OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-08-31-accounts

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 01827162 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 290406

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

CONTENTS

Page
Charity Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees’ Statement 2
Trustees’ Annual Report 3 - 5
Independent Examiner’s Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Statement of Cash Flows 9
Analysis of Net Debt 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11 - 16

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

CHARITY REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity registration number

290406

Company registration number

1827162

Trustees

A D Clements (resigned 10 November 2023) L J Witham (resigned 4 September 2023) R Bell P A Daley M E Scott (resigned 18 October 2023) A Coe (appointed 22 December 2023)

Chief executive officer

Registered office

Independent examiner

Bankers

M Durham 6 Bourne Court Southend Road Woodford Green Essex IG8 8HD Clay Ratnage Strevens & Hills Construction House Runwell Road Wickford Essex SS11 7HQ National Westminster Bank Plc Western Avenue Waterside Chatham Maritime Kent ME4 4RT

1

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

The majority of income for The Training Trust is through Government funding for apprenticeships. Each apprenticeship has a maximum funding band attributed to it and the funding drawn down each month varies for every learner.

The Training Trust has supported more learners this year, assisting the company’s financial position.

Analysing an applicant’s prior learning is key in planning apprenticeship duration and funding and this is a complex task with very little guidance from Government. A full skills scan is carried out before the apprenticeship plan is created, and a decision made on an agreed amount of total funding claimed.

Costs attributed to every apprenticeship vary, but even when funding has been reduced, the expenditure to run each apprenticeship does not reduce. This makes it difficult to have any excess at year end to reinvest into resources and reserves. The Training Trust is a registered charity and set up to support people into training and a long term career, however, the business must still be financially viable and will be tested by the ESFA annually.

The ESFA have introduced a ‘Financial Handbook’ for Independent Training Providers (April 2024) in line with schools and colleges where it expects financial processes to be more stringent. With this in mind and direction from the board of trustees, the Chief Executive has carried out extensive investigations on the profitability of each apprenticeship programme and presented this to the board.

Four of our directly delivered apprenticeships are more profitable than the other three delivered through subcontracting. The Training Trust publicly states that it wishes to reduce the ‘services’ subcontracting model in line with Government policy, but our employers are reluctant to use another provider due to the excellent support given by the team. Subcontracting adds value to the provision and in turn supports Government initiatives and employer demand within the construction trades.

It has also been noted that the newly elected Government has a commitment within it’s manifesto to ‘Kickstart economic growth’ by planning to build 1.5 million new homes, thus driving the need to invest in construction trades.

Our directly delivered electrical apprenticeship has seen record recruitment for August 2024 due to the good reputation for apprenticeship training we have in this sector. The Training Trust has recruited extra teaching staff to ensure learners are supported and the new course has just started delivery.

Other commercial electrical courses are being developed to support employers, current and previous learners bringing in needed extra income, which are due to take place before the end of 2024. Childcare have a small amount of commercial learners too, bringing additional income to us.

The SMT are investigating other apprenticeship training programmes to directly deliver and remain focussed on employer demand. It is expected that overall learner numbers will grow again during the early part of 2025.

P A DALEY

Company Trustee August 2024

2

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document; the Charities Act 2011; and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014.

Trustees of the charity

The directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law. The Trustees who have served during the year and since the year end were as follows:

A D Clements (resigned 10 November 2023) L J Witham (resigned 4 September 2023)

R Bell P A Daley M E Scott (resigned 18 October 2023) A Coe (appointed 22 December 2023)

Objectives and activities

The main activity of the charity was to act as Youth Training Scheme managing agents and there was no change in this activity during the year.

Public benefit statement

The Trustees are aware of the need to pay due regard to the Charities Commission guidance on public benefit. As already stated, the principal activity of the charity is to act as managing agents in relation to schemes for the training of young people. The charity, consequently, provides public benefit by supporting government initiatives in providing education and employment opportunities for the young and other eligible unemployed under the apprenticeship programme. The learners live in local boroughs; some in areas of deprivation; and by supporting them throughout their learning, they are able to achieve social inclusion and thus support the promotion of social mobility, contributing to their financial sustainability.

As part of the charity's pastoral role, it provides information, advice and guidance to support the moral and social wellbeing of young people. The charity also works with local agencies to raise awareness in relation to sexual health, drug misuse and other aspects covering personal safety.

Programmes are put in place and managed to provide nationally recognised qualifications, which enables young people to develop careers in their chosen vocational areas. The charity also works with a network of employers who benefit from the training and support that the charity gives to their employees.

