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2024-12-31-accounts

The Big C Appeal Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Report and Financial Statements Year ended 31 December 2024

Company Registration No. 01521441 Charitable Registration No. 281730 (England and Wales)

Contents

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Directors Report Directors Report Page
1. Letter from the Chair 2
2. Reference and Administration 4
3. Objectives and Activities for the Public Benefit 5
4. Big C’s Objectives, Activities and Achievements for 2024 6
5. The Charity’s People & Culture Strategy 10
6. Financial Review 11
7. Investment Policy 12
8. Reserves Policy 12
9. The Charity’s Infrastructure 13
10. Plans for Future Periods 13
11. Structure, Governance and Management 16
12. Statement of Responsibilities of Directors and Trustees 20
13. Statement of Disclosure of Information to Auditors 21
14. Auditors 21
15. Small Company Provisions 21
Independent Auditors Report 22
Statement of Financial Activities 26
Balance Sheet 28
Cashflow Statement 29
Notes to Financial Statements 30

1

Letter from the Chair Year Ended 31 December 2024

1. Letter from the Chair

Dear Reader

Founded in 1980, Big C is a much-valued local cancer charity that provides support and information for cancer patients and their families. In addition it funds world-leading cancer research on the Norwich Research Park, it invests in facilities and equipment , and it supports education to improve healthy lifestyle choices. To my knowledge, no other organisation in the UK supports all of these streams of activity and we are indeed having an impact and making a difference for those affected by cancer. Here are some of the highlights of Big C’s 2024:

Despite all these successes, there have also been significant challenges and changes this year, a major one being the stepping down of our Chief Executive Chris Bushby due to health reasons. Chris led Big C for nine years and we wish him well for the future. In December we welcomed Karen Vincent as our new Chief Executive. Karen came to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience from a career working in the public, private and third sectors with strategic roles including Chair of both Norfolk County Council and Broadland

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Letter from the Chair Year Ended 31 December 2024

District Council, as well as a Big C Trustee, knowledge and experience that will help guide the charity through the turbulent and changing world in which we live.

Big C has amazing assets - our four physical Centres at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital , the new Norwich City Centre on Dereham Road, and our centres in Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn provide welcoming havens for anyone affected by cancer. And for the 33% of our service users who are unable to travel to one of our centres or hubs, our Virtual Support Centre provides individual and group support online. Our wonderful Big C staff and volunteers comprise another of our key assets. This year has also been the first full year for Big C’s Health Academy , which is working with several partners in the region to convey information on healthy eating and lifestyle to promote cancer prevention , particularly in disadvantaged and hard-to-reach communities.

I want to thank everyone – in particular our dedicated volunteers and staff, our friends at Ladies in League Against Cancer (LILAC), our major donors and corporate sponsors, and my fellow Trustees of Big C – for all their generosity, passion and continuing hard work. Keep up the fight!

Many thanks to you all and my very best wishes

Dylan Edwards

Chair

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

The Directors who are also Trustees of the charity, have pleasure in setting out the financial statements of The Big C Appeal Limited for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published October 2019.

2. Reference and Administration

Registered charity name

The Big C Appeal Limited

Registered working name

Big C

Trustees who served during the year and at the date of approval

Prof. Kris Bowles MBE (resigned 25 July 2024) Helen Cordingley Mr Simon Crocker Dr Noreen Cushen-Brewster Prof. Dylan Edwards – Chair Bethany Gammage (appointed 31 January 2024, resigned 15 June 2024 and re-appointed 23 October 2024) Paige Gouldthorpe – Vice Chair Sharon Johnson (retired 22 May 2024) Marilyn Martin – Treasurer Robert Mills (appointed 23 October 2024) Chloe Smith Denise Troughton Karen Vincent (resigned 30 July 2024)

Lifetime President

David Moar MBE Lifetime Vice-President Theresa M Cossey MBE

Secretary Katherine Morgan ACG

Chief Executive

Christopher Bushby (resigned 31 August 2024) Karen Vincent (wef 2 December 2024)

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Director’s Report

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Company number 01521441

Charity registration number 281730

Telephone 01603 619900

Website

www.big-c.co.uk

Registered office and principal address Centrum, Norwich Research Park Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UG

Auditors

Lovewell Blake LLP, Bankside 300, Colney Peachman Way, Broadland Business Park, Norwich NR7 0LB

Solicitors

Hansells, 13 The Close Norwich, NR1 4DX

Bankers

Barclays Bank PLC, 5/7 Red Lion St, Norwich, NR3 4DY

Insurance Advisors

I nvestment Managers

Alan Boswell Group Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Harbour House Suite 4, Ground Floor 126 Thorpe Road 13-15 St Georges Street Norwich Norwich, NR3 1AB

3. Objectives and Activities for the Public benefit

The Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission’s General Guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the charity’s objectives, activities and achievements. This guidance is taken into consideration when planning for the future. All charitable activities are undertaken to further Big C’s charitable purposes for the public benefit.

The Memorandum of Association defines the objects of the Big C as:-

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

The charity’s main objectives, activities and achievements for 2024 are described below.

4. Big C’s Objectives, Activities and Achievements for 2024

Strategic Review

The Business Plan for 2024-2026 was developed and adopted by the Trustees on 29 November 2023. The plan set out the strategic and business rationale to deliver the charitable objectives of Big C against a measured and stated financial performance. The focus of the 2024-2026 Business Plan was the six key charitable and trading pillars set out below:

  1. Delivery of innovative, outstanding and cancer patient focused Support and Information services across Big C acute and community centres.

  2. Continued investment into excellent world-class cancer research focussing on early career research primarily PhDs.

  3. Continued funding of diagnostic and treatment equipment.

  4. Development of educational activities and programmes which have a positive impact on individual’s wellbeing and career choices.

  5. Increased and improved margin of return against KPIs from Income Generation activities throughout retail and fundraising.

  6. Investment into the staff and volunteers of the charity and organisation culture.

The objectives set within the 2024 Business Plan were achieved as detailed below.

4.1 Charitable Operations: Support, Information and Education

2024 cancer support and information highlights:

In 2024 the charity facilitated provided over 21,000 support sessions, indicating a robust demand for Big C’s services. The number of service users we supported has surged to 3,238, representing an 11% increase from the previous year - a positive trend bolstered by the registration of 2,361 new service users. This growth underscores Big C’s vital role in the community.

