Company registration number: 01041761 Charity registration number: 264278
## **Counties**
(A charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ Report and Audited Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 September 2025
## COUNTIES
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **Contents**
||Page|
|---|---|
|Trustees’ report|1-17|
|-
Legal and administrative information||
|-
Strategic Report||
|-
Financial Review||
|-
Counties Overview||
|Independent Auditor’s report|18-21|
|Statement of Financial Activities|22|
|Balance Sheet|23|
|Statement of Cash Flows|24|
|Notes to the financial statements|25-36|
## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
|Registered name|Counties|
|---|---|
|Company Number|01041761|
|Charity Number|264278|
|Registered office and address|30 Haynes Road|
||Westbury|
||BA13 3HD|
|Directors/Charity trustees|Mr Simon R Bennett FCA|
||Mr Richard E Canham|
||Mr James Davies|
||Mr James Fielder|
||Dr Rachel Jordan-Wolf (appointed 25 June 2025)|
||Dr Stephen McQuoid|
||Mr Peter Singleton (chair)|
|Company Secretary|Mr Jonathan Brooks-Martin|
|Bankers|Barclays Bank plc|
||32 Market Place, Warminster, BA12 9AR|
|Investment Brokers and|RBC Brewin Dolphin (part of RBC Europe Limited)|
|advisors|12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD|
|Auditors|Burton Sweet Limited, The Clock Tower, 5 Farleigh Court , Old Weston Road, Flax|
||Bourton, Bristol, BS48 1UR|
|Executive Team|Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Mr J G Martin Erwin|
||Chief Operating Officer (COO): Mr Jonathan Brooks-Martin|
||Evangelists Officer (EO): Mr Andrew Mugford|
||Projects & Finance Officer (PFO): Mr James Hyde|
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## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, submit their Annual Report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025.
The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and applicable UK accounting standards in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out herein and comply with the charity’s governing documentation and applicable law.
## **Counties Constitution & Objects**
Counties is a charitable company, company 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”.
## **Activities**
Our vision is ‘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 geographical scope of Counties, and third-party organisations it works with, includes the following areas: England; Wales; Scotland; Northern Ireland; Channel Isles.
Counties principal activities across these areas are Evangelists and Training; Schools Resources.
These include our Evangelists and Church Planters in Regional Clusters; Conferences (Connect & Barnfest); Connect Evangelist Training Programme (CETP); Counties Planting Network resources (CPN); Neighbourhood Chaplains resources (NC); One2Lead Youth resources (O2L); Primary Schools resources (Life Exhibition); Secondary School resources (GSUS live); Digital and Print communications (Ignite).
## **STRATEGIC REPORT**
## **Future Plans**
This has been an exciting year for the work of Counties. As we reflect on the past, we seek to be driven by a clear vision and purpose – ‘Making Jesus known: inspiring and equipping local churches’, 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’.
Counties was birthed by local churches, and the work and vision of Counties exists to enable local churches in the core task of preaching the Gospel and making disciples.
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## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
We are working towards a greater integration between the key areas that make the work of Counties unique, effective and in accordance with our values. These three key areas are:
- Counties Evangelists
- Counties Resources
- Regional Connect Teams
Over the coming year a working group will seek to propose ways that these resources and tools can become even more effective in inspiring, equipping and engaging with local churches in the mission.
The key words, _**inspire, equip, engage**_ shape 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.
## **Counties Evangelists and Church Planters**
With inspiration, we are creating 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, _**Connect Evangelist Training Programme**_ ( _**CETP**_ ), launched in 2025. During the last year we appointed a Lead for this programme. Under the name _**Project 125**_ , Counties stated goal is, through the utilisation of _**CETP**_ , to help local churches to _**raise**_ , _**recognise**_ and _**release**_ evangelists and evangelism champions in their local church and community.
In the launch year through _**Project 125/CETP**_ , we have:
- Successfully completed and started running _**CETP**_
- Launched _**Project 125**_ – appointed Manager to lead
- 78 students registered on the course
- 12 students have completed the programme
- Churches have recognised 4 Evangelism Champions in Suffolk, Surrey and Peckham, London.
To sustain and grow this vision, we will be seeking to strengthen and clarify our regional team approach to support local churches, encouraging them to _**engage**_ together in regions, and with Counties and others more widely. Counties focus is to support local churches to 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, resources and regions are fundamental to the work, but are now being clearly shaped by our vision, for the benefit of the Church.
Two other key programmes are in pilot stage. _**Growing Churches**_ and _**As you go**_ are complementary to _**CETP**_ .
