Registered number: RC000177 Charity number: 273136
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 - 2 |
| Chair's statement | 3 |
| Trustees' report | 4 - 11 |
| Independent auditors' report on the financial statements | 12 - 15 |
| Consolidated statement of financial activities | 16 - 17 |
| Consolidated balance sheet | 18 - 19 |
| Charity balance sheet | 20 - 21 |
| Consolidated statement of cash flows | 22 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 23 - 45 |
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The English-Speaking Union was founded in 1918 as an unincorporated association. The association was incorporated in 1922 under the Companies Act as a company limited by guarantee and without share capital. The ESU was incorporated by the Royal Charter in 1957.
| Board of Trustees | Miles Young, Chair |
|---|---|
| Rebecca Preen, Deputy Chair | |
| Richard Humphreys, Deputy Chair | |
| Nick Archer | |
| Rebecca Darko (resigned 28 June 2024) | |
| David Hatchett | |
| Ed Humbert | |
| Simon Kearey | |
| Francesca King | |
| Laurence Mutkin | |
| Simon Orme, Treasurer | |
| Stephen Purcell | |
| Jane Setter | |
| Sophia Taylor | |
| Royal Charter registered number RC000177 Charity registered number 273136 Patron HRH The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO Vice-Presidents The Lord Watson of Richmond CBE Sir Guy Weston Senior Leadership Team Director-General Directors Charles Byrne CBE Nathan Strong - Director of Strategy & Governance Gabriella Tamas - Director of Finance & Corporate Services (until 30 September 2024) Consola Evans - Director of Global Engagement Neeta Patel - Head of Human Resources (until 30 September 2024) Louisa Searle- Director of Education (from 10 June 2024) Board Secretary Nathan Strong |
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Bankers Coutts & Co 440 The Strand London WC2 0QS
Citibank N.Y Citibank PO Box 6201 Sioux Falls SD 57117-6201 USA Legal advisors Russell Cooke LLP 2 Putney Hill London SW15 6AB Hogan Lovells International LLP Atlantic House Holborn Viaduct London EC1A 2FG Investment Manager Sarasin & Partners LLP 100 St Paul’s Churchyard London WC4M 8BU Auditor WR Partners Belmont House Shrewsbury Business Park Shrewsbury SY2 6LG
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
CHAIR'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Welcome to the Annual Report & Accounts for the English-Speaking Union (ESU) for 2024/25.
This year marked a turning point for the ESU as we completed a comprehensive strategic review that will shape the organisation’s direction over the next five years. With a renewed sense of purpose grounded in our Royal Charter, we have agreed our mission and vision to reflect the increasing need for oracy.
We are proud to have reached over 2,000 young people across the UK through our oracy competitions this year. Oracy remains an important life skill, and we are pleased that more than 56% of participating schools coming from the state sector. Our flagship International Public Speaking Competition reached over 100,000 young people worldwide across 45 countries. This reinforced the ESU’s role as a global movement for communication and understanding.
Alongside our competitions, we launched our new Teacher CPD programme, engaging around 400 educators, and delivered Discover Your Voice workshops to 60 state schools, many of whom were participating in our programmes for the first time. These initiatives strengthen our commitment to building skills and confidence among both young people and the adults who support them.
We have also deepened our international engagement, delivering public speaking and leadership training at the Commonwealth Youth Forum in Samoa and launching new partnerships with The Sutton Trust and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
Underpinning all this has been our work to build a more financially sustainable future. We have implemented effective cost controls and are actively pursuing opportunities to develop income-generating education products, we have launched successfully a new fundraising programme and are seeking to maximise value from our properties.
At a time when the ability to listen, think critically and speak with confidence is more important than ever, we remain dedicated to helping young people across the world develop the skills and understanding they need to thrive.
We are delighted to have welcomed Charles Byrne CBE as our new Director General in March, and are grateful to our dedicated trustees, branches, volunteers, members and international partners and staff for their contributions this year. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected and more confident global community.
Miles Young Chair
Charles Byrne CBE Director-General
Date: 11th September 2025
Date: 11th September 2025
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Board of Trustees present their annual report incorporating the audited financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025, together with an update on current plans and achievements.
Our Mission
We support young people through high-quality public speaking, debating and oracy programmes, developing skilful communicators, building cross cultural understanding and international friendships to help them become confident citizens and leaders.
About Us
Founded in 1918 by those who were experiencing firsthand the cost of global conflict, our purpose is ‘ to promote the use of English as a shared language and means of international communication of knowledge and understanding ’ while ‘fostering the spirit of friendship between the peoples...’ The English-Speaking Union is now an international organisation with representation in over 50 countries across the world. Today, our work is focused on building public speaking, listening and debating skills and cross-cultural understanding in young people – helping to shape a world where individuals, communities and ultimately nations can engage via civil, reasoned debate, and work together to address our shared challenges.
We work with young people and their teachers to improve oracy skills, cross-cultural understanding and leadership skills, to equip the next generation to build a more connected, collaborative world. We run fun, games-led debate, public speaking and performance-based competitions and workshops which encourage students to develop their ability to communicate using our signature ESU Four Key Skill Sets. We guide schools on using oracy in the classroom and on setting up and maintaining their own debate clubs; and we provide teachers with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities in the fields of speech and debate. Nationally and internationally, we run public speaking and debating competitions to hone the skills we provide and offer a variety of cultural exchanges for students and, teachers, alike to build relationships and share ideas across communities and countries.