Furthermore, our efforts to distribute new patient information folders across various hospitals have resulted in the delivery of 4,820 folders, with 66% going to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), 16% to James Paget University Hospital, and 18% to Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn. It is noteworthy that approximately 33% of Big C support is accessed through our virtual centre illustrating the charity’s ability to adapt to the increasingly digital landscape of service provision. On average, each month we provide 471 support sessions via our virtual centre.

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

Big C’s service model also includes a significant number of professional referrals, averaging more than 37 per month, which further highlights our credibility and the growing recognition of our contributions to community welfare. Notably, 13% of our service users come from the two lowest centiles of areas classified by the Index of Multiple Deprivation, emphasising Big C’s commitment to assisting society’s most vulnerable populations.

Regulated activity: Care Quality Commission registration has not been required for Big C’s current activities. This will continue to be reviewed when new services/activities are added to the charity’s portfolio.

2024 Education highlights:

Big C’s Health Academy aims to address early diagnosis by improving cancer prevention and cancer awareness within Norfolk and Waveney, with a particular emphasis on areas of deprivation and hard to reach communities in Great Yarmouth and Waveney, in line with NHS Core20PLUS5 initiative, by utilising Big C’s cancer awareness resources; prevention strategies; and healthy lifestyle promotions. It encompasses our educational activities, physical exercise and nutrition programmes.

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

2024 Support & Innovation grant making highlights:

A final payment of £15,000 was made to the Pear Tree Centre in Halesworth in 2024. The original £150,000 grant (awarded in 2019 and payable in annual instalments from 2019 to 2024) was to resource the Centre enabling it to provide support and information to those affected by cancer in the local area.

4.2 Research and Equipment Grant making

Big C is committed to investing into credible world-class cancer research and health enhancing medical equipment to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

2024 Research investment highlights:

In 2023 Big C commissioned a Research Investment Working Group (RIWG) to review the charity’s current position and suggest future strategy. Following discussions with the University of East Anglia (UEA), the Board agreed that £150k would be released from the charity’s reserves in support of a 2023 research grants round for PhD applications from Norwich Research Park (NRP) partners (via UEA) only. Grants were made on the basis of a maximum individual PhD award of £50k with the remaining costs of each PhD supported by UEA. This was subsequently augmented by £50k support from LILAC (Ladies In League Against Cancer) and four 4-year PhD studentships were supported in this manner, all of which started in October 2024. The 2024 call for PhD grant applications was offered on the same basis and five applications received, two of which were awarded the maximum sum of £50k and are detailed below.

Principal applicant: Dr Linda Troeberg Norwich Medical School, UEA Co-applicant: Professor Stuart Rushworth, Norwich Medical School, UEA 4 year PhD project starting 1 October 2025

Principal applicant: Dr Alper Akay, School of Biological Sciences, UEA Co-applicant: Dr Mark Williams, School of Biological Sciences, UEA 4 year PhD project starting 1 October 2025

Applications for Big C Student Bursaries were invited in March 2024. Six applications were received and all of them were awarded.

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

Big C has retained its membership of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). Membership is a hallmark of the high quality and transparency of the charity’s grant giving framework and processes and gives re-assurance to stakeholders that the charity meets very high standards of governance in this area of Big C’s operations.

Grants cancelled in the year totaled £9,917 all relating to Research.

4.3 Income Generation

2024 Fundraising performance highlights:

2024 Marketing & Communications performance highlights:

2024 Retail Infrastructure

The charity owns the premises at 45 Timberhill, Norwich which house a retail shop on the ground and the 1st floor with the 2nd floor utilised for storage. The value of the freehold property is set out in note 8. The charity currently operates in the following locations:

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

2024 Retail performance highlights

5. The Charity’s People & Culture Strategy

Key Management Personnel

The Key Management Personnel of the charity consisted of members of the Executive Team (the Chief Executive, Company Secretary, Director of Charitable Operations and the Director of Corporate Services). The remuneration of these roles is reviewed and approved by the Performance & Remuneration Committee. The charity employed an average 94 full and parttime staff, an increase of six from 88 in 2023.

In September 2024 Christopher Bushby stepped down from the role of Chief Executive after nine years of dedicated service to Big C. After an external recruitment exercise the Trustees were delighted to appoint Karen Vincent to take up the role in December 2024. As Karen was a former Big C Trustee permission was obtained from the Charity Commission before making the appointment.

The Charity’s Volunteers

2024 saw an increase in volunteer applications and the number of hours donated – supported by focused volunteer recruitment campaign to engage with and recruit new volunteers.

In 2024 Big C’s volunteers gave approximately 43,600 hours (an increase of 23% on 2023 [35,450]) to the charity of which 38,505 were in retail, 4,673 in charitable operations, 92.5 across Big C fundraising and events and 422 in head office administration.

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

At the end of 2024, there were 377 volunteers, an increase of 79 from 2023 (298). There were 291 in retail, 48 in charitable activities, 30 across Big C fundraising and events and eight at Big C’s Head Office.

Big C’s Trustees are grateful to everyone who generously gave their time to help the charity succeed in its work.

People Achievements

Big C continues to focus on developing inclusive internal culture that respects and nurtures its people. This has benefits in promoting the recruitment and retention of staff, both paid and volunteers. Big C achieved ‘Gold’ awards under the Best Employers Eastern Region in the last two programmes, and has been commended for the ways it has promoted a positive culture for all staff. This has been followed up in 2024 through an internal staff wellbeing pulse survey.

6. Financial Review

Income amounted to £3,375,838, (2023: £2,979,216) details are set out in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) on page 26.

Expenditure during the year amounted to £3,498,101 with £1,678,982, of this spend on charitable objectives. This compares with £3,336,162, total expenditure in 2023, with £1,655,558 spend on charitable objectives.

Two grants for PhD research studentships were made during the year amounting to £100,000 (2023: five grants totalling £201,377). Grants awarded for Student Bursaries amounted to £8,075 (2023: £nil). Outstanding commitments at the year end were for research £316,562 (2023: £273,069), for equipment/clinical £120,000 (2023: £200,000), for support £1,125 (2023: £16,125) and £Nil (2023: £nil) for Student Bursaries.

