustain and grow this vision, we will be adding additional support for local churches, encouraging them to _**engage**_ together in regions, and with Counties and others more widely, in order to strengthen and deepen the impact of this vision – so that local churches will grow through making new disciples, be revitalized through support structures and tools, and be motivated and trained to plant new churches.
You can see that the key elements of evangelists, training and resources are still fundamental to the work, but are now being clearly shaped by our vision, for the benefit of the Church.
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COUNTIES REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
## **c) Review of Developments during the year**
## i. **Launching Counties Connect**
With the adoption of the new mission statement in 2022, ‘Making Jesus known: inspiring and equipping local churches’, Counties signaled its intent and belief that in order to fulfil its mission, this must be pursued through deeper relationships and partnerships with local churches across the UK. The key development in the year has been the launch of Counties Connect, in September 2024, a Network for local churches committed to the pursuit of fulfilling the Great Commission in their region. Counties heart for evangelism remains at the centre of this network, with the engagement of evangelists continuing to be pivotal to the work. Counties Connect will exist to support local churches in prioritizing and implementing strategies that deliver on the Great Commission to make disciples, and as a result, see growth in the maturity and numbers of their congregations. Local Churches can engage at three levels as part of Connect: 1. Inspire, 2. Equip, 3. Engage.
**1. Inspire** – Inspired churches are those who receive Counties publications including Ignite magazine, monthly Enews, and the Connect Leaders email. We seek to be a source of inspiring local churches by telling stories of God at work across the UK. Over 700 local churches are regularly inspired through relationship with Counties.
**2. Equip** – Equipped churches are those who are utilising Counties resources. These include current resources, such as the Life exhibition and Neighbourhood Chaplains, as well as those signing up for the new Connect training programmes. Over 200 local churches have been equipped in this way over the last five years.
**3. Engage** – Engaged churches are those committed to working with Counties and our partners GLO GB, Church Growth Trust and others, to increase fruitful discipleship within their regions. Local churches form Regional Connect Teams, setting strategy goals for revitalization and church planting within their region. Three teams exist in early form, based in London (The London Hub), Devon, and Gloucester/Hereford.
Through Connect, Counties will increase its offer and impact in the provision of training for local churches and the provision of resources to enable them to pursue this goal. We will provide training at three key levels to support local church engagement and growth through the work of the Gospel:
- i. Training for Church Leadership teams helping them to keep a focus on mission and making disciples.
- ii. Training for evangelists, enabling local churches to raise and train church-based evangelists.
- iii. Training for congregations, enabling many more people to become effective in being a witness for Christ and a disciple maker.
The Connect Evangelists Training programme (ii. above), has 38 people signed up to begin this exciting programme in January 2025, and filming and production of materials is ongoing. Development of The Great Commission Team Process (i. above) will begin in 2025 in partnership with GLO GB and local church leaders.
The following summarises other main developments during 2023/24. These are listed across the pages of this report. Key developments include:
- 50 leaders attending online information events about Counties Connect.
- Appointment of three new evangelists during the year, in Derby/Leics., Herefordshire and Cardiff.
- Around 100 people attending taster sessions for the new Connect Evangelists Training Programme.
- Celebration of Counties 125[th] Anniversary. Events were held across England and Wales, with around 1,000 people attending special events, including 500 over two days in a barn in Newent, Gloucestershire.
- Appointment of a new Regional Connector for the West Midlands, bringing to six the number of Connectors.
- Production and broadcasting of 13 podcast episodes based on our recent book in partnership with TWR Christian Radio, broadcast in autumn 2024.
- Appointment of a new chair of Trustees, with our previous chair remaining as deputy chair.
## ii. **Evangelists**
Much of Counties’ support goes toward the amazing work of Counties Evangelists who continue to be at the forefront of the work. The financial grants they receive varies, depending on circumstances. The total number
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## COUNTIES
## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
of self-employed evangelists financially supported with a standard-grant or partial-grant at the year-end was 46, including seniors and widows. This has slightly increased in the last 10 years. These figures do not include spouses, many of whom are also very active in the work. In recent months, four new evangelists joined Counties, and during the year one evangelist left Counties. Not all Counties evangelists receive regular financial grants from Counties General Fund, some evangelists link with Counties to benefit from the fellowship, training and conferences. In addition, we give thanks for the many years of commitment and service for the Counties seniors, and widows of evangelists who have passed away.
The evangelists, in seeking to fulfill the charity’s objects, are involved in a host of initiatives. These include holiday clubs for children and seniors; training; drop-in centers for support and advice regarding parenting, relationships and finance; youth camps; focus groups for men; door-to-door outreach; street evangelism; small groups; school visits; visiting prisons and helping ex-offenders; Christian education and preaching. Some evangelists work with all ages and backgrounds, whilst others have a specific focus such as international students, teenagers, children, men, women, migrants, international merchant seafarers or other communities. Some of the more experienced evangelists are involved in mentoring other evangelists or working with churches to help them develop more effective teaching and evangelistic programmes.
During the year to support the work of the evangelists the Evangelists’ Officer (EO) has held biannual reviews with evangelists and a member of their local support group. As well as meeting with evangelists and keeping in contact with Cluster leaders, the EO supports the CLG’s (Counties Link Groups). Each evangelist has a CLG made up of local church leaders and Christians, the CLG act to offer support and guidance for each evangelist. Evangelists meet at least twice each year in six **regional Cluster groups** : South-West England, South Central England, East of England, Wales, Midlands and North of England. Each Cluster is led by a link evangelist who co-ordinates the gatherings. The purpose of the Clusters is to share personal and pastoral support, to enable training, and to consider the wider strategic opportunities in each region and across the UK. The regional gatherings are attended by the CEO, the Evangelist Officer, and the Trustee(s) within each region.
In addition to these regional gatherings, Counties seeks to continue to have **annual conferences** for the evangelists, trustees and staff. In October 2024 Counties partnered with 3 other missional organisations to arrange the Living the Passion conference for supporters, partner organisations, evangelists, staff, trustees and their families, with over 280 people present. In October 2025 we look forward to being involved in our next Counties Connect Conference.