_**Growing Churches**_ will pursue an approach similar to the M4 learning communities. Online learning (already recorded as Modules 5 and 6 of _**CETP**_ ), will be blended with in person gatherings where Church leadership teams will be able to evaluate, review and renew their vision for the local church in light of teaching, reflection
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## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
and vision setting in the context of learning communities with leaders and teams from other local churches. We will pilot this approach in the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire region this year.
_**As you go**_ is a four week Sunday Teaching programme with small group notes and practical tools to help train whole congregations in understanding and sharing the Gospel of Jesus. This tool has been trialled in 4 local churches – one in England, one in South Wales and two in Northern Ireland. One church leader wrote “this programme is superb and engaging. As a church we are being motivated in mission.”
## **Counties Resources**
## **Schools and Youth Resources**
In the last year we sustained growth in the number of bookings for the Life exhibition, whilst sustaining a strong presence in Secondary Schools with GSUS Live.
The growth of One2Lead, our Young Persons discipleship and leadership programme has been dynamic, moving from 2 regions to 5, with young people now meeting in the North of England/Scottish Borders, South Wales, Midlands, South-West and East of England. Over 100 students are currently engaged in this brilliant programme.
## **Neighbourhood Chaplains**
This programme continues to help local churches to connect with their local communities. Training local teams to share the Gospel through community projects, this programme is now running in 30 local churches and growing.
## **Regional Connect Teams**
With the adoption of the new mission statement in 2022, ‘Making Jesus known: inspiring and equipping local churches’, Counties signalled 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 development of Counties Connect, in September 2024, a network for local churches committed to the pursuit of fulfilling the Great Commission in their region has been focused on key pilot regions.
One region that has begun to pilot this approach is **Devon.** Here a local team of Church Leaders and Counties Evangelists are helping to drive the vision. Their goal is ‘6 for 6 in 3.’ That is to support a blend of six church plants or revitalisation projects, seeking to raise or support six new workers for these projects, and to achieve this in three years! Working with the Devon team, we are seeking to support, learn from, and in due course, replicate this approach in other regions.
The **Hereford and Gloucester** region has been the focus of _**Barnfest**_ . Working in partnership with 12 local churches, this weekend event has now successfully had its third iteration in July 2025. J.John was the key speaker, with over 900 attending across two days. 10 people gave their lives to Christ on the Saturday evening, with another 30 recommitting their lives to follow Jesus. For 2026 this event will be over 3 days at the end of June, with Malcolm Duncan as the keynote speaker. As mentioned previously, the _**Growing Churches**_ programme for leaders will begin in the Herefordshire/Gloucestershire region this year, building on the key relationships built through Barnfest.
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## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
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 seek to grow to support local churches in prioritising 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. The Integration working group will help to shape the strategic approach and growth of Connect.
We are very excited and expectant for all that is to come in 2026!
## **Achievements and Performance**
We would like to share a few highlights from 2025. To help us pursue our vision, during the last year we have:
- Appointed a Lead for _**Project 125/CETP**_ . _**Project 125**_ is our vision to help local churches to raise, recognise and release evangelists in the context of their church and community, and CETP is our major tool and approach to help us achieve this goal.
- Appointed a new Communications Officer, greatly improved our presence and impact in social media and in Christian events and festivals.
- Worked more closely with an external communications provider for charities helping us to sharpen our story telling and redesign of Ignite – our free quarterly magazine.
- Most recently (March 2026) we appointed a Deputy Life Exhibition Coordinator, to help sustain and consolidate the growth in this highly effective tool for local churches.
Source: Data extracted from monthly reports provided by Counties Evangelists throughout the year
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## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **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 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. During this period, Will Andrews and Andy Jelfs passed away. 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 fulfil the charity’s objects, are involved in a host of initiatives. These include holiday clubs for children and seniors; training; drop-in centres 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
- 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 2025 we held our third “Counties Connect Conference”. Around 240 supporters, partner organisations, evangelists, staff, trustees and their families gathered over the weekend. It was especially encouraging to have those with us who are on the Connect Evangelist Training Programme that launched in the Spring.
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## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **Connect Evangelist Training Programme**
Counties’ ongoing vision is to support and equip local churches in recognising and raising their own evangelism champions. The Connect Evangelist Training Programme (CETP) continues to be a key tool in realising this vision. Through CETP, participants are being inspired and equipped to share the gospel confidently in everyday settings.
## **Targets for September 2026**
- 24 Evangelism Champions raised
- 74 Participants completed training
- 144 Registered for training
- 480 Enquiries processed
## **Progress as of Early 2026**
At the start of 2026, the CETP team and the Project 125 Lead have already made encouraging progress toward these goals.
- 4 Church Evangelists appointed by 3 churches in Suffolk, Surrey, and Peckham, London.