Why we do it
The ESU was formed on the belief that more effective communication between nations would lead to improved global understanding. This belief still stands strong today. As communities become ever-more multicultural, and society more polarised, there has never been a greater need to understand different perspectives and opinions. Children need to learn how to listen and evaluate other points of view; how to distinguish fake news from real. They need to learn to disagree without being disagreeable, and they need to learn that what they think and what they have to say matters.
Our speech and debate programmes and cultural exchanges help with all these things. They improve oracy ability and academic attainment as well as a whole range of social, emotional and interpersonal skills now seen as increasingly important by both industry and educationalists. These include self-confidence, self-awareness, resilience and empathy. It is in the development of these key skills that the next generation becomes the global citizens and leaders that the world will require to thrive in the years to come. Read more about oracy and why it matters : http://www.esu.org/oracy/.
Public Benefit
In setting our objectives and planning our activities, the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Objectives
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The full name of the Charity is The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth, referred to as the ESU. The registered office and principal operating address is Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London, W1J 5ED. The Charity is registered in England and Wales under registration number 273136.
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In 1957 the ESU was granted a Royal Charter in which its charitable objectives are ‘ to promote within our United Kingdom and other countries of the Commonwealth, the United States of America, Europe and elsewhere the mutual advancement of education of the English-speaking peoples of the world, in particular ... the use of English as a shared language and means of international communication of knowledge and understanding... whilst fostering the spirit of friendship ’.
Activities
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We work with teachers and young people to improve oracy skills and cross-cultural understanding. We run debate, performance and public speaking competitions and workshops which encourage learners to explore and engage with a wide range of topical issues and with key cultural texts. We guide schools on using oracy in the classroom, support the development of academic and practical research in the field of oracy; and we provide teachers with a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities in the fields of speech and debate.
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Nationally and internationally, we offer a variety of programmes and cultural exchanges for students, teachers and professionals alike to build relationships and share ideas across communities and countries.
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We engage a network of 54 National ESUs across the world, each being independent and operating according to their own jurisdiction. This important network meets every year at the International Council Meeting to share ideas and promote English as a means of communication at a global level. The international ESUs are responsible for running their own national Public Speaking Competitions which culminate in the International Public Speaking Competition finals week in London.
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Volunteers are central to supporting the delivery of our competitions. They act as judges, comperes and chair judges. We are pleased that after a concerted effort to grow our pool of volunteers; we have a pool of over 550 individuals across England and Wales.
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Our membership plays an important role in supporting the organisation through volunteering, advocacy and local engagement. In March 2025, we had around 1,100 members across 16 branches in England and Wales.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Achievements
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Online and in-person oracy competitions achieved significant impact, with over 2,000 young participants in the UK, and over 100,000 worldwide.
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Our competitions in England and Wales saw an 16% increase in the number of school’s participating in 2024/2025, with around 56% of entries from the state school sector. We provided free Discover Your Voice workshops to 60 state schools who were participating in the competitions for the first time.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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We worked in partnership with The Sutton Trust to deliver Discover Your Voice workshops to young people engaged in their skills and work experience programmes, to support the oracy schools of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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We launched our Teacher CPD offer, providing training to around 400 teachers, most of whom work in the state school sector. We delivered longer-term CPD programmes with The Summit Learning Trust.
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We Delivered Discover Your Voice and Teacher CPD workshops to primary state schools in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea thanks to funding from ESU London Branch with plans for a ‘Debate Day’ at Dartmouth House in June 2025.
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The ESU delivered public speaking and leadership training to delegates at the Commonwealth Youth Forum as part of Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting in Samoa in October 2024. We also delivered similar workshops to the Commonwealth Youth Task Force in March 2025.
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Dartmouth House, the international headquarters of the ESU, has been a hub for bringing people together to socialise, debate and share ideas.
Future Plans
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Over the past year we have undertaken a comprehensive strategic review using the Royal Charter as our foundation. We have looked at what we do well, our unique strengths, what others in the sector are doing and the national and international context of our work. This work has informed our thinking on the long-term direction of the organisation.
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Over the next five years we will build on our unique strengths, improving the quality of our education products and re-enforcing our position as setting the highest standards and providing the most respected oracy competitions. Recognising the financial and capacity constraints we will match ambition with resources to drive relatively modest growth. We will continue to focus on our existing oracy products and develop those to provide an offer for primary and international schools.
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Our international perspective and reach are core to our purpose. Within the oracy sector we are unique in having a vibrant international community who support our competitions and promote our mission. Through strategic and sustained engagement, we will support and grow our international network. We will increase the reach of International Public Speaking Competition and support improved standards of delivery. We are keen to pilot international versions of our Schools Mace Debate and Performing Shakespeare. In particular we will focus on working with other Commonwealth related organisations and reach more Commonwealth countries. We will develop our cultural exchange programmes such as the Secondary Schools Exchange, recognising the current challenges.