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COUNTIES REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
## iii. **Training**
- During the previous financial year, we said goodbye to our Training Officer, and Counties decided it was not suitable to reappoint a like-for-like replacement. Many of these activities were ably managed throughout the year on a part-time basis by the Evangelist Officer. A Training Administrator has recently been appointed to work with Counties’ Evangelist Officer and the Project Manager to develop the Connect Evangelist Training Programme. Around 100 people have attended taster sessions for the new Connect Evangelists Training Programme. This is being developed, and filming of the six modules is underway; with the first module already being edited. By the end of January 2025, we intend to have this completed and Module Two begun. There exists a heart to develop evangelism in the local church setting, to which end there are currently 38 people on the waiting list to begin this training programme in early 2025. The modules being developed are based on the themes: Gospel; Evangelist; Teamwork; Mission Field; Church; Restoring Evangelism.
- The **Enable** collaboration serves a network of service groups and churches in conjunction with a co-creator GLO Europe (charity no. SC049681). Counties is also an active partner in a collaborative gap-year programme called **First-ServeUK** , working with Echoes International (charity no. 1173851) and GLO Europe.
- **TEAM** (Training in Evangelism and Mission) is now run in conjunction with One2Lead, our evangelism training for 15-21 year olds. During the year one person joined the TEAM programme. One2Lead, having launched its second venue in Cornwall in the spring of 2022, launched its third venue in Suffolk in March 2024. There is a desire to see this programme rolled out in all regions of the UK. Counties is seeking to invest this in training a new generation of evangelists.
## iv. **Church Resources** :
- **Neighbourhood Chaplains** continues to inspire and equip local churches to reach out into their neighbourhoods as the bible has instructed (Eph. 4:12). Teams are trained and encouraged to work with the lost and the lonely, the marginalised and those who have yet to hear the good news of the Gospel, through house visits and a variety of community focused events (Acts 20:20). This resource includes ever growing training and support, with a bespoke toolkit to help churches with teaching, engaging and all relevant policies and procedures. Team volunteers can be involved as initial contact, befriender or helping hands. The aim is for a church to develop lasting relationships within which the individual's spiritual needs can be met, effectively making disciples (Mat. 28:19-20).
We give thanks for the opportunities to respond to enquiries and to train, equip, support and encourage teams running a Neighbourhood Chaplains Team. During the financial year 30 new churches attended one of the 5 ‘Inform & Inspire’ events, 4 new churches were trained, including 20 new chaplains. At the yearend 27 scheme members were operational.
- **Counties Planting Network** : in April 2019 Counties launched the Counties Planting Network, with the vision to work with local churches in the training, equipping and supporting of church planting and replanting teams across the UK. Counties has partnered with M4 Europe, and through the M4 programme we are able to assess, train and coach church planting team leaders and their teams. M4UK is a partnership with other evangelical groups, enabling us to train Church planting teams. During the financial year the M4UK ‘Learning Communities’ events in March and September took place in Fulwood Free Methodist Church, Preston. There are currently 3 teams training with M4UK. The teams associated with and mentored by Counties will become part of the new ‘Connect’ network of churches.
- **Counties Connect** : The growth of Connect has been underpinned by additional communications support, with Social Media, Church leaders emails, and regional meetings to inspire leaders. The growth of the Network will be driven by a team of Regional Connectors, working with church leaders, Counties and strategic partners, including GLO GB and Church Growth Trust. New resources are being produced to better assist and equip local churches and their leaders.
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COUNTIES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
- **‘Making Jesus known today and tomorrow** ’: We have been delighted to partner with TWR Christian Radio to produce 13 episodes called Making Jesus Known Today and Tomorrow. These have been broadcast each Saturday and Sunday in the autumn of 2024, and will be repeated in early 2025. During the year we filmed a podcast based on the book and TWR-UK (Christian radio network), published it in October 2024.
## **’** v. **Schools resources** :
- Since 2000 **GSUS Live** has helped secondary school students to explore the themes of fear, forgiveness and rejection through the teachings of Jesus. We give
thanks that the multi-media resource, previously housed in trailer classrooms, has helped over 630,000
students. Counties continues to give thanks that during the previous financial year, we received a generous significant one-off donation from a grant making trust for schools’ resources. This enabled us to bring the resources up to date, and continue to offer the resources at a below cost rate to local booking organisations. GSUS Live continues to enable thousands of students each year to hear who Jesus is, what He said, what he did and why He is fundamental to the Christian faith.
- The **Life exhibition** , launched in March 2006, is an educational resource to help churches to link with local **primary schools** and demonstrates that Jesus Christ is relevant in the 21st century. In the autumn 2024 we celebrated the 150,000th pupil attending the exhibition at Enniskillen. In addition, we have welcomed at least 22,300 other visitors, including teachers, youth and children’s groups, as well as visitors to churches. The generous one-off grant trust donation towards schools’ resources enabled us to continue to update our school resources so our cutting-edge resources linked to the school RE teaching can help churches connect with their communities for many years to come. A second Life exhibition unit was launched in early 2024 and we are delighted by the continued increase in bookings by local churches.
## **d) Results and Financial Review**
Whilst this has been an exciting year for Counties and its strategic developments, from a financial perspective as the charity has experienced an overall net deficit of £160,452, compared to a surplus of £474,598 in the previous year. Income and expenditure for the year are shown in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 14. **Income** for the charity has decreased to £903,429 (2023: £1,403,818). The most significant events that have given rise to this difference were i) a donation from a grant making trust in the previous year that meant a decrease in trust income (see note 2) to restricted funds to £71k (2023: £316k), ii) a legacy donation of a property in the previous year valued at £260k (treated as designated funds), iii) a grant of £65k in the previous year arising from a church sale, iv) the sale of part of a property in the previous year which was owned by Counties. **Expenditure** increased to £1,105,919 (2023: £942,695). Much of this increase arose from expenditure linked to the restricted grant received in the previous financial year, including schools’ resources and training. Movements on individual funds are summarised in note 18.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
£1,400,000
Income & Expenditure
£1,200,000
2024 2023
£1,000,000
£800,000
net movement
£600,000 of funds
£400,000
£200,000
total expenditure
£0
total income losses/gains on
-£200,000
investments
-£400,000
-£600,000
-£800,000
-£1,000,000
-£1,200,000 5
**----- End of picture text -----**
COUNTIES REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
**Unrestricted Funds** shows a net deficit after transfers of £39,588, with income for the year greatly decreasing to £676,204 (previous year Unrestricted Funds income £963,076). The main factors that gave rise to this difference, as mentioned above, were the one-off additional income in the previous year of a trust grant, a legacy donation of a property, previous year church sale income, and the sale of part of a property owned by Counties.