- 12 Trainees successfully completed their CETP training
- 78 Individuals registered for training
- 135 Enquiries processed
This early momentum reflects strong engagement and a growing appetite within churches for support in evangelism. The Project 125 pathway has engaged 4 champions out of 10 participants who had completed.
## **Church Engagement and Reach**
CETP has continued to extend its reach across the UK.
- 54 churches were represented across the last three online webinars
- Many new enquiries developed as a direct result of participation in CETP training events, workshops, and additional evangelism-focused training opportunities
This demonstrates increasing visibility, as churches continue to seek practical resources and training.
## **Impact and Feedback**
Feedback from participants has been consistently encouraging. Churches report that: The training is practical, motivational, and grounded in scripture.
CETP provides a strong framework for local churches to build a more intentional and robust approach to mobilising congregations in evangelism. Evangelism champions and their churches are beginning to share Good News stories, illustrating how God is at work in their communities. These stories are now being shared through Counties’ media platforms, helping to inspire and engage a wider audience.
- _“My life was changed in June 2024 when I surrendered my all to Jesus. I called my pastor and asked to be baptised. Following this, the pastor told me about the Connect Evangelist Training programme_
- _which I signed up for. The training course is a self-paced online journey designed to equip everyday_
- _Christians to share their faith. It covers everything, theology, testimony, outreach, and practical tools_
- _for relational evangelism. It is well-structed, deeply biblical, and fully supported with a mentor and the Counties team. During the course, we were asked to plan a mission, I held a golf mission, which was successful with four people exploring faith. I have spoken at retreats and harvest suppers, and seen_
- _people take steps toward faith. I was also mentored by a seasoned Counties evangelist, he has taken me with him on numerous events, and I have seen firsthand how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. If you want to be equipped to step out, this course is definitely for you.” A Connect Evangelist_
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COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **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 partnered with M4 Europe, and through the M4 programme we are able to assess, train and coach church planting team leaders and their teams.
M4 UK is a partnership with other evangelical groups, enabling us to assess, train and coach Church planting teams.
During the period, the M4 ‘Learning Community’ training took place in Glasgow and Chester. We supported an event in Kells for the island of Ireland. We are delighted to report the Glasgow church successfully completed. Since year end, we will welcome a new church planter to Counties Planting Network from Suffolk. Also, we commenced a new training location in Sheffield and pursue plans for the London area. There are currently 4 teams training with M4.
## **Neighbourhood Chaplains**
Neighbourhood Chaplains continues to inspire and equip local churches to reach out into their neighbourhoods (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 training and support, with a 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, 3 new churches were trained, including 15 new chaplains. At the year-end 28 scheme members were operational.
## **One 2 Lead**
One 2 Lead is now equipping 108 students across five locations:
- South Wales & Borders
- Midlands England
- South-West of England
- East England
- Scottish Borders
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COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
Through this growing network, we are investing in the next generation of Christian leaders (aged 16-25) who are being shaped, trained, and sent to serve their churches, schools/colleges, communities, and eventually into the wider world.
Over the past year, we expanded into two new regions — the Midlands and the Scottish Borders. At present, we are privileged to partner with 36 churches that are advocating, supporting, and assisting in the development of tomorrow’s leaders through the One2Lead programme.
Due to generous funding from a trust, we have been able to develop and now deliver our post-graduation Track 2 course, giving students the opportunity to go deeper into key missional areas such as Evangelism, Church Planting and Global Mission. Currently, 18 students are engaged in this advanced training.
The former gap year programme, TEAM, is now incorporated as an option for students to explore evangelism and mission in the UK through First Serve UK. First Serve UK offers UK based, international, practical, and compact mission opportunities, led by Echoes International (charity no. 1173851) in collaboration with GLO Europe and Counties.
## **Life Exhibition**
The Life exhibition, launched in March 2006, is an educational resource designed to help churches build meaningful links with local primary schools, while demonstrating that Jesus Christ is relevant in the 21[st] century.
In autumn 2025, we celebrated a significant milestone as the 300[th] church hosted the exhibition. Since its launch, over 170,000 pupils have attended. In addition, at least 23,500 other visitors — including teachers, youth and children’s groups, and members of the wider community — have engaged with the exhibition in participating churches.
The support of a Trust grant, alongside other generous donations to Life, has brought us a step closer to launching a dedicated school’s version of the exhibition. This new format was successfully trialled in February and March 2025. With the addition of a new member of staff, Life is well positioned to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
## **GSUS Live**
Since 2000, GSUS Live has helped over 642,000 secondary school students explore the themes of fear, forgiveness, and rejection through the teachings of Jesus. We give thanks that the classroom model of GSUS Live continues to equip local churches to deliver RE lessons in their local schools, strengthening and building on existing relationships.