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We must build a financially sustainable operating model. The largest and most reliable income stream is from our properties, and we must maximise the value they generate in terms of income and direct support for our mission. To be sustainable and to drive growth we must develop other income streams. We will develop education products that generate net income, such as CPD or DYV for international schools. We will also build on the start made in the last 12 months to develop our fundraising capability.
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The ESU has extraordinary reach, and our work can change lives. We give young people the communication skills, the confidence and cross-cultural understanding they need to thrive and which they will need as our leaders of tomorrow. This strategy recognises the context, the challenges, the opportunities and the unique strengths we can bring and sets a clear direction through which we can deliver on our important mission.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Safeguarding
- There is no higher priority for the ESU than the safeguarding of all those interacting with the Charity, and particularly children and young people participating in its programmes. Rigorous protocols are also applied to online events. The Board has a strong emphasis on the protection of vulnerable individuals, and it reviews process and procedures on a regular basis as part of the risk management process. The Safeguarding Policy is reviewed biannually and available on the ESU website: https://www.esu.org/safeguarding-policy/.
Communication
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We actively advocate for oracy education, internationalism and volunteering, spreading the message that speaking and listening skills and cross-cultural understanding are vital for young people to reach their full potential. More details can be found on our website: https://www.esu.org/
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We have worked to streamline our messaging and to share more examples of our impact with our supporter base. We have worked to redefine and redesign our impact report for key stakeholders.
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We continue to focus on building and maintaining our social media presence. Social media provides a growing platform for networking into education, business, and wider society to promote the charity’s work.
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Events form an important part of our communications approach, and we have been focused on streamlining our offering this year so that it aligns with the ESU’s founding purpose.
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In October 2024, the ESU hosted its annual Evelyn Wrench Lecture at Dartmouth House. We were delighted to host Lord Patten of Barnes who delivered the lecture on ‘Free Speech’. In December we hosted our AGM and Christmas Drinks reception which was a useful opportunity to share impact stories from our alumni with our stakeholders and to remind our audience why the ESU matters. In February 2025 we hosted a well-attended debate featuring ESU alumni on the topic “This house believe dating was better before apps”. In March we hosted our Spring Lunch with the author Robert Hardman who delivered a talk based on his new book “Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story”.
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In addition to central ESU events our branches have held their own programmes for local members. These have ranged from a monthly lunch and lecture series in Salisbury to formal dinners in Lincolnshire and lots more in between.
Pay Policy for Senior Staff
- The executive pay policy is set by the Board using benchmarked and sector data.
Governance and Management
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We are governed by a Board of 14 elected Trustees of which two are co-opted. Trustees are elected by members of the ESU for a period of three years. Trustees are eligible to stand for re-election for a second term of three years. The Board may appoint up to six co-opted Trustees to fill a skills or knowledge gap. The Board delegates some of its responsibilities to Committees. In this reporting period the Board have five established Committees:
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a. Engagement Committee b. Education Committee c. Finance Committee
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d. Audit & Risk Committee
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e. International Committee
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There are separate Boards for the two trading subsidiaries: ESU Trading Ltd and ESU Dartmouth House Ltd.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Financial Review
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The results of the ESU Group are set out in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) on page 16. The figures consolidate the results of the Charity and its two wholly owned subsidiaries, ESU Trading Ltd and ESU Dartmouth House Ltd.
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Our charitable activities have been funded through four main income streams: a. Donations and legacies
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b. Charitable activity income (registration fees, membership subscriptions and events).
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c. Trading income
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d. Investment income (including rent from the Chesterfield hotel).
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The consolidated statement of financial activities shows net expenditure of £570k (2024: net expenditure £590k) excluding investment gains.
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Net incoming resources in 2024/25 were £2,590k (2023/24: £2,754k). Total income by source for the ESU Group, including comparison with the previous year, as set out below:
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Donations comprised legacy income, individual giving from ESU supporters, and income from fundraising events held in Dartmouth House and branch events. The aim of each event is to engage existing supporters as well as showcasing our work to new supporters. Events included the Evelyn Wrench lecture, and the 4th of July summer party. Total donations for the year were £44k (2023/24: £106k).
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Charitable activity income consisted of income from registration fees for educational programmes, membership subscriptions and branch events. Income fell by £141k from the prior year due to a decline in the number of member subscriptions, fewer branch events and the cancellation of the Debate Academy summer school.
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Trading activities income resulted principally from commission charged under a licence with Graysons Hospitality Limited to run weddings, private events, and corporate activities and service members at Dartmouth House. Total trading activity income grew to £584k for the year (2023/24: £503k) The profits from these activities directly benefit the Charity.
37.Investment income of £1,682k (2023/24: £1,724k) included rents from the Chesterfield Hotel and dividends paid from our investment portfolio which is managed by Sarasin & Partners LLP. This stream made up 64.9% (2023/24: 62.6%) of the total income and ensures stability of funding.
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The ESU consolidated Charity and subsidiaries report expenditure of £3,160k this year, a five per-cent decrease on the prior year (2023/24: £3,344k).
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a. The two main sources of expenditure were staff costs at £1,544k (49% of total expenditure) and property costs of £380k (12%). These costs increased by £262k from the prior year mainly because of an increase in the average number of people employed from 22 in 2023/24 to 27 in 2024/25 and rises in energy tariffs which affected utility expenditure on Dartmouth House
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b. The cost rises were offset by a significant reduction in the use of consultancies for marketing (£169k) and general consultancy and professional charges (£43k), along with a combined decrease in HR, and IT expenditure of £156k.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
39.Notes seven and eight to the accounts provides a breakdown of expenditure.