**Legacies** cannot be regarded as regular income, needless to say the trustees are grateful to all those who have made provision in their will. The following graph shows how legacies have fluctuated since 2009, but on average the charity has received £123k a year. Without the legacy income stream much of the work of Counties would not be possible. As we never know when legacies will be received, we have to be slightly more cautious than we would like with respect to the use of reserves. This does make it more difficult for the trustees when we set our annual budget. Our approach is to set a budget deficit for the year ahead in faith that legacies will be forthcoming to cover that deficit, but also knowing that there are adequate free reserves available if the Lord’s timing of legacies is different.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
£300,000
Legacy income
£250,000
£200,000
£150,000
£100,000
£50,000
£-
**----- End of picture text -----**
The following analysis of total expenditure represents £1,105,919 (2023: £942,695). Within this Unrestricted Fund expenditure is £716,813, an increase from 2023 which was £635,959. Within Counties we take great care to ensure that we maximise the use of funds for charitable purposes and apply our limited resources to where the need is greatest. This is capably managed by the team at Westbury.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
£600,000
2024
£500,000 2023 4% total expenditure
£400,000
Raising funds
£300,000
34%
£200,000 Charitable activities:
Unrestricted
£100,000
Charitable activities:
£0
62%
Restricted
Raising funds Charitable Charitable
activities: activities:
Unrestricted Restricted
**----- End of picture text -----**
The trustees are eager to see the work of Counties grow; we have an expectation to appoint more evangelists and hopefully some of those in new areas across the UK. We want to train and support them more effectively so that they are enabled to use their God given gifts to bring the Good News to the nation. We also want to see the range of exciting resources we have better utilised to engage with people and create opportunities for
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
## COUNTIES
them to hear about the Christian faith. We want to see local churches thriving across the UK. We continue to seek ways to increase and diversify our income base; we have been encouraged that some areas are already bearing fruit.
The areas we have been looking at are:
- Deputation - In the past year we were encouraged to receive £160.4k of **Unrestricted income** (note 2) via donation from churches and individuals supporting Counties. This represents around 25% of total unrestricted income and we hope there is capacity for this to increase as we communicate information about the work. We do not wish to take anything away from the direct generous support of evangelists. However, we hope that churches and individuals will also recognise the need to give towards the essential support function offered by the charity as a whole. To this end we have provided resources to evangelists to help promote this when they visit churches in their area.
- Grants - We have approached a number of charitable trusts with a view to them providing core support for specific aspects of the work of the charity. This is particularly helpful where we are trying to initiate new projects.
- Legacies - Several years ago we produced a legacy pack to help guide individuals when they are writing or renewing their wills.
The following are **Restricted Funds** where income has been given to Counties for specific use:
- **Evangelists fund** (see note 18): Counties continues to provide a free service to pass on donations received for specific evangelists. We also, where suitable, reclaim the Gift-Aid and pass this onto the evangelist. During the year Evangelists were supported with £95k (2023: £86k) in this way.
- Running costs for **GSUS Live** were historically met by grants and donations.
- **The Evangelization Society** (TES) fund is used to receive donations that continue to be made to the charity, previously of the same name, with a view to continue to use these funds for pioneering evangelistic projects undertaken across the UK.
- The **Schools Resources,** and **Training** fund arose as a result of a grant to Counties by the Weald Trust during the previous financial year. Counties has sought this to be used to develop these resources and extend the impact of Counites’ activities in these areas.
- **Church Support fund** exists to assist local churches and to receive grant funding to help meet the costs of our team of Regional Connectors who connect with and help meet the needs of local churches.
The **Designated Funds** are where the trustees seek to use resources available for specific use:
- The **Restructuring fund** was designated by the Trustees in the previous financial year to help meet the cost of developing our strategic plans and objectives as outlined in section c) Launching Counties Connect, earlier in this report.
- The **Counties Planting Network** fund was set up to promote and assist church planting and training, using the M4 training model (see further information above).
- **Fixed Assets Net Book Value fund** : this was established in the previous financial year to account for the net book value of our fixed assets and property investments which are by definition not available as free reserves. This includes income from value of the property (£259,500) that was bequeathed to Counties as part of a legacy, and was legally transferred to Counties during the year. The total value of this fund is £386,644 at the year end.
## **e) Challenges faced**
- i) **Global & national ‘Cost of Living Crisis’** : Counties continues to give thanks for support from personal donors, churches and trusts, despite the impacts of inflation, the war in Europe and investment values fluctuating. We give thanks for the partnership of churches, trusts and individuals in faithfully supporting the Lord’s work via Counties, often with sacrificial giving.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
## COUNTIES
- ii) During the international **Covid19** outbreak and pandemic, although many of the charity’s activities were restricted, we looked for new and creative ways to fulfil our charitable goals. Since the end of the pandemic the charities activities have continued to be affected in several ways:
- **Schools’ resources** : during the pandemic churches were unable to connect with schools, and Counties’ schools resources bookings were cancelled. We were encouraged that the majority of visits were rearranged, however in the longer term some churches have struggled to restart schools’ work.
- **Governance & administration** : meetings being held via video calls have continued to be an effective way of connecting across the country including the 2024 AGM, and Steering Group meetings.
- During the financial year Counties **training** continued online, including Neighbourhood Chaplains, and the Evangelists Training Programme.
The Trustees seek to anticipate external challenges and any significant impact on the charity’s operations and reserves. The trustees seek for the charity to hold sufficient reserves to be able to meet these challenges.
## **f) General 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 charity. Through the varied ministries of the evangelists and our resources we see
- advancement of the objects of the charity, as outlined in the Memorandum & Articles of Association to advance the Christian Faith, in particular bringing people to a personal faith in Jesus Christ and eternal security;
- individuals of all ages finding friendship, hope and healing;
- families being reordered and brought into stability;
- communities being served with practical help;
- encouragement towards personal responsibility and mutual acceptance;
- bringing new Christian believers into local worshipping and supportive communities.
Christian belief offers people a set of values by which to live, to make moral decisions and to interact with others. The majority of Counties arranged events and services are open to the public and these benefits have helped to meet religious, spiritual and educational needs, as well as supporting and helping individuals irrespective of background and status.
## **g) Risks Policy**
The trustees annually review the principal risks the charity faces including analysing the likelihood and impact of each risk. The Chief Operations Officer carries responsibility as the Risk Assessment Manager. The principal risks currently identified, and strategies for managing these risks are as follows:
- Maintaining relationship with funders - regular contact, briefings and periodic visits
- key donors kept informed of activities - key donors invited to major events.