Costs continue to be firmly controlled within agreed budgets. Expenditure required to generate income from shops, fundraising events and investment management amounted to £1,357,270 (2023: £1,274,829). Expenditure to generate voluntary income amounted to £440,971 (2023: £405,775).

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

7. Investment Policy

The charity’s policy remains as:-

  1. Maintaining liquidity.

  2. Investing in low risk deposits.

  3. Maximising income without compromising on risk.

The sum retained by investment manager Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management for investment in the stock market was invested within the above parameters, over a five year cycle across 30% Bonds, 65% Equities and Cash along with 5% Alternatives, on the basis of:

The performance of the charity’s investments and investment policy is reviewed by the Trustees on a quarterly basis.

8. Reserves Policy

The charity’s net assets at 31 December 2024 amounted to £2,711,155, of which £102,079 is restricted and £57,957 is designated.

Trustees have reviewed the reserves policy during the year and felt that the previous provision of three months running costs £793,742, including service delivery is still appropriate. Full provision is made for all outstanding grants commitments £437,687. Provision has also been made for all lease commitments, £508,861, up to termination. Trustees believe this to be a responsible level at which to set target reserves, which will then enable the charity to invest in the future, whilst retaining a level of working capital, as the charity has not yet reached its ambition of meeting service delivery costs through planned income. This reserve is separate from amounts retained to cover any restricted or designated reserves commitments.

As at 31 December 2024 the Financial Statements show unrestricted liquid reserves of £1,343,115 (2023: £1,314,024). After deduction of provisions required by the charity’s reserves policy outlined above this leaves free reserves of £40,513 (2023: £nil) available as at the year end. The balances include amounts invested in line with the charity’s investment policy with funds available for future charitable expenditure against the organisation’s agreed Business Plan.

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

In addition to the free cash reserve the value of Freehold Property of £931,914 at 31 December 2024 (2023: £937,335) would be available on realisation.

9. The Charity’s Infrastructure

Big C manages its operations from premises at Centrum, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UG.

10. Plans for Future Periods

The three-year Business Plan for 2025-2027 sets out the strategic and business rationale to deliver Big C’s charitable and trading objectives over the next three years against a measured and stated financial performance. Six key charity and trading pillars were agreed and are set out below:

10.1 Charitable Operations - support and information activities

As we look toward the future, our strategy is focused on the following key areas of development.

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

In conclusion, Charitable Operations is witnessing a period of significant growth and increased specialism of service delivery. By focusing on strategic improvements; enhancing staff skills; and ensuring robust resource management; we aim to strengthen our offerings and continue delivering high-quality support to those in need. Our commitment to continuous improvement will drive us forward as we strive to meet the challenges of our expanding operational landscape.

10.2 Charitable Operations - education activities

10.3 Research investment activities

Big C’s Research Investment Strategy is as follows:

The accounts of charity include a restricted fund with the specific purpose of providing funds for investment into research. These restricted funds will consist of funds from grantmaking bodies, commercial companies and individuals as well as seed funding from Big C reserves.

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

In 2025 Trustees will give consideration to investment into research grants and if possible there will be a call for applications by the usual deadline of 31 August. Invitations for Student Bursaries will be welcomed in March 2025.

10.4 Equipment investment activities

Historically, Big C has provided grants to support purchase of equipment to aid cancer diagnosis and treatment in NHS settings, however this has been less significant in recent years. This is largely due to the move to contract leasing of large equipment by the NHS rather than outright purchase. This remains within the scope of Big C however it is not seen as a priority for 2025-27.

10.5 Income generation activities

Fundraising and communications

The governing principles of Big C’s fundraising strategy are:

The following will be undertaken in line with these principles:

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

Retail

Estates

Stock

Staffing

Volunteers

11. Structure, Governance and Management

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee (“the charity”) incorporated on 10 October 1980 and registered as a charity on 6 February 1981. The working name of “Big C” was registered in 2016. The charity was established under a Memorandum of Association which set out the objects and powers and is governed by its Articles of Association. The Directors of the charity are its trustees and for the purpose of Charity Law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Under the Articles the longest serving trustees retire every third year and if eligible may offer themselves for re-election at the annual general meeting to serve for three years.

The membership of the Trustee Board remained stable during 2024 with two retirements in the year and two exciting appointments. Trustee Sharon Johnson retired at the 2024 AGM after six and a half years of service to Big C and Professor Kris Bowles resigned in July 2024 after five years of service. The Board is grateful for their valuable contributions over that time. In January 2024 Bethany Gammage joined the Board bringing strategic insight into branding,

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

marketing, fundraising and communications and in October 2024 the Trustees welcomed Rob Mills, consultant urologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Induction for new Trustees is provided through a structure of one-to-one meetings with members of the Executive Team and site visits and meetings with other relevant employees as appropriate. Ongoing training needs are then reviewed as required with each new Trustee. Annual review of individual Trustee performance is undertaken informally by the Chair who advises the Performance & Remuneration Committee when meetings with Trustees have taken place and reports any action required.

The Board of Trustees is determined to ensure the organisation inspires confidence and trust amongst its beneficiaries, members, staff, partners, supporters, funders and suppliers. Good governance is key to this and the Charity Governance Code is the benchmark which the Trustees use to measure Big C’s governance arrangements.

The focus for governance activity in 2025 will be:

The Board, meeting monthly in 2024 (with the exception of August) with the Executive Team, senior staff and advisers (as required) monitors the charity’s progress and performance, agrees plans and budgets, and reviews policies and strategies. The Executive Team met twice a week on average in 2024 and will keep this under review.

The Board delegates authority to committees of Trustees and to the Executive Team within the terms of reference set out in the Standing Orders and in accordance with agreed policies and budgets. Policies are determined by the Board based upon recommendations made by Big C’s committees and Executive Team. There are currently two committees in operation (Grants Committee and Performance & Remuneration Committee) and the terms of reference of the two committees are as follows:

The Grants Committee met once in 2024 and its purpose is to consider research and equipment grant applications in the light of advice from the charity’s Research Advisory Panel. The purpose of the Research Advisory Panel (RAP) is to provide expert independent advice on research grant applications submitted to Big C so that Trustees are well informed

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

in their decision making and to provide expert advice to Big C pertaining to the process of their grant giving activity.