40.Total ESU funds at 31st March 2025 were £56,046k (31/03/2024: £55,801k); the increase of £245k is attributable to net expenditure of £570k adjusted for net investment gains of £53k and revaluation of fixed assets of £763k.
41.The ESU own a property portfolio: the Chesterfield Hotel and Dartmouth House. Both are subject to openmarket valuation fluctuations. The properties’ values are recorded as designated funds and are not relied upon for the day-to-day running of the Charity. These long-term assets generate the rental income and commercial profits upon which we rely to deliver our charitable work.
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Unrestricted reserves are required to provide for short-term fluctuations in income and expenditure. The Board’s Reserves Policy is to maintain net free reserves (currently held as cash and near cash investments) sufficient to cover overheads for at least six months. The ESU is operating in accordance with this policy.
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Consolidated cash and cash-equivalent balances held in 2024/25 rose by £267k to £785k (2023/24: £1,797k fall in cash balances).
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The value of free reserves held by the Group at 31/03/25 was £2,555k which was sufficient to meet the Board’s requirement to cover six months forward operating expenditure.
Risk Management
- The Trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and satisfied themselves that systems or procedures are established in order to manage those risks. A key component of our risk management strategy is our risk management framework which enables the Board, its Committees and the Senior Leadership Team to consider, discuss and act on all of the organisation’s major risks.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
1.The Trustees of the Charity are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements, being the consolidated accounts of the ESU and its subsidiary companies ESU Trading Ltd and ESU Dartmouth House Ltd (together, the ‘Group’), in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
2.Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) and applicable law.
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Under Charity law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the affairs of the Charity and the Group, and of the net outgoing resources of the Group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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a. Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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b. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities’ Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
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c. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. d. State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
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e. Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue to operate.
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The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions; to 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. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Miles Young Chair Date: 11th September 2025
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Charity Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, 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:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and of the parent charity's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of the Group's incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's or the parent 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 Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH (CONTINUED)
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 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 course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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the parent charity has not kept adequate and sufficient accounting records, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the parent charityfinancial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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 the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Group's and the parent 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 Group or the parent charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH (CONTINUED)
Auditors' 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 Auditors' 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.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
The audit team obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the Charity and determined that the most significant are those that relate to the reporting framework (FRS102 and the Charities Act 2011), the relevant tax compliance regulations, employment law, Health and Safety Regulations and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
We understood how the Charity is complying with these frameworks by making enquiries of management and those responsible for legal and compliance procedures. We also reviewed board minutes to identify any recorded instances of irregularity or non compliance that might have a material impact on the financial statements.
We assessed the susceptibility of the Charity's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur by meeting with key management to understand where they are considered there was susceptibility to fraud. Based on our understanding our procedures involved enquiries of management and those charged with governance, manual journal testing, cashbook reviews for large and unusual items and the challenge of significant estimates used in preparing financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH (CONTINUED)
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 8 of the Charities Act 2011. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and its trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
WR Partners Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors Belmont House Shrewsbury Business Park Shrewsbury Shropshire SY2 6LG
Date:
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Total income and endowments Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) before net (losses)/gains on investments Net (losses)/gains on investments Net movement in funds before other recognised gains/(losses) Other recognised gains/(losses): Gains on revaluation of fixed assets Net movement in funds |
Endowment funds 2025 £ - 832 - 12,326 13,158 - - - 13,158 - 13,158 - 13,158 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 536 124,942 - - 125,478 - 135,743 135,743 (10,265) (1,915) (12,180) - (12,180) |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 64,792 131,887 584,761 1,669,425 2,450,865 741,706 2,282,166 3,023,872 (573,007) 54,640 (518,367) 762,500 244,133 |
Total funds 2025 £ 65,328 257,661 584,761 1,681,751 2,589,501 741,706 2,417,909 3,159,615 (570,114) 52,725 (517,389) 762,500 245,111 |
Total funds Restated 2024 £ 127,003 400,300 502,772 1,723,867 2,753,942 621,053 2,722,775 3,343,828 (589,886) 190,643 (399,243) 67,000 (332,243) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 16
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Endowment funds 2025 £ 322,505 13,158 335,663 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 588,935 (12,180) 576,755 |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 54,889,239 244,133 55,133,372 |
Total funds 2025 £ 55,800,678 245,111 56,045,790 |
Total funds 2024 £ 56,132,921 (332,243) 55,800,678 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 23 to 45 form part of these financial statements.
Page 17
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH REGISTERED NUMBER: RC000177
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Fixed assets Intangible assets 12 Tangible assets 13 Heritage assets 15 Investments 16 Investment property 14 Current assets Debtors 17 Investments 18 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 19 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets |
312,595 3,081,271 784,871 4,178,737 (586,263) |
2025 £ 141,955 23,118,162 793,200 - 28,400,000 52,453,317 3,592,474 56,045,791 56,045,791 |
384,339 1,000,000 518,224 1,902,563 (718,523) |
Restated 2024 £ 71,291 22,425,536 793,200 2,826,613 28,500,000 54,616,640 1,184,040 55,800,680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55,800,680 |
Page 18
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH REGISTERED NUMBER: RC000177
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Charity funds Endowment funds 21 Restricted funds 21 Unrestricted funds 21 Total funds |
2025 £ 335,663 576,755 55,133,373 56,045,791 |
2024 £ 322,505 588,935 54,889,240 |
|---|---|---|
| 55,800,680 |
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Miles Young Chair Date: 11th September 2025
The notes on pages 23 to 45 form part of these financial statements.