- Loss of key staff - reasonable notice period in place - annual review by trustees of all salaries/expenses
- major office procedures recorded - appraisals consider future aspirations - backup staff trained in roles.
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults & children - Counties Safeguarding Officer appointed - safeguarding training - Safeguarding/Child protection policy kept up to date and member of Thirtyone:eight.
- Over dependency on income sources – we are encouraging increases of income from individuals & churches - regularly monitoring sources of income – proactively and consistency seeking to diversify and increase sources of income.
## **h) Reserves and Investment Policy**
The trustees aim to hold unrestricted reserves to meet the following objectives:
- Funding the working capital needs of the charity;
- Enabling the charity to consistently deliver its aims and objectives over the medium term even though its income may fluctuate;
- Facilitating a restructuring or orderly winding up process if the need arose.
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## COUNTIES
## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
The Charity is reliant on voluntary income, legacy income and investment income which as highlighted earlier in this report can fluctuate significantly, in particular legacies. This directly impacts on our reserves policy, therefore at their annual **reserves policy** review Counties trustees reaffirmed the following policy.
£300,000 **Base reserves** of 4-5 months expenditure £0 - £400,000 **Free reserves** to match 3 years of legacy income £300,000 - £700,000 Total **Liquid reserves**
The Charity currently holds **liquid reserves** , being those Unrestricted Funds not held as fixed assets, designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed at the balance sheet date of £425,340 (2023 - £460,632) see Balance sheet.
As noted above the trustees have a target range of free reserves between £0 and £400,000 as this enables absorb the fluctuations in our income and continue to deliver consistently on our aims. Those free reserves are at the lower end of the range as we embark on a period of strategic development as outlined in section b of this report. The trustees believe that this investment in our charitable aims coupled with increase fund raising activity will ensure that the Charity is sustainable and relevant in the future.
When setting the annual budget, the trustees normally plan to consume free reserves over a three-year period in anticipation that they will be replenished by legacies, and other income at some point during that period. This policy has been set aside whilst we step out in faith to invest in the development of the outworking of Counties strategic aims.”
The charity is advised on investments by Brewin Dolphin Limited and regular contact is maintained with them by means of reports and an annual visit. They have complete discretion, within stated guidelines, over investment decisions and changes in investment holdings have taken place during the year. Their performances are measured against relevant benchmark portfolios. An Investment Policy is documented and reviewed annually by the trustees. Whilst all major investments are available to the charity, we aim for all investments to be in keeping with the nature of the charity and the views of the trustees.
Day-to-day financial management is the responsibility of the Chief Operations Officer who circulates to the Finance Sub Committee monthly management accounts and cashflows as well as quarterly valuations of the investment portfolio. The latter includes reports outlining performance against benchmarks, a summary of market performance and an investment strategy outlook. The Finance Committee, which comprises four trustees, the CEO and the Chief Operations Officer, meets at least twice a year and keeps all trustees informed at their meetings. The full body of trustees has to approve any policy changes.
## **i) Related Parties and Relationships with other Charities**
The trustees, who are all Directors, received no remuneration as a result of their office during the year. No Trustee or other person related to the charity, apart from as detailed in note 20, had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year.
In the furtherance of its objects, the charity has entered into strategic alliances with other charities.
- **Living the Passion** : Counties is involved in planning joint conferences with GLO Europe, Church Growth Trust (charity no. 1138119), Echoes International (charity no. 1173851), and Partnership (charity no. 802564). The last conference was in October 2024. Smaller regional conferences have also been held.
## **j) Relations with Financial Supporters**
Counties greatly values the support it receives from individuals, churches and trusts. We could not fulfil our objectives without the financial and prayer support that we receive from these individuals and organisations.
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## COUNTIES
## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
The Charity is reliant on voluntary income, legacy income and investment income which as highlighted earlier in this report can fluctuate significantly, in particular legacies. This directly impacts on our reserves policy, therefore at their annual **reserves policy** review Counties trustees reaffirmed the following policy.
£300,000 **Base reserves** of 4-5 months expenditure £0 - £400,000 **Free reserves** to match 3 years of legacy income £300,000 - £700,000 Total **Liquid reserves**
The Charity currently holds **liquid reserves** , being those Unrestricted Funds not held as fixed assets, designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed at the balance sheet date of £425,340 (2023 - £460,632) see Balance sheet.
As noted above the trustees have a target range of free reserves between £0 and £400,000 as this enables absorb the fluctuations in our income and continue to deliver consistently on our aims. Those free reserves are at the lower end of the range as we embark on a period of strategic development as outlined in section b of this report. The trustees believe that this investment in our charitable aims coupled with increase fund raising activity will ensure that the Charity is sustainable and relevant in the future.
When setting the annual budget, the trustees normally plan to consume free reserves over a three-year period in anticipation that they will be replenished by legacies, and other income at some point during that period. This policy has been set aside whilst we step out in faith to invest in the development of the outworking of Counties strategic aims.”
The charity is advised on investments by Brewin Dolphin Limited and regular contact is maintained with them by means of reports and an annual visit. They have complete discretion, within stated guidelines, over investment decisions and changes in investment holdings have taken place during the year. Their performances are measured against relevant benchmark portfolios. An Investment Policy is documented and reviewed annually by the trustees. Whilst all major investments are available to the charity, we aim for all investments to be in keeping with the nature of the charity and the views of the trustees.
Day-to-day financial management is the responsibility of the Chief Operations Officer who circulates to the Finance Sub Committee monthly management accounts and cashflows as well as quarterly valuations of the investment portfolio. The latter includes reports outlining performance against benchmarks, a summary of market performance and an investment strategy outlook. The Finance Committee, which comprises four trustees, the CEO and the Chief Operations Officer, meets at least twice a year and keeps all trustees informed at their meetings. The full body of trustees has to approve any policy changes.
## **i) Related Parties and Relationships with other Charities**
The trustees, who are all Directors, received no remuneration as a result of their office during the year. No Trustee or other person related to the charity, apart from as detailed in note 20, had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year.
In the furtherance of its objects, the charity has entered into strategic alliances with other charities.
- **Living the Passion** : Counties is involved in planning joint conferences with GLO Europe, Church Growth Trust (charity no. 1138119), Echoes International (charity no. 1173851), and Partnership (charity no. 802564). The last conference was in October 2024. Smaller regional conferences have also been held.