Counties continues to give thanks for the generosity of individuals and trusts, which enables us to offer these resources at a below-cost rate to local booking organisations. Each year, GSUS Live provides more than 10,000 students with the opportunity to hear who Jesus is, what He said, what He did, and why He is fundamental to the Christian faith. Following school visits, we consistently see an increase in the number of students attending faith-exploring groups organised within the school.
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## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **Digital and Print Communications**
In the last year, Counties transitioned from working with an external marketing agency to appointing an inhouse Communications Officer. This shift has streamlined the way we communicate across the Counties network, enabling more timely updates on our work and giving greater consistency in external communications.
As a national charity, our investment in communications has been vital to strengthening Counties’ visibility and expanding our network of supporters. Clear, coherent communication has enabled us to share stories of transformation and demonstrate the impact of our evangelists, churches and volunteers. This renewed focus has helped us build deeper engagement across digital channels, improve supporter stewardship, and bring ‑ greater transparency to the work that grant making trusts so generously fund.
Notably, we have seen a 266.3% increase in watch time on Facebook Reels and a 25% rise in email campaign open rates, reflecting the effectiveness of our promotional efforts.
Looking forward, we will build on this momentum by further scaling our reach, equipping churches with resources, and inspiring others to join us in making Jesus known.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Results for the Year**
This has been an encouraging year for Counties and its strategic developments. From a financial perspective the charity recorded an overall net surplus of £58,854, compared to a deficit of £160,452 in the previous year.
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COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
**Total Income** for the charity increased to £1,241,745 (2024: 903,429). See Statement of Financial Activities and note 18. The most significant events that have given rise to this difference were
- a pledge of a future donation from a grant making trust in the sum of £200,000.
- a notified legacy donation of £65,000 to be paid in the future.
Neither of these sums had been received by the year end. The trustees agreed to transfer the total of £265,000 to a new designated fund, the Strategic Resilience Fund. As explained later in this report, this fund is intended to help trustees mange volatility in our income.
**Total Expenditure** increased to £1,182,384 (2024: £1,105,919). Much of this increase arose from expenditure linked to strategic investment in ministry expansion, including hiring new staff roles and the launch of the Connect Evangelist Training Programme.
The charity remains financially stable with strong reserves supporting future mission.
**General free reserves fund** shows a net increase after transfers to £581,712 (2024: 425,340) with unrestricted income for the year greatly increasing to £1,017,676 (2024: £676,204) See note 18.
The main factors that gave rise to this difference, were trust grants and legacy donations.
**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 above graph shows how legacies have fluctuated over 10 years, but on average the charity has received £126,000 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 timing of legacies is different. The Strategic Resilience Fund is integral to helping the trustees manage this.
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## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
**Unrestricted funds expenditure** increased to £930,678 (2024: £716,813) See note 18. 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.
The trustees are eager to see the work of Counties grow as described in the Strategic Report. We continue to seek ways to increase and diversify our income base.
The areas we have been looking at are:
- Voluntary Income – In the past year we received £166,055 of **Unrestricted income** (2024: 160,461) (see note 2) via donation from churches and individuals supporting Counties. We are building capacity for voluntary donations to sustainably increase. 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 are reviewing the resources we give to evangelists to help promote this when they visit churches in their area.
- Grant income – We 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.
- Legacy income – Post year end we promoted the use of our legacy pack to help guide individuals when they are writing or renewing their wills.
During this year, day to day management of our funder relationships became a defined responsibility of the Chief Operations Officer who circulates to the trustees quarterly reports on funding development as well as updates on grant applications.
Movements in Restricted and Designated funds are described in Note 18.
## **Challenges faced**
## **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 wars 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.
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.
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## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **Reserves and Investment Policy**
Free reserves comprise that part of the Charity’s unrestricted funds which are freely available to spend on its charitable purposes. They exclude funds invested in fixed assets and those otherwise designated or committed at the balance sheet date.
The trustees hold free reserves in order to:
- meet the working capital needs of the Charity;
- enable the Charity to deliver its aims and objectives consistently despite fluctuations in income; and
- provide financial capacity to support restructuring or an orderly wind-up should this ever be required.
The Charity aims to maintain free reserves within a target range equivalent to between four and six months of total expenditure £1,182,384 (2024: £1,105,919). This equates to between £394,128 and £591,192.
At the balance sheet date, free reserves amounted to £581,712 (2024: £425,340), which is within the target. (note 18)
## **Strategic Resilience Fund**
The Charity relies on voluntary income, legacy income and investment income, all of which can fluctuate significantly, particularly legacy income.
Free reserves are intended to manage normal working capital requirements and routine income volatility. However, because legacy and grant income can fluctuate significantly between years, during this year, the trustees have adopted a policy of designating, when appropriate, a portion of substantial legacy and one-off donation income receivable to a Strategic Resilience Fund to provide longer-term income stability.