Page 19
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH REGISTERED NUMBER: RC000177
CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Fixed assets Intangible assets 12 Tangible assets 13 Heritage assets 15 Investments 16 Investment property 14 Current assets Debtors 17 Investments 18 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 19 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets |
343,026 3,081,271 635,405 4,059,702 (485,748) |
2025 £ 141,955 23,118,162 793,200 - 28,400,000 52,453,317 3,573,954 56,027,271 56,027,271 |
333,858 1,000,000 439,539 1,773,397 (607,879) |
Restated 2024 £ 71,291 22,425,536 793,200 2,826,613 28,500,000 54,616,640 1,165,518 55,782,158 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55,782,158 |
Page 20
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH REGISTERED NUMBER: RC000177
CHARITY BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Charity funds Endowment funds 21 Restricted funds 21 Unrestricted funds 21 Total funds |
2025 £ 335,663 576,754 55,114,854 56,027,271 |
2024 £ 322,505 588,935 54,870,718 |
|---|---|---|
| 55,782,158 |
The Charity's net movement in funds for the year was £ 245,113 (2024 - £(332,243)) .
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Miles Young Chair Date: 11th September 2025
The notes on pages 23 to 45 form part of these financial statements.
Page 21
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities 23 Cash flows from investing activities Dividends, interests and rents from investments Purchase of intangible assets Purchase of tangible fixed assets Proceeds from sale of investments Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Current asset investment additions Net cash used in financing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 24 |
2025 £ (452,474) 42,553 (95,715) (34,802) 2,888,356 2,800,392 (2,081,271) (2,081,271) 266,647 518,224 784,871 |
2024 £ (583,167) 81,408 (71,290) (74,374) (150,000) (214,256) (1,000,000) (1,000,000) (1,797,423) 2,315,647 518,224 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 23 to 45 form part of these financial statements
Page 22
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. General information
The English-Speaking Union is a company limited by guarantee and without share capital. The ESU was incorporated in England by Royal Charter and the address of its registered office is Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London, W1J 5ED.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth 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.
The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) and Consolidated Balance Sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Charity and its two subsidiary undertakings. The results of the subsidiaries are consolidated on a line by line basis.
The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption and has not presented its own Statement of Financial Activities in these financial statements.
2.2 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
Page 23
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Group to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Group's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.4 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Group; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.5 Intangible assets and amortisation
Intangible assets costing £NIL or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable, and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Amortisation is provided on intangible assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset on a straight-line basis over its expected useful life.
Amortisation is provided on the following basis:
Computer software - 20 % straight line
Page 24
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Property is initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the revaluation model, a property whose fair value can be measured reliably shall be carried at a revalued amount, being their fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the end of the reporting date.
Fair values are determined from market-based evidence by appraisal that is normally undertaken by professionally qualified valuers. If there is no market-based evidence of fair value because of the specialised nature of the tangible fixed asset and it is rarely sold, except as part of a contributing business, a Charity may need to estimate fair value using an income or depreciated replacement cost approach.
Gains and losses on revaluation are recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial activities, with a separate revaluation reserve being shown in the Statement of funds note.
Other tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
- Freehold property Not depreciated - Plant and machinery 15 years straight line - Fixtures and fittings 5 years straight line - Computer equipment 3 years straight line
Page 25
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.7 Heritage assets
Where heritage assets have been purchased, they are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the revaluation model, heritage assets are measured at fair value. Any reliable valuation technique to estimate the fair value of a heritage asset may be used; however, it must reflect any particular historic or heritage qualities inherent in the asset being valued, meaning that depreciated replacement cost may not be an applicable technique in all circumstances.
Where heritage assets have been donated, they should initially be recognised then subsequently measured at fair value. Any reliable valuation technique to estimate the fair value of a heritage asset may be used; however, it must reflect any particular historic or heritage qualities inherent in the asset being valued, meaning that depreciated replacement cost may not be an applicable technique in all circumstances.
At each reporting date the Charity assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
Heritage assets are not depreciated.
2.8 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Consolidated statement of financial activities.
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.
2.9 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.10 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Page 26
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.11 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
2.12 Financial instruments
The Group only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.13 Pensions
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Group to the fund in respect of the year.