## **j) Relations with Financial Supporters**
Counties greatly values the support it receives from individuals, churches and trusts. We could not fulfil our objectives without the financial and prayer support that we receive from these individuals and organisations.
9
## COUNTIES
## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Activities: Counties evangelists and staff spoke in hundreds of churches across the country during the year. We continue to build towards Counties’ future, and encourage people to join us in mission, by encouraging regular partnerships through prayer and financial support. We give thanks that donations towards some of our newer initiatives and resources continued to grow e.g. Neighbourhood Chaplains & schools resources. During the financial year Counties did not use commercial fundraisers.
Protection: We seek to be respectful and relational in all our interactions with our supporters. We seek to build trust with our supporters by being honest and transparent in all our communications. We acknowledge all donations (unless we are asked not to) and communicate the impact of donations to supporters through our annual report letter, annual calendar, magazines, e-newsletters and bespoke publications. Individuals are asked to opt-in to receive communications from Counties, unless they reasonably meet the criteria of legitimate interest, where there is clear evidence of their recent interest in our work. We provide opportunities for individuals to opt-out from any communications in clear and easy ways.
Complaints: Fundraising complaints are handled through our standard complaints’ procedure. No complaints relating to fundraising were received during the year.
## **k) Structure, Governance and Management**
The 2024 AGM (20 April) updated the charity’s constitution with two key matters.
- The **formal/legal name** of the Charitable company was simplified from “Counties (formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)” to “Counties”.
- The **charity’s constitution** (the Articles of Association) was updated from articles based on charity law from the 1980’s. The new articles reflect best practice for charities like Counties, including changing the charity structure from a charitable company limited by guarantee with a wider membership (chair, secretaries and treasurers of Counties Link Groups, as well as the trustees) to a charitable company limited by guarantee with trustees.
The trustees meet at least quarterly, and control the overall administration and policy decisions. Every effort is made to ensure that the trustees, all of whom are committed Christians with an interest in the promotion of the Christian faith, includes trustees of varied professional skills, qualifications and experience who are drawn from various parts of the UK. Due regard is given to the recruitment of new trustees who will ensure continuity. The trustees, from time to time, appoint sub-committees to deal with specific areas of the work. These usually constitute one or more trustees where appropriate, administrative staff and other suitably qualified individuals who usually form part of the general charitable body.
Potential new trustees are nominated and if selected are interviewed by representative(s) of the trustees. All new trustees are provided with a portfolio of papers giving appropriate information including policies and procedures, together with Charity Commission publications. They are also provided with training as appropriate. All trustees serve for a three-year period but may stand for re-election. The trustees wish to express thanks to C Tayor and J Wilkes who retired from the trustees during the year.
There is a small salaried staff administering the day-to-day affairs of the charity and the office is located at 30 Haynes Road, Westbury, BA13 3HD. The trustees on the finance committee meet independently with the auditors to ensure an independent view is received on how the office team maintains the finances of the charity. General management of the charity is in the hands of the CEO and COO.
Arrangements for setting key management personnel pay: the trustees review all staff salaries annually, including advice from Counties’ H.R. group which includes four trustees.
10
COUNTIES REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
## **l) Statement of trustees’ responsibilities**
The trustees (who are also directors of Counties for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report (incorporating the strategic report and directors’ report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom 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 income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable 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 charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
## **Trustees information**
Trustees, who are Directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are given on page 12. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102 2015) and in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. Approved by the Board of trustees and signed on its behalf by
P Singleton (Trustees Chair) Date:
11
LEGAL AND ADMINSTRATIVE DETAILS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
## COUNTIES
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
|TRUSTEES:|S R Bennett||
|---|---|---|
||R E Canham||
||J Davies||
||J Fielder|(appointed at AGM April 2024)|
||S McQuoid||
||C Taylor|(retired at AGM April 2024)|
||P Singleton|(chair)|
||J Wilkes|(retired at AGM April 2024)|
|CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER|J G M Erwin||
|CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER|J Brooks-Martin||
|& COMPANY SECRETARY|||
|EVANGELISTS in attendance|R Mugford||
|at trustees at year end|P Willmott||
|REGISTERED OFFICE|30 Haynes Road||
||Westbury||
||BA13 3HD||
|BANKERS|Barclays Bank plc||
||32 Market Place||
||Warminster||
||BA12 9AR||
|INDEPENDENT EXAMINER|Ed Marsh FCA DChA||
||Burton Sweet Limited||
||The Clock Tower, 5 Farleigh Court||
||Old Weston Road, Flax Bourton||
||BRISTOL||
||BS48 1UR||
|INVESTMENT BROKERS|RBC Brewin Dolphin|(part of RBC Europe Limited)|
|AND ADVISERS|12 Smithfield Street||
||London||
||EC1A 9BD||
12
COUNTIES
## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
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**
Since the Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
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:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## **Ed Marsh BSc (Hons) FCA DChA**
Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR
Date: …………………..
13
## **COUNTIES STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
|**Notes**
**Income from:**
Donations and gifts
**2**
Legacies
Investments
**3**
Charitable activities
_Resources_
Other income - sale of assets
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
**4**
Charitable activities
**5**
**Total expenditure**
Gains on investments
**12**
**Net Income/(Expenditure)**
Transfers between funds
**18**
**Net movement in funds**
**6**
**Reconciliation of funds**
Funds brought forward
**18**
Funds carried forward
**18**|**Free Reserves**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
Total
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**2024**
2023
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
£
564,827
-
227,225
792,052
1,046,201
89,075
-
-
89,075
281,491
21,528
-
-
21,528
12,161
774
-
-
774
835
-
-
-
-
63,130
676,204
-
227,225
903,429
1,403,818
31,907
-
7,766
39,673
34,659
655,042
29,864
381,340
1,066,246
908,036
686,949
29,864
389,106
1,105,919
942,695
42,038
-
-
42,038
13,475
31,293
(29,864)
(161,881)
(160,452)
474,598
(66,585)
25,568
41,017
-
-
(35,292)
(4,296)
(120,864)
(160,452)
474,598
460,632
435,475
196,873
1,092,980
618,382
425,340
431,179
76,009
932,528
1,092,980
**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
Prior year fund comparatives are shown in note 9.