The Performance & Remuneration Committee, meeting seven times in 2024 has responsibility for setting and reviewing the terms of service and objectives for the Chief Executive, Executive Directors and Company Secretary as well as general staffing policies and Trustee matters including recruitment, succession planning and remuneration. All salaries are periodically benchmarked against the local market and national data with external advice also forming part of the determination.

2024 membership of the Committees, Working Groups and Research Advisory Panel is set out in the following table including appointment and resignation dates.

Committee Chair Members
Grants Sharon Prof Kris Bowles MBE (Vice Chair of Committee)
Johnson (resigned 25/07/24)
(retired Mr Simon Crocker
22/5/24) Bethany Gammage (appointed 23/04/25)
Dr Noreen Prof Dylan Edwards
Cushen Chloe Smith (resigned 23/04/25)
Brewster
(appointed as
Chair
25/09/24)
Performance & Prof Dylan Mr Simon Crocker
Remuneration Edwards Paige Gouldthorpe (Vice Chair of the Board)
(Committee Marilyn Martin
Chair) Chloe Smith (appointed 23/04/25)
Karen Vincent (resigned 30/07/24)
Trustee Succession Karen Vincent Paige Gouldthorpe (Vice Chair of the Board)
Planning and (resigned Denise Troughton
Diversity 30/07/24)
Working Group
Research Dr Helen Dr Leo Alexandre - consultant Clinical
Advisory James - Associate Professor in Translational Medicine,
Panel Associate NNUH
Professor, Prof Yongping Bao - Professor of Nutritional
School of Biochemistry, Norwich Medical School, UEA
Biological (with effect from 13/09/24)
Sciences, UEA Professor Tamas Dalmay - Professor of RNA
(appointed to Biology and Head of the School of Biological
Panel on Sciences, UEA (with effect from 26/03/25)

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

08/08/24 and Prof Dylan Edwards - Emeritus Professor of as Panel chair Cancer Studies, UEA (resigned from Panel on on 13/09/24) 23/04/25) Prof Susan Fairweather-Tait - Norwich Medical School and Research Group Member, Musculoskeletal Medicine (resigned 07/08/24) Dr Ian Johnson – emeritus professor, IFR (resigned as Panel chair on 13/09/24 and from Panel on 11/03/25) Professor Mark Searcey - Chair of Medicinal Chemistry, UEA) (with effect from 29/01/25) Prof Lee Smith - Professor of Public Health, Anglia Ruskin University Dr Ralf Zwacka - Reader, School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex

Each committee and Panel has written terms of reference set out in the charity’s Standing Orders. Minutes are prepared for all meetings and are circulated to the Trustees prior to consideration at the following Board meeting. Membership of the committees/panels is reviewed annually by the Board and strengthened/amended as appropriate.

Risk Assessment and Management

The Trustees continued to assess the ongoing major risks to which the charity is exposed. Systems are in place to mitigate exposure to these risks and to manage risk where possible. External advisors are consulted on governance, health and safety, human resources, insurance, investment and property matters. Reputational damage remains the single most significant risk to the charity as a whole and the Board mitigates against this risk by continuing to ensure that:

Fundraising Standards Information

The charity is registered with the Fundraising Regulator. Big C follows the guidance issued by the Institute of Fundraising and complies with the General Data Protection Regulations. Big C will renew its Cyber Essentials accreditation in 2025.

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

Big C has a robust complaints and feedback procedure, reviewing and learning from any complaints received. During 2024 no complaints were received about the charity’s fundraising activity.

Fundraising activities are monitored to ensure that they comply with guidelines and are in line with the values and safeguarding policies of the charity.

Big C does not use any third party organisations to act on its behalf in making direct unsolicited appeals to members of the general public. The charity does not conduct any practice that may place an individual under pressure or obligation. In the year this was monitored by the Chief Executive.

12. Statement of Responsibilities of Directors and Trustees

The Trustees (who are also directors of The Big C Appeal Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Directors’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:-

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

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Director’s Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

13. Statement of Disclosure of Information to Auditors

We, the directors of the company who held office at the date of approval of these financial statements as set out above each confirm, so far as we are aware, that:

14. Auditors

The auditors, Lovewell Blake LLP, were initially appointed on 30 November 2017 for a three year period and from 2020 this appointment became subject to an annual review by the Trustees. After completion of a Trustee-led tender and selection process it was unanimously resolved by the Board on 25 January 2023 that Lovewell Blake be appointed as the charity’s auditors for the period 2023 to 2025. Lovewell Blake have indicated their willingness to accept re-appointment under section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

15. Small Company Provisions

The Directors’ Report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

On behalf of the Board

…………………………..

Katherine Morgan ACIS Company Secretary 18 June 2025

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Independent auditors’ report to the members of The Big C Appeal Limited Year Ended 31 December 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Big C Appeal Limited (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cashflow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including 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:

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 Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

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

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Independent auditors’ report to the members of The Big C Appeal Limited Year Ended 31 December 2024

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Directors’ report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. 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.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Directors’ report.

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

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Independent auditors’ report to the members of The Big C Appeal Limited Year Ended 31 December 2024

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement (set out on pages 20 and 21), the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

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:

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Independent auditors’ report to the members of The Big C Appeal Limited Year Ended 31 December 2024

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 is available on the FRC’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditors/audit-assurance-ethics/auditors-responsibilities-for-the-audit. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

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

Mark Proctor FCA DChA, Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of Lovewell Blake LLP

Statutory Auditor Bankside 300 Peachman Way Broadland Business Park Norwich NR7 0LB

Date: 24 June 2025

25

Statement of financial activities Year Ended 31 December 2024

Income and expenditure account – 2024

Notes
Income
Donations and legacies:
Legacies
In Memoriam
Donations and gift aid
Trust income
Tribute funds
Charitable activities
Fundraising events
Services
Other trading
activities:
Charity shops
Merchandise
Investments
Interest and dividends
Other income
Total income
Expenditure
Raising funds
2
Charitable activities 3
Other Expenditure
Loss on disposal of assets
Total expenditure
Net (expenditure)/income before
gains on investments
Net gains on
Investments 9
Net (expenditure)/income
before transfers
Transfer between funds 13
Net (expenditure)/income
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 13
Total funds carried forward 13		 Unrestricted
Funds