2.14 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Group for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
Page 27
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Legacies Fundraising events Total 2025 Total 2024 |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ - 17,319 - 6,300 536 41,173 536 64,792 - 127,003 |
Total funds 2025 £ 17,319 6,300 41,709 65,328 127,003 |
Total funds 2024 £ 20,701 50,000 56,302 127,003 |
|---|---|---|---|
4. Income from charitable activities
| Income from programmes and events Income from branches Membership subscriptions Total 2025 Total 2024 |
Endowment funds 2025 £ 832 - - 832 300 |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ 124,942 62,144 - 26,033 - 43,710 124,942 131,887 106,280 293,720 |
Total funds 2025 £ 187,918 26,033 43,710 257,661 400,300 |
Total funds 2024 £ 259,239 51,908 89,153 400,300 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 28
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5. Income from other trading activities
Income from non charitable trading activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Sales 50,881 Catering commission 533,880 Total 2025 584,761 Total 2024 502,772 |
Total funds 2025 £ 50,881 533,880 584,761 502,772 |
Total funds 2024 £ - 502,772 502,772 |
|---|---|---|
6. Investment income
| Rental income Investment income Recharges Investment income - local cash Total 2025 Total 2024 |
Endowment funds 2025 £ - 12,326 - - 12,326 2,080 |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ - 1,504,000 - 30,227 - 122,115 - 13,083 - 1,669,425 12,803 1,708,984 |
Total funds 2025 £ 1,504,000 42,553 122,115 13,083 1,681,751 1,723,867 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,504,001 81,408 102,724 35,734 1,723,867 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 29
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
7. Expenditure on raising funds
Fundraising trading expenses
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Fundraising - Direct Costs 48,918 Fundraising - Support Costs 139,521 Total 2025 188,439 Total 2024 84,381 Other trading expenses Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Trading - Direct Costs 351,054 Trading - Support Costs 202,213 Total 2025 553,267 Total 2024 536,672 |
Total funds 2025 £ 48,918 139,521 188,439 84,381 Total funds 2025 £ 351,054 202,213 553,267 536,672 |
Total funds 2024 £ 20,143 64,238 84,381 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 319,249 217,423 536,672 |
||
Page 30
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Activities undertaken directly 2025 Support costs 2025 £ £ Education programme and scholarships 587,026 368,163 International development 189,537 143,209 Membership and branches 409,815 187,462 Governance 393,176 139,521 Total 2025 1,579,554 838,355 Total 2024 1,655,428 1,067,347 9. Auditors' remuneration Fees payable to the Charity's auditor for the audit of the Charity's annual accounts Fees payable to the Charity's auditor in respect of: All non-audit services not included above 10. Staff costs Group Group 2025 2024 £ £ Wages and salaries 1,374,654 1,148,266 Social security costs 140,959 122,032 Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes 65,828 68,375 1,581,441 1,338,673 |
Total funds 2025 £ 955,189 332,746 597,277 532,697 2,417,909 2,722,775 2025 £ 22,000 3,500 Charity 2025 £ 1,374,654 140,959 65,828 1,581,441 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,072,272 357,311 872,415 420,777 2,722,775 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 18,750 5,250 |
||
| Charity 2024 £ 1,148,266 122,032 68,375 1,338,673 |
Included in the above, are redundancy payments of £4,583 (2024: £5,559) and severance payments of £Nil (2024: £8,978) paid out to nil (2023: 1) members of staff.
Page 31
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
10. Staff costs (continued)
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| Charitable activities Support staff |
Group 2025 No. 14 13 27 |
Group 2024 No. 13 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 22 |
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
| Group | Group | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| No. | No. | |
| In the band £60,001 - £70,000 | 1 | 2 |
| In the band £80,001 - £90,000 | 1 | 1 |
| In the band £100,001 - £110,000 | 1 | 1 |
| In the band £110,001 - £120,000 | - | 1 |
| In the band £130,001 - £140,000 | 1 | - |
Included within staff costs, total staff benefits paid to key management personnel in the year were £564,109 (2024: £597,077).
11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 31 March 2025, expenses totalling £ 4,017 were reimbursed or paid directly to 5 Trustees (2024 - £4,982 to 6 Trustees) . The expenses in the year were for reimbursement of travel expenses.
Page 32
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
| NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| 12. Intangible assets Group and Charity Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Amortisation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
Computer software £ 285,947 95,715 381,662 214,656 25,051 239,707 141,955 71,291 |
Page 33
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13. Tangible fixed assets
Group and Charity
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 Additions Revaluations At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
Freehold property £ 21,887,500 - 762,500 22,650,000 - - - 22,650,000 21,887,500 |
Plant and machinery £ 1,162,871 - - 1,162,871 713,313 75,938 789,251 373,620 449,558 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 72,810 26,924 - 99,734 6,687 19,368 26,055 73,679 66,123 |
Artwork & Maces £ 41,148 7,878 - 49,026 18,793 9,370 28,163 20,863 22,355 |
Total £ 23,164,329 34,802 762,500 23,961,631 738,793 104,676 843,469 23,118,162 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22,425,536 |
The freehold property was formally valued by Cushman & Wakefield as at 31 March 2025.
Page 34
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
14. Investment property
Group and Charity
| Valuation At 1 April 2024 Deficit on revaluation At 31 March 2025 |
Freehold investment property £ 28,500,000 (100,000) |
|---|---|
| 28,400,000 |
The investment property was formally valued by Cushman & Wakefield as at 31 March 2025.
15. Heritage assets
Group and Charity
Assets recognised at cost
| Carrying value at 1 April 2024 | Artwork & Maces 2025 £ 793,200 793,200 |
Total 2025 £ 793,200 793,200 |
|---|---|---|
During 2024/25, there were no changes in the values of heritage assets as existing valuations were considered reasonable.