**The notes on pages 17 to 28 form part of these financial statements**
14
**COUNTIES**
## **BALANCE SHEET**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Company number 01041761
2024 2023
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 10 9,342 -
Tangible assets 11 117,802 95,975
Investments 12 666,525 356,414
Total fixed assets 793,669 452,389
Current assets
Debtors 13 13,006 279,733
Cash and bank balances 134,846 373,902
Total current assets 147,852 653,635
Creditors : Amounts falling due within
one year 14 (8,993) (13,044)
Net current assets 138,859 640,591
Net assets 932,528 1,092,980
Funds
Unrestricted funds
Free reserves funds 19 425,340 460,632
Designated funds 19 431,179 435,475
Restricted funds 19 76,009 196,873
Total funds 932,528 1,092,980
**----- End of picture text -----**
For the year ending 30 September 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Trustees responsibilities:
- The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011.
- The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
- The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
Approved by the board of Trustees and Directors and signed on its behalf by
….................................................................... P Singleton Date: ….........................................................
….................................................................... S R Bennett
**The notes on pages 17 to 28 form part of these financial statements**
15
**COUNTIES STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
|**Note**
**Net cash (outflow)/ inflow from operating activities**
**16**
**Non-operational cash flows:**
**Investing activities**
Fixed asset additions
Payments for investments
Proceeds from the sale of investments
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets
Investment income
Investment management charges
**Net cash (outflow)/ inflow for the year**
**17**|**2024**
**£**
(190,857)
(63,968)
(60,181)
44,383
6,376
21,528
(3,562)
(55,424)
(246,281)|2023
£
156,600
(13,371)
(18,097)
4,808
78,782
12,161
(3,396)
60,887
217,487|
|---|---|---|
## **Cashflow Restrictions**
Charity law prohibits the use of net cash inflows on any endowed or other restricted fund to offset net cash outflows on any fund outside its own objects, except on special authority. In practice, this restriction has not had any effect on cash flows for the year.
**The notes on pages 17 to 28 form part of these financial statements**
16
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **a) Basis of accounting**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention (except where otherwise stated in the accounting policy note) and 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 in October 2019, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and the Companies Act 2006.
The charity is a public benefit entity as defined under FRS102.
## **b) Fund accounting**
Funds held by the charitable company are either:-
- Unrestricted funds - these funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
- Restricted funds - these funds can only be used for the specific purpose designated by the donor.
- Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.
## **c) Income**
All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
- Other than legacies, all income is included when receivable.
- Legacies are not included in the financial statements until the amount receivable is known and confirmed.
## **d) Expenditure**
Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accrual basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
- Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
- Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
- Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. These costs are included within support costs.
Support costs have been allocated on the basis of staff time or the estimated use of facilities.
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
## **e) Intangible fixed assets**
Amortisation is provided on intangible assets so as to write off the cost, less any estimated residual value, over their useful life as follows:
Amortisation is provided on the following basis:
Software
20% straight line
## **f) Tangible fixed assets**
Expenditure on assets with an estimated economic life of more than twelve months and a cost of more than £1,000 is capitalised.
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life. No depreciation is charged on freehold land. Annual depreciation rates are as follows:
Freehold property Over 50 years Computer equipment 33% straight line GSUS Live exhibitions 20% straight line Key to Life exhibitions 20% straight line Life exhibitions 33% straight line Fixtures, fittings & equipment 33% straight line
Freehold property is held at cost.
17
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **1 Accounting policies** _**(continued)**_
## **g) Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any discounts due.
## **h) Creditors**
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past even that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any discounts due.
## **i) Fixed asset investments**
Fixed asset investments are included at their market value. Realised and unrealised gains and losses on revaluation are included separately in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Investment properties are included at open market value. Valuations are carried out every five years with an informal annual review to ensure no material change in valuation has occurred. Annual reviews by the Trustees for indicators of impairment are carried out. The date of the last valuation undertaken by trustees was in February 2024.
## **j) Going Concern**
These financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. No material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern have been identified by the Trustees.
## **k) Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and cash 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.
## **2 Income from donations and gifts**
|Trust grants:
Trust grants
Church planting grants
Donations and gifts from individuals
Gift aid receiveable
**Prior year comparative**
Trust grants:
Trust grants
Church planting grants
Donations and gifts from individuals
Gift aid receiveable|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
395,800
70,648
466,448
-
27,400
27,400
160,461
114,157
274,618
8,566
15,020
23,586
564,827
227,225
792,052
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
375,200
315,973
691,173
-
19,500
19,500
228,261
89,953
318,214
8,709
8,605
17,314
612,170
434,031
1,046,201|
|---|---|
Counties is exceedingly grateful for the ongoing support of individuals, churches and grant making trusts. Many of these trusts prefer to remain anonymous.
18
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **3 Investment income**
|Investment property rent
Quoted investments
Bank interest
**Prior year comparatives**
Investment property rent
Quoted investments
Bank interest
All investment income arises from assets held in the UK.
**Expenditure on raising funds**
Salaries and office assistance
News magazine (inc. postage)
Website and internet
Promotion and publicity
Investment management costs
**Prior year comparative**
Salaries and office assistance
News magazine (inc. postage)
Website and internet
Promotion and publicity
Investment management costs|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
7,995
-
7,995
12,239
-
12,239
1,294
-
1,294
21,528
-
21,528
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
-
-
10,890
-
10,890
1,271
-
1,271
12,161
-
12,161
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
13,278
6,659
19,937
3,072
383
3,455
8,915
127
9,042
3,080
597
3,677
3,562
-
3,562
31,907
7,766
39,673
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
16,123
3,205
19,328
2,483
45
2,528
5,737
29
5,766
1,443
2,198
3,641
3,396
-
3,396
29,182
5,477
34,659|
|---|---|
## **4 Expenditure on raising funds**
19
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **5 Analysis of charitable expenditure**
|Evangelists and training
Schools Resources
**Prior year comparatives**
Evangelists and training
Schools Resources|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
445,568
241,021
122,013
808,602
-
157,814
99,830
257,644
445,568
398,835
221,843
1,066,246
**Total**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
392,776
177,523
114,950
685,249
-
128,066
94,721
222,787
392,776
305,589
209,671
908,036
**Grants**
**payable**
**Direct**
**costs**
**Grants**
**payable**
**Direct**
**costs**
**Support**
**costs**
**Support**
**costs**|
|---|---|
Counties provides monthly gifts, as funds allow, to a number of evangelists the charity is in long-term association with. These amounts vary regularly. The average number of evangelists financially supported during the year was 49 (2023: 46). All grants made in the year were to individuals.