£
1,084,646
74,765
277,348
41,034
24,775
228,408
155
1,399,086
54,960
41,944
3,613
3,230,734

1,769,349
1,570,732
20,878
3,360,959

(130,225)
23,410		 Restricted

Funds

£

-

-

40

64,399

-

130

-

-

-

-
-
64,569

-

108,250
-
108,250

(43,681)

-		 Designated
Funds

£

-

-

23,023

-

-

56,439

-

-

65

1,008
-
80,535

28,892

-
-

28,892

51,643

-		 Total 2024

£

1,084,646

74,765

300,411

105,433

24,775

284,977

155

1,399,086

55,025
42,952
3,613
3,375,838

1,798,241

1,678,982
20,878

3,498,101

(122,263)

23,410
**(106,815) ** (43,681) 51,643 (98,853)
91,203
(15,612)
2,566,731
2,551,119		 (10,256)
(53,937)

156,016
102,079
(80,947)
(29,304)

87,261

57,957		 -
(98,853)

2,810,008

2,711,155

26

Statement of financial activities Year Ended 31 December 2024

Income and expenditure account – 2023

Notes
Income
Donations and legacies:
Legacies
In Memoriam
Donations and gift aid
Trust income
Tribute funds
Charitable activities
Fundraising events
Services
Other trading
activities:
Charity shops
Merchandise
Investments
Interest and dividends
Total income
Expenditure
Raising funds
2
Charitable activities 3
Total expenditure
Net (expenditure)/income before
gains on investments
Net gains on
Investments
Net (expenditure)/income
before transfers
Transfer between funds
Net (expenditure)/income
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 13
Total funds carried forward 13		 Unrestricted
Funds

£
763,273
81,441
250,520
5,828
5,581
128,241
465
1,368,336
49,507
57,226
2,710,418

1,660,404
1,568,943
3,229,347

(518,929)
59,585		 Restricted

Funds

£

-

-

820

191,797

-

-

-

-

-
-
192,617

-
86,615
86,615

106,002

-		 Designated
Funds

£

-

-

25,889

-

-

49,206

-

-

557
529
76,181

20,200
-

20,200

55,981

-		 Total 2023

£

763,273

81,441

277,229

197,625

5,581

177,447

465

1,368,336

50,064
57,755
2,979,216

1,680,604
1,655,558

3,336,162

(356,946)

59,585
**(459,344) ** 106,002
55,981
(297,361)
61,264
(398,080)
2,964,811
2,566,731		 (1,204)
104,798

51,218
156,016
(60,060)

(4,079)

91,340

87,261		 -
(297,361)

3,107,369

2,810,008

27

Balance Sheet

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Fixed Assets
Notes
Tangible assets
8
investments
9
Current Assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
11
Net Current Assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: Amount falling due after more than one
year
12
Net Assets
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted Income funds
14
General fund
Designated fund
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total Charity Funds		 2024
£
1,208,004
1,001,842
2,209,846
584,938
541,012
1,125,950
(393,391)
732,559
2,942,405
(231,250)
2,711,155
2,551,119
57,957
2,609,076
102,079
2,711,155		 2023
£
1,252,707
948,441
2,201,148
1,012,468
356,766
1,369,234

(480,374)
888,860
3,090,008

(280,000)
2,810,008
2,566,731
87,261
2,653,992
156,016
2,810,008

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and with the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS102).

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 18 June 2025.

…………………………..

Prof. Dylan Edwards Trustee Company registration number 01521441

28

Cashflow Statement Year Ended 31 December 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash operating / (used in) activities
18
Cash Flows from investing activities:
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
8
Proceeds from sale of tangible assets
Purchase of investments
9
Proceeds from sale of investments
9
Interest received
Dividends received
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities:
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
Cash and cash equivalent carried forward
19		 2024
£
233,410
(67,605)
5,480
(27,846)
8,510
4,186
38,766
(38,509)
194,901
381,640
 2023
£
(846,536)
(154,247)
-
(193,403)
389,128
14,759
42,996
99,233
(747,303)
1,128,943
576,541 381,640

29

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

General Information

The Big C Appeal Limited is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital registered in England and Wales, registration number 01521441. The registered office is Centrum, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UG. The charity is also registered with the Charity Commission, registration number 281730.

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s) as modified to include investment assets at fair value through income and expenditure.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102 and the reporting currency is £ sterling.

1.2 Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

1.3 Income recognition

All income is accounted for in the SOFA when the charity is entitled to the income, there is sufficient certainty of receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received and when the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. These are stated net of Value Added Tax where applicable.

Donations and the proceeds of events are credited in the charity’s records when they are received at the charity office. No account is taken of monies in the process of collection.

30

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Clothing and other items donated for resale through the charity’s shops are included as income within activities for income when they are sold.

The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.

Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator / executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy.

There are several legacies subject to a prior life interest. These legacies are not recognised until the death of the life tenant.

Interest on funds held on deposit or invested is included upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

1.4 Expenditure recognition

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Costs of raising funds comprise the costs incurred by the charity, in inducing others to make voluntary gifts.

Where expenditure relates directly to the charity shops, merchandise or internally organised events, it is allocated to costs for raising funds.

Charitable activities expenditure comprises grants and Big C support and information operations. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which the expenditure arose.

Where expenditure incurred relates to more than one cost category, it is apportioned between them, as detailed in note 2.

31

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

1.5 Redundancy

Where an obligation to make a redundancy or termination payment exists, the costs incurred by the charity are accounted for on an accruals basis and included within employee benefits.

1.6 Grants

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient. Grants not accessed by the recipient’s lapse within six months, or a longer period where appropriate, unless the Trustees approve an extension.

A provision for a multi-year grant is recognised at its present value where a settlement is due over more than one year from the date of the award and the discount is material.

1.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Assets greater than £500 are capitalised. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life. A full year of depreciation is charged in the year of acquisition and none in the year of disposal. The rates of depreciation used are as follows:

Freehold property over 50 years Leasehold property over the life of the lease Fixtures, fittings and equipment 20% reducing balance Motor vehicles 25% reducing balance

The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recovered.