Page 35
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
16. Fixed asset investments
| Listed | |
|---|---|
| investments | |
| £ | |
| At 1 April 2024 | 2,826,613 |
| Disposals | (2,888,356) |
| Revaluations | 61,743 |
| At 31 March 2025 | - |
| At 31 March 2024 | 2,826,613 |
In July 2024, the portfolio of fixed asset investments held in the Sarasin Endowments funds was disposed of and the sale proceeds valued at £2,888k were transferred to the Blackrock Institutional Cash Series sterling liquidity fund. This transfer was to ensure that the ESU funds were held in a relatively low risk holding which is easily convertible to cash and consistent with the charity's strategy and anticipated cash flow requirements over the medium term.
17. Debtors
| Due within one year Trade debtors Amounts owed by group undertakings Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Group 2025 £ 115,814 - 9,461 187,320 312,595 |
Group 2024 £ 183,940 - 30,744 169,655 384,339 |
Charity 2025 £ 5,920 155,350 9,461 172,295 343,026 |
Charity 2024 £ 5,920 135,345 30,744 161,849 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 333,858 |
18. Current asset investments
| Unlisted investments | Group 2025 £ 3,081,271 3,081,271 |
Group 2024 £ 1,000,000 1,000,000 |
Charity 2025 £ 3,081,271 3,081,271 |
Charity 2024 £ 1,000,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000,000 |
Page 36
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
18. Current asset investments (continued)
Current asset investments consist of investments in an Institutional Cash Series Sterling liquidity fund with the intention that these funds be used by the charity within one year either via disposal or transfger to a longer term investment fund.
19. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Bank overdrafts Payments received on account Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
Group 2025 £ - 14,828 105,712 34,152 17,633 413,938 586,263 |
Group 2024 £ 118 12,956 167,116 30,537 25,218 482,578 718,523 |
Charity 2025 £ - 14,828 105,712 62 17,633 347,513 485,748 |
Charity 2024 £ 118 12,956 167,118 63 25,218 402,406 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 607,879 |
20. Prior year adjustments
During the revaluation process of the freehold property in the current year, it was identified that the Mews office space was not revalued for year ended 31 March 2023. As a result, the comparatives have been restated, so that the revaluations measured in the current year are comparable. The result of the adjustment is an increase in the freehold property of £4,987,500 and an increase un unrestricted funds of the same amount.
Page 37
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
21. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Unrestricted funds Designated funds Designated Funds Repairs Fund General funds General Funds - all funds General Funds Trading funds Revaluation reserve Total Unrestricted funds Endowment funds Expendable endowment Permanent endowment |
Balance at 1 April 2024 £ 37,500,177 125,000 37,625,177 - 4,358,043 18,520 12,887,500 17,264,063 54,889,240 103,406 219,099 322,505 |
Income £ - - - - 1,489,069 961,796 - 2,450,865 2,450,865 12,326 832 13,158 |
Expenditure £ - - - - (2,558,751) (465,121) - (3,023,872) (3,023,872) - - - |
Transfers in/out £ - - - - 496,675 (496,675) - - - - - - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - - - 54,640 - - 762,500 817,140 817,140 - - - |
Balance at 31 March 2025 £ 37,500,177 125,000 37,625,177 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54,640 3,785,036 18,520 13,650,000 17,508,196 |
||||||
| 55,133,373 | ||||||
| 115,732 219,931 335,663 |
Page 38
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
21. Statement of funds (continued)
| Restricted funds Branch funds Exchange programmes Fellowship funds Education funds Music funds Scholarship funds Meeting expenses Bank charges Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2024 £ 52,863 33,368 134,402 58,506 20,477 289,319 - - 588,935 55,800,680 |
Income £ 536 - 117,777 5,792 - 1,373 - - 125,478 2,589,501 |
Expenditure £ - - 11,500 - - (145,523) (343) (1,377) (135,743) (3,159,615) |
Transfers in/out £ - - - - - - - - - - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - - (1,915) - - - - - (1,915) 815,225 |
Balance at 31 March 2025 £ 53,399 33,368 261,764 64,298 20,477 145,169 (343) (1,377) 576,755 56,045,791 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
21. Statement of funds (continued)
Designated Funds
These are funds designated for practical purposes. The use of designated funds remains at the discretion of the Trustees.
Endowment Funds
Expendable endowments
American Memorial Chapel Travel Fund - Travel scholarships for clergy between the UK and the USA
Westbury Preston Memorial Education Fund - Used to provide exchange visits by students or teachers within the Commonwealth or between the Commonwealth and the USA.
Mallinson Memorial Fund - Woodworking and bookbinding scholarships.
Permanent endowment
P W Minet American Education Scholarship Fund - Teaching scholarships for lecturers or teachers to travel to the USA to study a specific aspect of education.
P W Minet Community Benefit Fund - Travel awards to enable individuals with professional qualifications aged 25 to 45 to travel outside the UK for the benefit of their own communities and those they visit.
Education Endowment Fund-Teachers - Travel scholarships for teachers between the UK and the USA.
Charlotte Bonham-Carter Music Scholarship Fund - For the provision of music scholarships to Yale University.
Restricted Funds
Branch funds
Nurses Work Shadow Fund - Used to fund education at branch level.
Carlbom-Linconshire branch funds - Used to fund education at branch level.