## **Support costs**
|Premises costs
Office expenses
Depreciation costs
Governance costs
Personnel costs including wages|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
73,346
60,011
133,357
3,746
3,065
6,811
34,212
27,991
62,203
2,543
2,081
4,624
8,166
6,682
14,848
122,013
99,830
221,843
**Schools**
**Resources**
**Evangelists**
**and training**|
|---|---|
## **Prior year comparative**
|Premises costs
Office expenses
Depreciation costs
Governance costs
Personnel costs including wages|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
68,954
56,417
125,371
3,782
3,093
6,875
24,649
20,841
45,490
7,301
5,973
13,274
10,264
8,397
18,661
114,950
94,721
209,671
**Evangelists**
**and training**
**Schools**
**Resources**|
|---|---|
20
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **6 Net (expenditure)/income for the year**
## **This is stated after charging:**
|Depreciation
Auditor's fees:
- Accounts preparation services
- Audit services
Independent examiner's fees
- Independent examination
- Accounts preparation services
- Other services
Reimbursement of Trustees' travel and subsistence expenses:
for trustees' meetings and duties to 5 Trustees (2023: 5 Trustees)|**2024**
2023
**£**
£
24,241
13,274
-
3,540
-
11,880
1,914
-
3,540
-
960
-
1,979
2,957|
|---|---|
No trustees received remuneration during this year or in the previous year.
## **7 Staff costs and numbers**
The aggregate payroll costs were:
|Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension contributions
Benefits in kind|**2024**
2023
**£**
£
242,275
225,392
16,194
14,341
8,976
16,393
3,684
4,714
271,129
260,840|
|---|---|
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.
The average weekly number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of average headcount, was 9 (2023: 9).
Key management personnel received employment benefits in the year of £91,268 (2023: £89,521).
## **8 Taxation**
The company is registered as a charity and is therefore not liable to corporation tax on its charitable income as long as it is applied for charitable purposes. It is not considered there are any activities giving rise to a tax liability.
21
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **9 Fund comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities**
|**Income from:**
Donations and gifts
Legacies
Investments
Charitable activities
_Resources_
Other income
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
Charitable activities
**Total expenditure**
Gains on investments
**Net expenditure and net movement in funds**
Transfers between funds
**Reconciliation of funds**
Funds brought forward
Funds carried forward
**10 Intangible fixed assets**
**Cost**
At 1 Oct 2023
Additions
At 30 Sept 2024
**Amortisation**
At 1 Oct 2023
Charge for year
At 30 Sept 2024
**Net book value**
At 30 Sept 2024
At 30 Sept 2023|**Free Reserves**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
612,170
-
434,031
1,046,201
275,500
-
5,991
281,491
12,161
-
-
12,161
115
-
720
835
63,130
-
-
63,130
963,076
-
440,742
1,403,818
29,182
-
5,477
34,659
606,777
-
301,259
908,036
635,959
-
306,736
942,695
13,475
-
-
13,475
340,592
-
134,006
474,598
(457,679)
435,475
22,204
-
(117,087)
435,475
156,210
474,598
577,719
-
40,663
618,382
460,632
435,475
196,873
1,092,980
**Software**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
-
-
9,500
9,500
9,500 9,500
-
-
158
158
158
158
9,342 9,342
-
-
**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|
22
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **11 Tangible fixed assets**
|At 1 Oct 2023
**Cost**
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
At 30 Sept 2024
**Depreciation**
At 1 Oct 2023
Charge for year
Disposals
Transfers
At 30 Sept 2024
**Net book value**
At 30 Sept 2024
At 30 Sept 2023|**Fixtures,**
**Freehold**
**GSUS Live**
**Key to Life**
**LIFE**
**Computer**
**fittings &**
**Motor**
**Property**
**exhibition**
**exhibition**
**exhibition**
**equipment**
**equipment**
**Vehicles**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
93,250
110,756
51,187
335,896
34,310
12,718
-
638,117
-
-
-
-
-
19,354
35,114
54,468
-
(14,000)
(51,187)
-
(12,127)
-
-
(77,314)
-
(96,756)
-
(335,896)
15,213
391,329
26,110
-
93,250
-
-
-
37,396
423,401
61,224
615,271
33,300
86,984
51,187
334,063
23,890
12,718
-
542,142
1,200
-
-
-
7,664
5,376
10,001
24,241
-
(5,600)
(51,187)
-
(12,127)
-
-
(68,914)
-
(81,384)
-
(334,063)
7,255
391,329
16,863
-
34,500
-
-
-
26,682
409,423
26,864
497,469
58,750
-
-
-
10,714
13,978
34,360
117,802
59,950
23,772
-
1,833
10,420
-
-
95,975|
|---|---|
The transfers in the year do not affect the overall NBV of tangible fixed assets. The reclassification is for fairer presentation of the nature of the assets.
23
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **12 Investments**
|Market Value at 1 October 2023
Additions
Disposal proceeds
Realised gains/(losses) on investments
Management fees
Dividends & interest
Unrealised gains/(losses) on investments
Market Value at 30 September 2024
Historical cost at 30 September 2024|**Total**
**Property**
**Cash**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
8,993
347,421
356,414
259,500
(60,181)
60,181
259,500
-
44,383
(44,383)
-
-
-
5,650
5,650
-
(3,562)
-
(3,562)
-
12,135
-
12,135
-
-
36,388
36,388
259,500
1,768
405,257
666,525
259,500
1,768
362,066
623,334|
|---|---|
The investment property consists of 33 Copinger Close.
