The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Annual Report and Financial Statements
30 April 2025
Charity registration number: 266143
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Contents
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 2 |
| Trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 |
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK) Reference and Administrative Details
| Charity name | The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK) | The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Charity registration number | 266143 | |
| Principal office | Rose Cottage | |
| Little Fencote | ||
| NORTHALLERTON | ||
| DL7 0RR | ||
| Registered office | FIFTEEN Rosehill | |
| Montgomery Way | ||
| Rosehill Estate | ||
| CARLISLE | ||
| CA1 2RW | ||
| Trustees | S Williams, Chairman | |
| J Coulter, Vice Chairman | ||
| K B Thomas | ||
| R McColm | ||
| E Bruce | ||
| B Crothers | ||
| A Davies | ||
| J Lochhead | ||
| J West | (Resigned 27 July 2024) | |
| H Gibbon | (Resigned 27 July 2024) | |
| R Smith | ||
| J Stevenson | ||
| D Reynolds | (Appointed 27 July 2024) | |
| Accountant | Dodd & Co Limited | |
| FIFTEEN Rosehill | ||
| Montgomery Way | ||
| Rosehill Estate | ||
| CARLISLE | ||
| CA1 2RW |
Page 1
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 30 April 2025
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity registered with the Charity Commission on 19 September 1973. Its governing document is its memorandum and articles of association, which were amended on 1 March 1991 and 17 November 1992.
The Trustees are appointed by the members at the Annual General Meeting and are recruited based on the society’s needs. New Trustees are trained by their fellow Trustees to understand their role within the society.
The trustees have reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are actively developing procedures to manage those risks and improve Governance within the Society. In the last twelve months with the assistance of Dodd and Co (Accountants) the Society has successfully converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) as the trustees continue to futureproof and safeguard the Society and it’s entire operation.
Objectives and Activities of the Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
The primary objectives of the charity are to encourage, promote and improve the breeding of Brown Swiss Cattle in the UK and to prepare, maintain, and make available a genealogical record through the Society Herdbook. As a member organisation the Society promotes and represents the interests of breeders and owners of all
registered Brown Swiss Cattle in the UK.
In doing so, the Society helps to maintain the diversity of dairy breeds available for milk production in the UK in a way that enhances animal welfare and brings sustainable benefits to the environment.
The principal activity of the charity has been the recording and maintenance of pedigree records and actively promoting the Brown Swiss breed for the benefit of our charity members. The Society has been actively involved in promoting sales and shows of registered cattle in the UK.
The Society uses the services of NBDC (National Bovine Data Centre) to administer the Registration herdbook and provide type classification inspections.
In setting their objectives, the charity has paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and performance
The running of the Society continues to operate efficiently, due to the work of the Trustees and The Farm Organisation and the ongoing service provision provided by NBDC.
This year membership numbers have fallen slightly to 120 (from 136 members in the previous year), although pleasingly we continue to recruit new members throughout the year. There were 426 animals registered between January and December 2024 (compared to 494 animals in 2023), with 220 animals classified in the same 12 month period. We continuously review Society fees and costs and continue in a stable financial position.
The annual Chimes magazine and email newsletters throughout the year continue to keep members updated with breed results and Council decisions.
Financial Review
The charity held unrestricted reserves of £29,082 at the year end, all of which were free reserves.
Reserves policy
The reserves policy is to retain sufficient resources to ensure continuity of operation under all circumstances and to demonstrate sound financial management practise. This means operating with a cash balance of between £10,000 and £15,000 at the current level of operation. At the year end the cash balance held was £27,629 and this therefore exceeds the current reserves policy.
Page 2
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 30 April 2025
Plans for the Future
Moving forward we aim to do more to promote the Brown Swiss breed here in the UK, reminding Dairy Farmers of the breeds strengths. We hope to see numbers of Swiss at shows increase to aid with this promotion. As a breed society maintaining the membership and registrations in the herdbook will remain a priority alongside providing a full service provision available to all members.
Approved by the Board on 23 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
.........................................
S Williams Trustee
Page 3
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Trustees' Responsibilities in relation to the Financial Statements
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity 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 judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable 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 charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 as amended by the Charities Act 2022, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the trust deed. They are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Page 4
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account ) for the Year Ended 30 April 2025
| Note Income and endowments from: Other trading activities 2 Investment income 3 Charitable activities 4 Total income and endowments Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net movements in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Funds £ 5,105 221 16,513 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 5,105 221 16,513 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 1,153 251 14,421 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21,839 | 21,839 | 15,825 | |
| 21,713 | 21,713 | 16,796 | |
| 21,713 | 21,713 | 16,796 | |
| 126 28,956 |
126 28,956 |
(971) 29,927 |
|
| 29,082 | 29,082 | 28,956 |
All of the Charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above periods.