1066-Hastings Branch Funds - Used to fund education at branch level.
Exchange funds
C E Eckersley Educational Fund - Used to provide grants to foreign students studying English.
Walter Annenburg Fund - Donated for the purpose of Anglo-American exchanges.
Fellowship funds
The Lindemann Fellowship Fund - Provides fellowship awards to enable UK scientests to undertake research programmes in the USA.
Education funds
P W Minet American Education Scholarship Income Fund - Teaching scholarships for lecturers or teachers to travel to the USA to study a specific aspect of education.
P W Minet Community Benefit Income Fund - Travel awards to enable individuals with professional qualifications aged 25 to 45 to travel outside the UK for the benefit of their own communities and those they visit.
C Bonham-Carter Scholarship Fund - For the provision of scholarships.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
21. Statement of funds (continued)
Education Endowment income Fund - Travel scholarships for teachers between the UK and the USA.
Music funds
The Ravinia Scholarship Fund - Awards to enable talented musicians to attend the Ravinia Festival.
Music Fund - For music scholarships in the UK.
Belinda Norman-Butler Music Fund - For music scholarships in the UK.
Scholarship funds
Branches-Scholarships - For branch level scholarships.
John Roberts Travel Scholarship Fund - Fund is in respect of travel scholarships for Lincolnshire students.
Michael Graydon Scholarship Fund - Award to aid earmarked ESU educational work for the Lincolnshire branch.
Charlotte Bonham-Carter Music Scholarship Income Fund - For the provision of music scholarships.
Chester Scholarship fund - Award for scholarships & other charitable activities in Chester.
Chilton Art History Scholarship Fund - Supports an annual art history scholarship placement at Christies.
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
21. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Designated Funds Repairs Fund General funds General Funds Trading funds Revaluation reserve Total Unrestricted funds Endowment funds Expendable endowment Permanent endowment |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 37,500,177 - 37,500,177 4,637,601 18,520 12,887,500 17,543,621 55,043,798 218,731 219,523 438,254 |
Income £ - - - 1,762,174 870,305 - 2,632,479 2,632,479 304 2,076 2,380 |
Expenditure £ - - - (2,527,326) (516,940) - (3,044,266) (3,044,266) (115,629) (2,500) (118,129) |
Transfers in/out £ - 125,000 125,000 228,365 (353,365) - (125,000) - - - - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - - - 257,229 - - 257,229 257,229 - - - |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 37,500,177 125,000 37,625,177 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,358,043 18,520 12,887,500 17,264,063 |
||||||
| 54,889,240 | ||||||
| 103,406 219,099 322,505 |
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
21. Statement of funds (continued)
| Restricted funds Branch funds Exchange programmes Fellowship funds Education funds Music funds Scholarship funds Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 51,576 33,368 176,081 58,507 23,487 307,852 650,871 56,132,923 |
Income £ 1,338 - 110,084 - 395 7,266 119,083 2,753,942 |
Expenditure £ (51) - (152,177) - (3,405) (25,800) (181,433) (3,343,828) |
Transfers in/out £ - - - - - - - - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - - 414 - - - 414 257,643 |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 52,863 33,368 134,402 58,507 20,477 289,318 588,935 55,800,680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Tangible fixed assets Intangible fixed assets Investment property Heritage assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Endowment funds 2025 £ - - - - 335,663 - 335,663 |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ - 23,118,162 - 141,955 - 28,400,000 - 793,200 576,755 3,266,319 - (586,263) 576,755 55,133,373 |
Total funds 2025 £ 23,118,162 141,955 28,400,000 793,200 4,178,737 (586,263) 56,045,791 |
|---|---|---|---|
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
23. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
| Net expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Amortisation charges Losses on investments Dividends, interests and rents from investments Fair value adjustments on investment property Decrease/(increase) in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash used in operating activities 24. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents Cash in hand Total cash and cash equivalents 25. Analysis of changes in net debt At 1 April 2024 £ Cash at bank and in hand 518,224 Bank overdrafts repayable on demand (118) Liquid investments 1,000,000 1,518,106 |
Group 2025 £ (517,389) 104,676 25,051 (61,743) (42,553) 100,000 71,744 (132,260) (452,474) Group 2025 £ 784,871 784,871 Cash flows £ 266,647 118 2,081,271 2,348,036 |
Group 2024 £ (399,243) 91,056 42,932 (205,178) (81,408) - (197,032) 165,706 (583,167) Group 2024 £ 518,224 518,224 At 31 March 2025 £ 784,871 - 3,081,271 3,866,142 |
|---|---|---|
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THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
26. Related party transactions
The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 31 March 2025.
27. Principal subsidiaries
The following were subsidiary undertakings of the Charity:
ESU Trading Ltd ESU Dartmouth Ltd
The registered office or principal place of business for both of these subsidiary is Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London, W1J 5ED. Both subsidiaries are included in the consolidation.
The financial results of the subsidiaries for the year were:
| Surplus/(Deficit) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Names | Income | Expenditure | for the Year | Net assets | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| ESU Trading Ltd | 648,740 | - | 342,919 | 305,821 | 18,519 |
| ESU Dartmouth House Ltd | 313,055 | - | 122,202 | 190,853 | 1 |
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