1.8 Fixed asset investments

Investments are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their market value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.

1.9 Stocks

For practical reasons donated goods are recognised only on their sale. Therefore no amounts are included in the financial statements for donated goods held at the year end.

32

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

1.10 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any trade discounts due.

1.11 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.12 Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

1.13 Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds are donations and other income receivable or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose, and are available as the general reserve.

1.14 Restricted funds

Restricted funds are donations, grants and other income receivable or generated for a specific pre defined use by the charity.

1.15 Designated funds

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.16 Allocation of support and Governance costs

Support costs have been differentiated between governance costs and other support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory audit and legal fees together with an apportionment of overhead and support costs relating to trustee board and sub committee meetings.

33

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

1.17 Operating leases

Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

1.18 Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect of the year.

1.19 Financial instruments

The charity only enters into basic financial instruments, transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other accounts receivable and payable, loans from banks and other third parties, loans to related parties and investments in quoted ordinary shares.

1.20 Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Useful economic lives of tangible assets.

The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are reassessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets. See note 8 for the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and note 1.7 for the useful economic lives for each class of assets.

Legacies

Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator, executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date.

34

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

2. Total expenditure

Cost of raising funds
Charitable activites
Loss on disposal of fixed assets		 Direct
Activities
£
1,647,838
1,265,516
16,730
2,930,084		 Support
£
150,403
413,466
4,148
568,017		 2024
£
1,798,241
1,678,982
20,878
3,498,101		 2023
£

1,680,604

1,655,558
-
3,336,162

During the year expenses are apportioned between three departments, these are shops, fundraising and support costs. A breakdown of where department costs have been allocated to can be seen in note 17.

Shop expenses have been directly allocated to activities to generate funds.

Fundraising expenses have been allocated directly to the activity to which the expense relates where possible.

Support costs have been apportioned on a support staff time basis, with the exception of audit fees which have been allocated to governance expenses.

% support staff time
Legacies 3
In memorium 1
Donations 16
Trusts -
Shops 8
Events -
Charitable 36
Grants 25
Governance 11

35

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

3. Analysis of charitable expenditure

Big C Centres –
running costs
Big C Support and
information operations
Research
Equipment
Support
Student bursaries
Other projects
Governance costs		 Charitable
Costs
£
Grant
Costs
£
Support &
Governance
£
2024
£
2023
£
287,515
-
135,623
423,138
343,616
839,119
-
61,334
900,453
900,417
-
90,083
103,905
193,988
287,259
-
-
21,407
21,407
18,167
-
-
4,830
4,830
4,099
-
8,075
394
8,469
334
40,723
-
172
40,895
44,465
-
-
85,802
85,802
57,201
1,167,357
98,158
413,467
1,678,982
1,655,558

Big C Centre costs relate to the running costs of the centres at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Dereham Road Norwich, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, and the outreach services provided at Cromer, Lousie Hamilton Centre and Thetford. They include the provision of information, education, exercise, counselling, welfare advice and complimentary therapies at these sites.

Research, equipment, support and student bursaries are the four types of grants expended. An analysis of grants expended can be seen in note 4.

Governance costs analysed within support are an apportionment of 1% of fundraising staff time and 11% of support staff time.

Of the £1,678,982 expenditure in 2024 (2023: £1,655,558), £1,570,732 was charged to unrestricted funds (2023: £1,568,943) and £108,250 to restricted funds (2023: £86,615).

36

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

4. Grants Payable

Reconciliation of
grants payable
Commitments at 1.1.24
Commitments made in
the year
Grants cancelled or
recovered
Grants payable for
the year
Grants paid during the
year
Commitments at
at 31.12.24
Within one year
After more than one
year		 Research
£
Equipment
£
Support
£
Bursaries
£
2024
£

273,069
200,000
16,125
-489,194
100,000
-
-
8,075108,075
(9,917)
-
-
-
(9,917)
90,083
-
-
8,075
98,158
46,590
80,000
15,000
8,075149,665

316,562
120,000
1,125
-
437,687
85,312
120,000
1,125
-206,437
231,250
-
-
-231,250
316,562
120,000
1,125
-
437,687		 Research
£
Equipment
£
Support
£
Bursaries
£
2023
£
198,256
280,000
171,125
1,400650,781
201,377
-
-
-201,377
(2,298)
-
-
-
(2,298)

199,079
-
-
- 199,079
124,266
80,000
155,000
1,400360,666
273,069
200,000
16,125
-
489,194
73,069
120,000
16,125
-209,194
200,000
80,000
-
-280,000
273,069
200,000
16,125
-
489,194

37

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

4a. Grants
Grants for research
Helping the Immune System Fight Cancer: Developing Small Molecule Leads for Immune Checkpoint
Therapy Using Peptide Scaffolds
Unravelling interactions of genotoxic E. coli with human colonic epithelium and the microbiome under
physiologically relevant conditions
Investigating the metabolic link between leukaemia and heart failure
Designing novel biotherapeutics for effective and targeted treatment of cancer
Taking back control of the immune system: Peptide directed binding to identify small molecule leads for
immune checkpoint therapy (travel costs)
Investigating the immunosuppressive role of macrophage heparan sulfate proteoglycans in multiple myeloma
Pre-mRNA splicing regulation in human cancers by snRNA modifications
Student Bursaries
Awards to 6 (Zero in 2023) undergraduates
Total research grants
During the year £100,000 (2023: £201,377) was awarded to institutions and £8,075 (2023: £0) to individuals.		 2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
50,000
50,000
100,000

8,075
108,075		 2023
£
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
1,377
-
-
201,377
-
201,377

38

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

5. Net income for the year

This is stated after charging:

his is stated after charging:
2024 2023
£ £
Depreciation of tangible owned assets 85,950 94,205
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 20,878 -
Auditors remuneration - Audit 11,000 10,450
Operating lease costs 252,679 241,780
Gains/(losses) on fair value of investments 23,410 59,585

6. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Staff costs (gross salary and other staff costs)
Social security costs
Pension		 2024
£
1,971,368
150,374
86,882
2,208,624		 2023
£

1,779,881

131,159
78,012
1,989,052

Included in the above are termination payments of £124,876 (2023: £nil).