The notes on pages 7 to 12 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 5
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Balance Sheet as at 30 April 2025
| Note Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Net assets The funds of the charity: Unrestricted funds Unrestricted income funds Total charity funds |
2025 £ £ 4,948 27,629 32,577 (3,495) 29,082 29,082 29,082 29,082 |
2024 £ £ 3,375 30,324 33,699 (4,743) 28,956 28,956 28,956 28,956 |
2024 £ £ 3,375 30,324 33,699 (4,743) 28,956 28,956 28,956 28,956 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28,956 | |||
| 28,956 | |||
| 28,956 28,956 |
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Approved by the Board on 23 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
.........................................
S Williams Trustee
The notes on pages 7 to 12 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 6
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2025
1 Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 as amended by the Charities Act 2022.
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following 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) rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities:Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Basis of preparation
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.
Fund accounting policy
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Further details of each fund are disclosed in note 11.
Income and endowments
Income from Government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the statement of financial activities at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis.
Income from charitable activities includes income recognised as earned (as the related goods or services are provided) under contract.
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The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2025
......... continued
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Irrecoverable VAT
Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of resources expended for which it was incurred.
Trade Debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the Charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Liabilities
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the Charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Page 8
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2025
......... continued
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Charity after deducting all of its liabilities.
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the Charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the Charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the Charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.
Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
2 Other trading activities
| Calf show entries Advertising income Clothing sales |
Unrestricted Funds £ 655 4,450 - |
Total Funds 2025 £ 655 4,450 - |
Total Funds 2024 £ 318 750 85 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,105 | 5,105 | 1,153 |
3 Investment income
Interest on cash deposits
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Total Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | £ |
| 221 | 221 | 251 |
Page 9
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2025
......... continued
4 Charitable activities
| Member subscriptions Parentage and DNA testing Fees and supplies Registrations Classifications |
Unrestricted Funds £ 5,879 364 180 7,657 2,433 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 5,879 364 180 7,657 2,433 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 5,225 156 160 6,415 2,465 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16,513 | 16,513 | 14,421 |
5 Expenditure
| Direct costs Parentage and DNA testing Contract services Registrations Classifications Administration costs AGM Contribution Computer software and maintenance costs Travel and subsistence Breed publication/advertising Bad debts written off Support costs Insurance Printing, postage and stationery Sundry expenses Accountancy fees |
Membership £ 150 126 2,271 1,841 8,970 1,000 357 - 1,500 - |
Total 2025 £ 150 126 2,271 1,841 8,970 1,000 357 - 1,500 - |
Total 2024 £ 165 127 2,740 2,758 7,544 - 357 757 110 181 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16,215 | 16,215 | 14,739 | |
| 254 1,549 1,694 2,001 |
254 1,549 1,694 2,001 |
255 234 309 1,259 |
|
| 5,498 | 5,498 | 2,057 | |
| 21,713 | 21,713 | 16,796 |
6 Governance costs
Accountancy fees
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|
| £ | £ |
| 2,001 | 1,259 |
| 2,001 | 1,259 |
Page 10
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2025
......... continued
7 Trustees' remuneration and expenses
No trustees received any remuneration during the year.
8 Debtors
| Trade debtors Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 4,948 2025 £ 1,530 792 1,173 3,495 |
2024 £ 3,375 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 2,968 710 1,065 |
||
| 4,743 |
9 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
10 Trustees' remuneration and expenses
No trustees received any remuneration during the year.
11 Analysis of funds
| General Funds Unrestricted income fund |
At 1 May 2024 £ 28,956 |
Incoming resources £ 21,839 |
Resources expended £ (21,713) |
At 30 April 2025 £ 29,082 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 11
The Brown Swiss Cattle Society (UK)
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2025
......... continued
Prior period
| At 1 May | Incoming | Resources | At 30 April | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | resources | expended | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General Funds | ||||
| Unrestricted income fund | 29,927 | 15,825 | (16,796) | 28,956 |
12 Net assets by fund
| Current assets Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net assets Prior period Current assets Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net assets |
Unrestricted Funds £ 32,577 (3,495) 29,082 Unrestricted Funds £ 33,699 (4,743) 28,956 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 32,577 (3,495) 29,082 Total Funds 2024 £ 33,699 (4,743) 28,956 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 33,699 (4,743) 28,956 Total Funds 2023 £ 34,270 (4,343) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29,927 |
Page 12