This designated fund may be used to support the Charity’s core expenditure commitments during periods when income falls below expected levels.
The trustees review the level of this fund annually as part of their financial risk management and budgeting process and ensure that it does not exceed 50% of free reserves to retain flexibility. This means the cap is currently £290,856. As at the balance sheet date, the Resilience fund stood at £265,000, within the trustees’ rule.
## **Investments**
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 Projects & Finance Officer who circulates to the Finance Sub Committee monthly management accounts 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.
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COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **COUNTIES OVERVIEW**
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
Since 2024 Counties operates as a charitable company limited by guarantee with trustees.
All trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are members.
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.
No trustees retired in this fiscal year.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Rachel Jordan-Wolf to the board of trustees. Rachel is the executive director of Hope Together and a council member of the Evangelical Alliance.
The Trustees welcome selected evangelists to attend trustees’ quarterly meetings to represent beneficiaries. Evangelists representatives in attendance at year end were Mrs R Mugford (East Cluster) and Mr A Hodson (Midlands Cluster).
The average number of employees during the year were 11 (2024: 9). Since the year end, we appointed two further staff roles. 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 staff team maintains the finances of the charity. Day to day management of the charity is in the hands of the Executive Team.
Arrangements for setting key management personnel pay are made by trustees reviewing all staff salaries annually, receiving advice from a trustee sub-committee: Counties’ H.R. group. See note 7.
During the year, we engaged an external book-keeping and payroll company. The company is regulated by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and the founder is a trustee of the Association of Christian Accountants and Treasurers. The Finance Committee, which comprises trustees, the CEO, COO and PFO, meets quarterly and keeps all trustees informed at their meetings. The full body of trustees must approve any policy changes.
## **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.
14
## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **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.
## **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. During the financial year Counties did not use commercial fundraisers.
## **Protection**
Counties has a published Financial Support policy to offer 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 Impact Report, annual calendar, magazines, e-newsletters, social media, 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 material complaints relating to fundraising were received during the year.
## **General Public Benefit**
In shaping our objectives as a charity, 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, 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.
Most 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.
15
COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **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:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Potential Risks Mitigations
1. Maintaining regular contact, briefings and periodic visits
relationship with key donors kept informed of activities
funders key donors invited to major events
crisis management and communication processes are available in the
event of a threat to relationship or reputation
2. Loss of key staff and reasonable notice period in place
inadequate plans for annual review by trustees of all salaries/expenses
succession major office procedures recorded
appraisals consider future aspirations
backup staff trained in roles and succession planning is ongoing
Executive Team established as part of healthy succession planning and to
ensure risk is spread across wide group of senior managers
3. Safeguarding Counties Safeguarding Officer appointed, with independent advice and
incidents oversight from Thirtyone:eight. The Counties HR group meets to review
and develop policies and procedures, consider current or possible
safeguarding matters.
Counties has a clear published and adopted safeguarding policy and
associated reporting procedures and its provides training for staff and
selected volunteers.
4. Over dependency on Counties holds free reserves to cover large cashflow fluctuations.
income sources encouraging increases of regular voluntary income from individuals &
churches
monitoring sources of voluntary income to build relationships with funders
**----- End of picture text -----**
16
## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 September 2025
## **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 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.
## **Auditors Appointed**
Burton Sweet Limited were appointed to carry out our audit for 2025.
This Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102) 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
Mr P Singleton (Trustees Chair)
Date: 23 June 2026
17
## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COUNTIES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
## **Independent Auditor’s report**
## **Opinion**
We have audited the financial statements of Counties (the “Charity”) for the year ended 30 September 2025 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, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity’s affairs as of 30 September 2025 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;
- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
## **Basis for opinion**
We conducted our audit in accordance with international Standards in Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity 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 directors’ 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 charity'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 directors 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 auditor’s report thereon. Our
18
## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
## INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COUNTIES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
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 there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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 the 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:
- the information given in the trustees’ report (incorporating the directors’ report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
- the directors’ report has been prepared in accordance with applicable law requirements.
## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception**
In the light of our 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 directors’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us;
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns;
- certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
- we have not obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit; or
- the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies’ regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the directors’ report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
## **Other matters**
The corresponding figures presented in these financial statements were unaudited.
19
## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COUNTIES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
## **Responsibilities of trustees**
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees 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 they 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 Charity’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 Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
## **Auditor’s 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 an auditor’s report 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.
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
- we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with those charged with governance and other management, and from our knowledge and experience of the sector;
- we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation and data protection, anti-bribery, employment, pensions, environmental and health and safety legislation; and
- we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management, inspecting legal correspondence and remaining alert during the audit for any indications of non-compliance.
Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to:
- making enquiries of those charged with governance and other management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
- discussing amongst the engagement team the risks of fraud; gaining an understanding of the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations;
- testing journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
- assessing whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates set out in the accounting policies were indicative of potential bias; and
- investigating the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.
20
## COUNTIES (a charitable company limited by guarantee)
## INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COUNTIES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of noncompliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
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/auditors/audit-assurance-ethics/auditorsresponsibilities-for-the-audit. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
## **Use of our report**
This report is made solely to the Charity’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 Charity’s members those matters we are required to state in them in an auditor’s 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 Charity’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Joshua Kingston FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Burton Sweet Limited Statutory Auditor The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR
Jun 29 2026
Date: …………………..
21
## **COUNTIES**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|**Notes**
**Income from:**
Donations and gifts
**2**
Legacies
Investments
**3**
Charitable activities
_Resources_
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
**4**
Charitable activities
**5**
**Total expenditure**
Gains on investments
**12**
**Net Income/(Expenditure)**
**6**
Transfers between funds
**19**
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds**
Funds brought forward
**19**
Funds carried forward
**19**|**Free**
**Reserves**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
Total
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
2024
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
£
896,266
-
224,069
1,120,335
792,052
109,366
-
-
109,366
89,075
10,647
-
-
10,647
21,528
1,397
-
-
1,397
774
1,017,676
-
224,069
1,241,745
903,429
31,982
-
8,299
40,281
39,673
863,517
35,179
243,407
1,142,103
1,066,246
895,499
35,179
251,706
1,182,384
1,105,919
(507)
-
-
(507)
42,038
121,670
(35,179)
(27,637)
58,854
(160,452)
34,702
(34,702)
-
-
-
156,372
(69,881)
(27,637)
58,854
(160,452)
425,340
431,179
76,009
932,528
1,092,980
581,712
361,298
48,372
991,382
932,528
**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 25 to 36 form part of these financial statements**
22
## **COUNTIES**
## **BALANCE SHEET**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 Company number 01041761
2025 2024
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 10 7,442 9,342
Tangible assets 11 88,856 117,802
Investments 12 468,651 666,525
Total fixed assets 564,949 793,669
Current assets
Debtors (including £100,000 due after 1
year) 13 279,048 13,006
Cash and bank balances 212,520 134,846
Total current assets 491,568 147,852
Creditors : Amounts falling due within
one year 14 (65,135) (8,993)
Net current assets 426,433 138,859
Net assets 991,382 932,528
Funds
Unrestricted funds
Free reserves funds 20 581,712 425,340
Designated funds 20 361,298 431,179
Restricted funds 20 48,372 76,009
Total funds 991,382 932,528
**----- End of picture text -----**
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS102).
These financial statements were approved by the board of Trustees and Directors on …..................................... and are signed on 23 June 2026 their behalf by
….................................................................... ….................................................................... P Singleton S R Bennett
**The notes on pages 25 to 36 form part of these financial statements**
23
## **COUNTIES**
## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|**Note**
**Net cash (outflow)/ inflow from operating activities**
**17**
**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
Other movements in cash held in investments
Investment income
Investment management charges
**Net cash inflow / (outflow) for the year**
**18**|**2025**
**£**
(158,018)
(4,333)
(288,742)
485,915
-
35,306
10,647
(3,295)
235,498
77,480|2024
£
(190,857)
(63,968)
(60,181)
44,383
6,376
-
21,528
(3,562)
(55,424)
(246,281)|
|---|---|---|
## **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 25 to 36 form part of these financial statements**
24
## **COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **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: - Donation and trust income are included when these are notified and/or are receivable, except as follows: i. When donors specify that donations given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until
- those periods;
- ii. When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income
- is deferred until the pre-conditions have been met.
- Legacies are included on a receivable basis where the charity is entitled to the income, it can be measured reliably and receipt is probable. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is not included in income but is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
- Investment income is included on a receivable basis.
## **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 Fixtures, fittings & equipment 33% straight line
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
Freehold property is held at cost.
25
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
- **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. The investment property was sold during the year.
## **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**
|Grants:
Trust grants
Church planting grants
Donations and gifts from individuals
Gift aid receivable|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
721,265
43,000
764,265
-
21,000
21,000
166,055
150,214
316,269
8,946
9,855
18,801
896,266
224,069
1,120,335|
|---|---|
At the year end £200,000 relating to grant income remains receiveable. An amount of £65,000 recognised as legacy income is still yet to be received and the expected timing of receipt remains uncertain.
|**Prior year comparative**
Grants:
Trust grants
Church planting grants
Donations and gifts from individuals
Gift aid receivable|**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|
|---|---|
Counties is exceedingly grateful for the ongoing support of individuals, churches and grant making trusts. Many of these trusts prefer to remain anonymous.