## **13 Debtors**
|Other debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Other creditors
Accruals|**2024**
2023
**£**
£
6,898
4,221
4,858
4,592
1,250
270,920
13,006
279,733
**2024**
2023
**£**
£
-
194
8,993
12,850
8,993
13,044|
|---|---|
## **14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
## **15 Operating leases**
At 30 September 2024 the organisation had total minimum commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out below:
|**Amounts payable:**
Within 1 year
Between 2 to 5 years|**Vehicles**
Vehicles
**2024**
2023
**£**
£
13,435
13,435
20,677
34,112|
|---|---|
24
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **16 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities**
|Statement of Financial Activities: Net movement in funds
Investment income
Investment management costs
Depreciation
Amortisation
Loss/ (profit) from sale of fixed assets
Realised net gain on sales of investments
Unrealised net gain on investments
Increase / (decrease) in creditors: current liabilities
(Increase) /decrease in debtors
Donated investment property
**Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities**
**Analysis of changes in cash during the year**
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash held within investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash held within investments|**2024**
**£**
134,846
1,768
136,614
**2023**
**£**
373,902
8,993
382,895|**2024**
2023
**£**
£
(160,452)
474,598
(21,528)
(12,161)
3,562
3,396
24,241
13,274
158
-
2,024
(63,130)
(5,650)
(752)
(36,388)
(12,723)
(4,051)
7,880
266,727
(253,782)
(259,500)
-
(190,857)
156,600
2023
Change
£
£
373,902
(239,056)
8,993
(7,225)
382,895
(246,281)
2022
Change
£
£
150,620
223,282
14,788
(5,795)
165,408
217,487|
|---|---|---|
**17 Analysis of changes in cash during the year**
25
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
18 Movement in funds
Current Year At At
1 Oct Gains 30 Sep
2023 Income Expenditure & losses Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
- - -
Evangelists 94,987 (93,950) 1,037
GSUS Live fund 23,754 25,277 (76,702) - 27,671 -
- - -
Church Planting Network fund 48,713 (79,758) 31,045
The Evangelization Society 17,087 570 (2,000) - - 15,657
-
School Resources and Training 154,947 7,048 (38,712) (63,968) 59,315
- -
Church Support 1,085 50,630 (97,984) 46,269
-
196,873 227,225 (389,106) 41,017 76,009
Unrestricted funds
General free reserves funds 460,632 676,204 (686,949) 42,038 (66,585) 425,340
Designated funds
- - -
Restructuring 50,000 (5,465) 44,535
Church Planting
- - - -
Network (CPN) fund 30,000 (30,000)
Fixed Assets NBV 355,475 - (24,399) - 55,568 386,644
896,107 676,204 (716,813) 42,038 (41,017) 856,519
Total funds 1,092,980 903,429 (1,105,919) 42,038 - 932,528
Prior Year At At
1 Oct Gains 30 Sep
2022 Income Expenditure & losses Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
Evangelists - 86,083 (86,625) - 542 -
GSUS Live fund 22,296 70,805 (63,476) - (5,871) 23,754
- - -
Church Planting Network fund 25,896 (66,800) 40,904
The Evangelization Society 18,367 720 (2,000) - - 17,087
- -
School Resources and Training 191,194 (22,876) (13,371) 154,947
- - -
Church Support 66,044 (64,959) 1,085
-
40,663 440,742 (306,736) 22,204 196,873
Unrestricted funds
General funds 577,719 963,076 (635,959) 13,475 (457,679) 460,632
Designated funds
- - - -
Restructuring 50,000 50,000
Church Planting
- - - -
Network (CPN) fund 30,000 30,000
Fixed Assets NBV - - - - 355,475 355,475
577,719 963,076 (635,959) 13,475 (22,204) 896,107
Total funds 618,382 1,403,818 (942,695) 13,475 - 1,092,980
**----- End of picture text -----**
26
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **18 Movement in funds** _**(continued)**_
## **General fund**
This is the main fund of the charity, which receives donations, investment and other income not received specifically for one of the funds. The fund provides support for the evangelists and also finances publicity and development and the overall running of the charity.
In the circumstances, all amounts received within the general fund have been treated as unrestricted income.
## **Designated Funds**
## **Restructuring fund**
This fund has been designated to help meet the cost of developing our strategic plans and objectives in the coming year.
## **Church Planting Network (CPN) fund**
This fund was set up to promote and assist church planting and training, using the M4 training model. £30,000 has been utlised to support the restricted church planting network fund which is represented by the transfer in the year.
## **Fixed Assets Net Book Value fund**
This fund was established in the previous financial year to account for the net book value of our fixed assets and property investments which are by definition not available as free reserves. This includes income from value of the property (£259,500) that was bequeathed to Counties as part of a legacy, and was legally transferred to Counties during the year. The total value of this fund is £386,644 at the year end. A transfer of £55,568 represents the movement in fixed assets during the year.
## **Restricted Funds**
## **Evangelists fund**
When the Trustees invite an individual to join Counties as an Evangelist, in effect a restricted fund is created for the Evangelist and their activities that further the purposes of the charity.
## **GSUS Live fund**
This fund exists to finance the running costs of GSUS Live which were historically met by grants and donations. £27,671 has been transferred from the general funds to support this project.
## **Church Planting Network fund**
The fund exists to enable the planting and replanting of vibrant new churches that make Jesus known across England and Wales. A transfer of £31,045 represents £30,000 that has been utlised from designated funds and £1,045 from general funds to support this
## **The Evangelization Society (TES)**
These funds are restricted and are to be utilised to fund grants towards evangelistic projects that are a one-off, innovative and pioneering in nature. This is consistent with the previous aims and objectives of TES.
## **Church Support**
Exists to assist local churches and to receive grant funding to help meet the costs of our team of Regional Connectors who connect with and help meet the needs of local churches. £46,269 has been transferred from the general funds to support this project.
## **School Resources and Training**
This fund has been created as a result of a grant from the Weald Trust which is restricted in its use for the support of schools resources and training. A transfer of £63,968 represents fixed assets purchased for the purposes of the project.
27
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024**
## **19 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|**Restricted funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General funds
Designated funds
**Prior year comparatives**
**Restricted funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General funds
Designated funds|**Intangible**
**Tangible**
**Other**
**Total**
**assets**
**Fixed assets**
**Investments**
**Net assets**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
-
-
76,009
76,009
-
-
407,025
18,315
425,340
9,342
117,802
259,500
44,535
431,179
9,342
117,802
666,525
138,859
932,528
**Intangible**
**Tangible**
**Other**
**Total**
**assets**
**Fixed assets**
**Investments**
**Net assets**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
-
-
196,873
196,873
-
-
356,414
104,218
460,632
-
95,975
-
339,500
435,475
-
95,975
356,414
640,591
1,092,980|
|---|---|
## **20 Related party transactions**
Phil Davies is an evangelist supported by Counties and is the brother of a trustee James Davies. The total paid to Phil Davies in the year was £7,000 (2023 £4,350), which is in line with other evangelists.
Counties has for many years held a 20.62% interest in 41 Leigh Road, the property occupied by one of our officers, Jonathan BrooksMartin. In the prior period Jonathan and his wife purchased this interest from Counties for £59,283 based on two independent valuations that the trustees obtained and with the approval of the Charity Commission.
## **21 Share capital**
The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The members' liability is limited to £1 each.
28