The following numbers of staff have emoluments above £60,000 The following numbers of staff have emoluments above £60,000 The following numbers of staff have emoluments above £60,000
2024 2023
Between £130,000 - £140,000 1 -
Between £90,000 - £100,000 1 -
Between £70,000 - £80,000 - 1
Between £60,000 - £70,000 - 2

Average number of employees for headcount for the year was as follows:

Headcount
Fundraising
Charity shops
Management and administration
Charitable activities		 2024
5
47
13
29
94		 2023
5
45
12
26
88

The key management personnel of Big C are the Executive Team. The total employee benefits of the Executive Team in the year was £363,281 (2023: £259,649).

7. Taxation

The company is a registered charity and there is no liability to corporation tax.

39

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

8. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
Freehold
Property
£
Leasehold
Property
£
Fixtures, Fittings
& Equipment
£
As at 1 January 2024
1,063,070
103,890
701,295
Additions
16,205
-
51,400
Disposals
-
-
(116,499)
As at 31 December 2024
1,079,275
103,890
636,196
Depreciation
As at 1 January 2024
125,735
34,498
468,134
Charge for the year
21,626
10,593
52,953
Disposals
-
-
(99,847)
As at 31 December 2024
147,361
45,091
421,240
Net Book Value
As at 31 December 2024
931,914
58,799
214,956
As at 31 December 2023
937,335
69,392
233,161
The net book value at 31 December 2024 represents fixed assets used for:
Freehold
Property
£
Leasehold
Property
£
Fixtures, Fittings
& Equipment
£
Charity Shops
62,131
-
87,606
Charitable Operations
869,783
57,858
82,445
Administration
-
941
44,905
931,914
58,799
214,956		 Motor Vehicles
£
72,054
-
(54,533)
17,521
59,235
778
(44,827)
15,186
2,335
12,819
Motor Vehicles
£
2,335
-
-
2,335		 Total
£
1,940,309
67,605
(171,032)
1,836,882
687,602
85,950
(144,674)
628,878
1,208,004
1,252,707
Total
£
152,072
1,010,086
45,846
1,208,004

40

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

9. Investments

Fixed asset investments represent amounts held for future return on medium and long cash deposits.

Market Value at 1 January
Purchase of investments at cost
Disposal of investments
Net unrealised investment gain/(loss)
Movement in cash held for investment purposes
At 31 December
Listed investments
Cash held for investment purposes
Investments as 31 December		 2024
£
948,441
27,846
(8,510)
967,777
23,410
10,655
1,001,842
966,313
35,529
1,001,842		 2023
£

1,104,907

193,403
(389,128)

909,182

59,585
(20,326)
948,441

923,567
24,874
948,441

No material shareholdings were held by the Charity in any one company.

The fair value of listed investments is determined by reference to the quoted price for identical assets in an active market at the balance sheet date.

10. Debtors

0. Debtors
Other debtors and accrued income
Prepayments		 2024
£
541,295
43,643
584,938		 2023
£

952,446
60,022
1,012,468

The charity has been notified of additional legacies which have not been accrued for within the accounts as there is ongoing uncertainty over the value to be received.

41

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

1. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Taxation and social security
Accruals
Charity grants payable
Big C Centre NNUH running costs		 2024
£
67,336
34,587
40,985
44,046
206,437
-
393,391		 2023
£

50,864

34,374

37,449

47,928

209,194
100,565
480,374

12. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Charitable grants payable 2024
£
231,250
231,250		 2023
£
280,000
280,000

42

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

13. Statement of funds

General reserve
Designated reserve
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted Funds
Tackling Inequalities
Palliative Care
Nutrition
Walking Football
Health Academy
NNUH Refurbishment
Finance & Welfare
Core costs - Education
Core costs – S&I
D/deaf Community
Fishing
Family and Paediatric
West Norfolk Lives
New Movement Fund
Total Restricted Funds
Total Funds		 As at 1
January
2024
£
2,566,731
87,261
2,653,992
2,770
9,144
9,588
6,010
7,168
13,434
38,920
8,090
60,892
-
-
-
-
-
156,016
2,810,008		 Income
£
3,230,734
80,535
3,311,269
-
-
-
7,890
40
-
11,463
-
11,000
11,877
2,500
600
12,400
6,799
64,569
3,375,838		 Expenditure
£
(3,360,959)
(28,892)
(3,389,851)
-
(4,233)
(9,588)
(7,310)
(6,776)
(3,178)
(44,320)
-
(27,685)
(690)
(2,500)
-
(1,970)
-
(108,250)
(3,498,101)		 Transfer
between
funds
£
91,203
(80,947)
10,256
-
-
-
-
-
(10,256)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(10,256)
-		 Investment
gains
£
23,410
23,410
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
23,410		 As at 31
December
2024
£
2,551,119
57,957
2,609,076
2,770
4,911
-
6,590
432
-
6,063
8,090
44,207
11,187
-
600
10,430
6,799
102,079
2,711,155

43

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

13. Statement of funds

General reserve
Designated reserve
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted Funds
Nearer to Home
Calm Apps
Online Physical
Tackling Inequalities
Palliative Care
Nutrition
NCF – Service Access
Walking Football
Health Academy
NNUH Refurbishment
Finance & Welfare
Core costs - Education
Core costs – S&I
Research
Total Restricted Funds
Total Funds		 As at 1
January
2023
£
2,964,811
91,340
3,056,151
4,732
159
694
2,770
12,478
29,181
1,204
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
51,218
3,107,369		 Income
£
2,710,418
76,181
2,786,599
2,820
-
-
-
-
12,438
-
11,012
12,000
13,434
38,920
10,000
91,243
750
192,617
2,979,216		 Expenditure
£
(3,229,347)
(20,200)
(3,249,547)
(7,552)
(159)
(694)
-
(3,334)
(32,031)
-
(5,002)
(4,832)
-
-
(1,910)
(30,351)
(750)
(86,615)
(3,336,162)		 Transfer
between
funds
£
61,264
(60,060)
1,204
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,204)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,204)
-		 Investment
gains
£
59,585
-
59,585
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

59,585
As at 31
December
2023
£

2,566,731
87,261
2,653,992

-

-

-

2,770

9,144

9,588

-

6,010

7,168

13,434

38,920

8,090

60,892
-
156,016
2,810,008

44

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

13. Statement of funds (continued)

Designated reserve

The designated reserve relates to LILAC Ladies who are a fundraising group raising money on behalf of The Big C Appeal. Transfers amounting to £80,947 (2023: £60,060) have been made to the both the unrestricted and restricted funds in relation to donations paid to the Big C Appeal and commitments made to fund specific charitable activity projects.