26
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **3 Investment income**
|Investment property rent
Quoted investments
Bank interest
During the year, investment property at 33 Copinger Close was sold.
**Prior year comparatives**
Investment property rent
Quoted investments
Bank interest
All investment income arises from assets held in the UK.
**4**
**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**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
-
-
10,622
-
10,622
25
-
25
10,647
-
10,647
**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**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
10,337
5,190
15,527
3,183
313
3,496
8,855
272
9,127
6,312
2,524
8,836
3,295
-
3,295
31,982
8,299
40,281
**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|
|---|---|
27
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
|**5**
**Analysis of charitable expenditure**
Evangelists and training
Schools Resources
**Prior year comparatives**
Evangelists and training
Schools Resources|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
437,373
375,438
159,199
972,010
-
39,840
130,253
170,093
437,373
415,278
289,452
1,142,103
**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
**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 51 (2024: 49). All grants made in the year were to individuals.
## **Support costs**
|Premises costs
Office expenses
Governance costs
**Prior year comparative**
Premises costs
Office expenses
Depreciation costs
Governance costs
Personnel costs including wages
Personnel costs including wages|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
98,479
80,573
179,052
3,846
3,146
6,992
42,162
34,497
76,659
14,712
12,037
26,749
159,199
130,253
289,452
**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
**Evangelists**
**and training**
**Schools**
**Resources**
**Schools**
**Resources**
**Evangelists**
**and training**|
|---|---|
28
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **6 Net (expenditure)/income for the year**
## **This is stated after charging:**
|Amortisation
Depreciation
Auditor's fees:
- Accounts preparation services
- Audit services
- Other 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 4 Trustees (2024: 5 Trustees)|**2025**
2024
**£**
£
1,900
158
33,279
24,241
3,894
-
12,900
-
980
-
-
1,914
-
3,540
-
960
1,983
1,979|
|---|---|
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
Other staff costs|**2025**
2024
**£**
£
280,413
242,275
18,293
16,194
14,352
8,976
-
3,684
12,120
-
325,178
271,129|
|---|---|
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 11 (2024: 9).
Key management personnel received employment benefits in the year of £83,540 (2024: £91,268).
## **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.
29
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **9 Fund comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities**
|**Income from:**
Donations and gifts
Legacies
Investments
Charitable activities
_Resources_
**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 2024
At 30 Sept 2025
**Amortisation**
At 1 Oct 2024
Charge for year
At 30 Sept 2025
**Net book value**
At 30 Sept 2025
At 30 Sept 2024|**Free Reserves**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
564,827
-
227,225
792,052
89,075
-
-
89,075
21,528
-
-
21,528
774
-
-
774
676,204
-
227,225
903,429
31,907
-
7,766
39,673
655,042
29,864
381,340
1,066,246
686,949
29,864
389,106
1,105,919
42,038
-
-
42,038
31,293
(29,864)
(161,881)
(160,452)
(66,585)
25,568
41,017
-
(35,292)
(4,296)
(120,864)
(160,452)
460,632
435,475
196,873
1,092,980
425,340
431,179
76,009
932,528
**Software**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
9,500
9,500
9,500 9,500
158
158
1,900
1,900
2,058 2,058
7,442 7,442
9,342 9,342
**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|
30
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **11 Tangible fixed assets**
|**Cost**
At 1 Oct 2024
Additions
At 30 Sept 2025
**Depreciation**
At 1 Oct 2024
Charge for year
At 30 Sept 2025
**Net book value**
At 30 Sept 2025
At 30 Sept 2024
**12 Investments**
Market Value at 1 October 2024
Additions
Disposal proceeds
Management fees
Other net movements in cash held
Dividends & interest
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Market Value at 30 September 2025
Historical cost at 30 September 2025|**Freehold**
**Property**
**£**
93,250
-
93,250
34,500
1,200
35,700
57,550
58,750|**Fixtures,**
**Computer**
**fittings &**
**Motor**
**equipment**
**equipment**
**Vehicles**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
37,396
423,401
61,224
615,271
1,135
3,198
-
4,333
38,531
426,599
61,224
619,604
26,682
409,423
26,864
497,469
8,599
7,162
16,318
33,279
35,281
416,585
43,182
530,748
3,250
10,014
18,042
88,856
10,714
13,978
34,360
117,802
**Total**
**Property**
**Cash**
**Funds**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
259,500
1,768
405,257
666,525
-
(288,742)
288,742
-
(240,000)
245,915
(245,915)
(240,000)
-
(3,295)
-
(3,295)
-
35,306
-
35,306
-
10,622
-
10,622
(19,500)
-
18,993
(507)
-
1,574
467,077
468,651
-
1,574
452,107
453,681|
|---|---|---|
The investment property, which consisted of 33 Copinger Close, was sold during the year.