Restricted reserves

Nearer to Home – Monies raised to provide funds for the construction of a new cancer community Support and Information Centre on Dereham Road, Norwich. Funds of £nil (2022: £438,789) have been transferred to unrestricted funds in respect of costs incurred to date.

Calm Apps - Monies received to purchase licences for a wellbeing Calm App to be given to those service users who would benefit from the app.

Online Physical - Monies received to fund the creation of digital content for the website focusing on exercise for those affected by cancer.

Tackling Inequalities – monies for the production of exercise videos in support of the online cancer and exercise programme.

Palliative Care – monies to provide support to those cancer patients with a palliative diagnosis.

Nutrition – monies to provide a lifestyle behavioural change intervention based around nutrition and realistic goal setting.

NCF Service Access – monies to enable purchase of tablets to allow access to Big C services. A transfer has been made of £1,204 in recognition of fixed assets purchased with the funding.

Walking football – monies to enable the provision of walking football exercise and support groups for people affected by cancer.

Health Academy – monies to support the Health Academy in its work to improve cancer prevention, awareness and recovery across Norfolk and Waveney.

Finance & Welfare – monies to support the provision of finance and welfare advice.

Core costs (Education) – monies to support the work within the Education programme.

Core costs (Support & Information) - monies to support the work of the support and information centres across the county.

45

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

13. Statement of funds (continued)

NNUH Refurbishment – monies received for the refurbishment of a meeting room at the NNUH centre.

D/deaf community – monies to provide cancer support and awareness for D/deaf community to help reduce health inequality.

Fishing – monies to enable the provision of fishing for wellbeing sessions.

Family and Pediatric – monies to provide support for young patients and their families.

West Norfolk Lives – monies to support the work of the Kings Lynn centre in the west Norfolk area.

New Movement Fund – monies to support the provision of cancer awareness and prevention events targeting communities experiencing health inequalities.

Transfers between Funds – Transfers between funds relate to restricted funding used for capital purposes for which there is no ongoing restriction.

14. Analysis of net assets between funds

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities
Net assets as at
31 December 2024
Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Long term liabilities
Net assets as at
31 December 2023		 General
Fund
£
2,209,846
965,914
(393,391)
(231,250)
2,551,119
General
Fund
£
2,201,148
1,125,957
(480,374)
(280,000)
2,566,731		 Designated
Fund
£
-
57,957
-
-
57,957
Designated
Fund
£
-
87,261
-
-
87,261		 Restricted
Fund
£
-
102,079
-
-
102,079
Restricted
Fund
£
-
156,016
-
-
156,016		 Total Funds
£
2,209,846
1,125,950
(393,391)
(231,250)
2,711,155
Total Funds
£
2,201,148
1,369,234
(480,374)
(280,000)
2,810,008

46

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

15. Related parties

The Trustees all give their time and expertise freely without any form of remuneration or other benefit in cash or kind.

Trustees’ expenses amounting to £Nil (2023: £Nil) were reimbursed to no (2023: none) Trustees during the year in regards to travel.

Donations were received amounting to £960 from 2 trustees in the year (2023: £1,020 from 2 trustees).

16. Lease commitments

Operating leases

The charity was committed to making the following total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases in respect of land and buildings

Within one year
Between two and five years
Over five years		 2024
£
239,233
268,803
825
508,861		 2023
£

199,992

228,334
-
428,326

47

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

17. Expense analysis

Shop
Other activities undertaken
directly
Support costs
Grants
Big C Centre
Big C support and
information operations
Other projects
Investment management fees		 Generating
voluntary
income
£
-
333,540
107,431
-
-
-
-

-
440,971		 Activities to
raise funds
£
1,306,891
-
42,972
-
-
-
-
7,407
1,357,270		 Charitable
activities
£
-
-
327,665
98,158
287,515
839,119
40,723
-
1,593,180		 Governance
£
-
-
85,802
-
-
-
-
-
85,802		 2024
£
1,306,891
333,540
563,870
98,158
287,515
839,119
40,723
7,407
3,477,223		 2023
£
1,215,549
314,603
478,437
199,079
228,519
848,366
44,319
7,290
3,336,162

48

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

18. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

ctivities
Net (expenditure) for the year (as per Statement of Financial
Activities)
Adjustments for:
Dividends received
Interest receivable
Depreciation charges
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Decrease / (Increase) in debtors
(Decrease) in creditors		 2024
£

(122,263)
(38,766)
(4,186)
85,950
20,878
427,530
(135,733)
233,410		 2023
£
(356,946)

(42,996)

(14,759)

94,205

-

(115,077)
(410,963)
(846,536)

19. Analysis of cash and equivalents and net debt

Cash in hand
Notice deposits (Less than 3 months)
Cash held for investment purposes
Total
Cash at bank and in hand		 At 1 January
2024
381,640		 2024
£
255,616
285,396
35,529
576,541
Cash
Movements
194,901
2023
£
304,548
52,218
24,874
381,640
At 31
December
2024
576,541

20. Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The amount recognised as an expense in the period was £86,882 (2023: £78,012).

49

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

21. Financial instruments

The carrying amounts of the charity’s financial instruments are as follows:

Financial assets
Measured at fair value through net income
Fixed asset listed investments (note 9)		 2024
£

1,001,842		 2023
£
948,441

22. Capital Commitments

During 2024 the charity entered into a contract for the renovation of the rooms above its Support and Information Centre in Norwich for £63,934.

As at the 31 December 2024, the full amount remained outstanding and this is expected to be settled during 2025.

23. Government Funding

Income for 2024 includes £0 of Government funding (2023: £19,871).

24. Limited by guarantee

The Big C Appeal Limited is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee with no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of a winding up is limited to £1.

50