31
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **13 Debtors**
|Other debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income (including £100,000 due after 1 year)
**14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income (note 15)
Taxation and social security|**2025**
2024
**£**
£
5,220
6,898
4,434
4,858
269,394
1,250
279,048
13,006
**2025**
2024
**£**
£
20,170
-
22,178
8,993
16,181
-
6,606
-
65,135
8,993|
|---|---|
## **15 Deferred income**
|Deferred income brought forward
Income released in the year
Additional deferred income in the year
Deferred income carried forward|-
-
16,181
16,181|
|---|---|
There were no movements in deferred income in the prior year.
## **16 Operating leases**
At 30 September 2025 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
**2025**
2024
**£**
£
13,435
13,435
7,242
20,677|
|---|---|
32
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **17 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
Other movements in cash held in investments
Depreciation
Amortisation
Loss/ (profit) from sale of fixed assets
Net loss/(gain) on investments
Increase / (decrease) in creditors: current liabilities
(Increase) /decrease in debtors
Donated investment property
**Net cash 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|**2025**
**£**
212,520
1,574
214,094
**2024**
**£**
134,846
1,768
136,614|**2025**
2024
**£**
£
58,854
(160,452)
(10,647)
(21,528)
3,295
3,562
(35,306)
-
33,279
24,241
1,900
158
-
2,024
507
(42,038)
56,142
(4,051)
(266,042)
266,727
-
(259,500)
(158,018)
(190,857)
2024
Change
£
£
134,846
77,674
1,768
(194)
136,614
77,480
2023
Change
£
£
373,902
(239,056)
8,993
(7,225)
382,895
(246,281)|
|---|---|---|
## **18 Analysis of changes in cash during the year**
33
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
19 Movement in funds
Current Year At At
1 Oct Gains 30 Sep
2024 Income Expenditure & losses Transfers 2025
£ £ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
Evangelists 1,037 71,767 (72,804) - - -
GSUS Live fund - 12,956 (12,956) - - -
Church Planting Network fund - 20,466 (20,466) - - -
The Evangelization Society 15,657 - - - - 15,657
School Resources and Training 59,315 19,942 (79,257) - - -
BarnFest - 5,000 (5,000) - - -
Life Exhibition - 93,938 (61,223) - - 32,715
76,009 224,069 (251,706) - - 48,372
Unrestricted funds
General free reserves funds 425,340 1,017,676 (895,499) (507) 34,702 581,712
Designated funds
Restructuring 44,535 - - - (44,535) -
Fixed Assets NBV 386,644 - (35,179) - (255,167) 96,298
Strategic Resilience - - - - 265,000 265,000
856,519 1,017,676 (930,678) (507) - 943,010
Total funds 932,528 1,241,745 (1,182,384) (507) - 991,382
Prior 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
**----- End of picture text -----**
34
**COUNTIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **19 Movement in funds** _**(continued)**_
## **Free reserves 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, during the year this fund was closed with the remaining balance transferred into the general free reserves fund.
## **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 had been utilised to support the restricted church planting network fund which is represented by the transfer in the prior year. This fund was closed by the trustees on 1 October 2024.
## **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 prior year. This property was subsequently sold during the year. The total value of this fund is £96,298 at the year end. A transfer of £255,167 represents the movement in fixed assets and investment property during the year.
## **Strategic Resilience fund**
The trustees have set aside funds for the strategic resilience of the charity to manage the volatility for legacy income and large one off donations
## **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.
## **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.
## **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.
## **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.
## **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.
## **BarnFest**
Donation from Old Town Christian Trust to support the BarnFest.
## **Life Exhibition**
The Life exhibition is a multimedia experience made up of interactive pods, films, quizzes, songs and a discussion café. Using tablets, headphones, graphic panels and QR codes, children are invited to explore the story of Jesus through sight, sound and participation.
35
## **COUNTIES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
## **20 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|**Restricted funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
Free reserves funds
Designated funds
**Prior year comparatives**
**Restricted funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
Free reserves funds
Designated funds|**Intangible**
**Tangible**
**Other**
**Total**
**assets**
**Fixed assets**
**Investments**
**Net assets**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
-
-
48,372
48,372
-
-
468,651
113,061
581,712
7,442
88,856
-
265,000
361,298
7,442
88,856
468,651
426,433
991,382
**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|
|---|---|
## **21 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 £7,350 (2024 £7,000), which is in line with other evangelists.
## **22 Share capital**
The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The members' liability is limited to £1 each.
36