Achievements and performance

The Trustees are pleased to report that the charity has grown its provision to support the construction industry through apprenticeship training, satisfying employer demand and supporting Government growth initiatives.

The overall learner performance has dropped since the apprenticeship standards were introduced, but Trustees are pleased to report this has improved since the monitoring processes and reporting procedures have been revised.

Financial review

A summary of the results for the year is given on page 7.

3

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Cost cutting and administrative reorganisation are still key in supporting financial security and the charity will continue to monitor all business aspects closely and adapt as required.

The recently elected Government’s portfolio promises to improve the economic climate along with a new ‘Skills England’ agenda. We await further details and hope these initiatives will boost the UK economy and in turn improve unemployment figures through apprenticeship training.

This investment also includes improved resources for in-house training and to assist in recruiting high quality staff. The new infrastructure will allow the charity to grow in the coming years as the management team look at new sectors of training.

Whilst considerable difficulties within the apprenticeship sector do still exist, the Trustees are hopeful the positive relationships with the employers will support the continued growth of the Training Trust in order that they may return to operating at a surplus and maintain the existence of the charity going forward.

It is pleasing to note the staff team are still motivated and determined to improve the provision as endorsed by The Investors in People Awards 2023 where the Trust was a finalist in the award for UK Employer of the Year.

The Trustees consider the charity's state of affairs to be satisfactory.

Reserves Policy

Reserves have decreased in line with the trusts’ policy of using a proportion of its reserves in relocating the office, the total unrestricted funds of the charity are thus confirmed by the balance sheet at an amount of £520,986, though this balance is restricted by the existence of tangible fixed assets and the reserves policy of the charity.

The Trustees are concerned that the income funding of the charity is only guaranteed for two months, whilst the commitment of the charity to unemployed young people may extend to a period of between two and four years. They are, consequently, of the view that they need to maintain reserves at a level equal to 0.8 to 1.0 times the charity's gross annual income, in order that they might protect the existence of the charity and endeavour to achieve their long term goals. In the event that the charity experiences difficult times once again, the reserve target provides the charity with enough headroom to reorganise its operations by one or more of the following: to seek alternative funding; to operate whilst its learners are placed with other organisations; to seek one or more partners to form either a consortium or a new larger charity; or to seek an alternative charitable activity which continues to help satisfy the needs of the local community.

Plans for future periods

The Trustees plan for the charity to continue to carry out its activities as outlined above.

The Trustees are not aware of any likely future developments which would have a significant effect on the charity.

Structure, governance and management

The Trustees review the major risks faced by the charity at meetings and during discussions that take place during the course of each year. Systems are in place to monitor such risks and the Trustees, in tandem with the Chief Executive, review all such matters on a regular basis.

In the opinion of the Trustees, the charity is not a close company within the meaning of S.439 CTA 2010.

Research and development

The charity is not involved in any major research and developments projects.

4

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law including Financial Reporting Standard 102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 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 company and the surplus or deficit of the company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

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

Approved by order of the Council and signed on its behalf by:

P A DALEY

Trustee

12 February 2025

5

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 August 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to 16.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

CLAY RATNAGE STREVENS & HILLS

Steven James Garrod FCA for and on behalf of Clay Ratnage Strevens & Hills Construction House Runwell Road Wickford Essex SS11 7HQ

12 February 2025

6

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Note
Income from:
Charitable activities
2
Investments
3
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
Governance costs
5
Total expenditure
Net loss for the year
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
2024
Total
£
757,845
3,604
_
761,449
813,694
18,152
_
831,846
_
(70,397)
591,383
_
520,986
2023
Total
£
703,692
3,469
_
707,161
797,843
16,498
_
814,341
_
(107,180)
698,563
_
591,383

All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised during the year.

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

7

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

CO NO. 01827162

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
9
15,690
Current assets
Debtors
10
59,435
60,593
Investments
11
-
552,455
Cash at bank and in hand
498,012
-
_
_
557,447
613,048
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
12
52,151
40,919
_
_
Net current assets
505,296
_
Net assets
520,986
_
Charity Funds
Unrestricted funds
520,986
£
19,254
572,129
_
591,383
_
591,383

The company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

No members have required an audit of the accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with provisions applicable to the companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees

P A DALEY

Trustee

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

8

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET CO NO. 01827162 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Cash flows from Operating activities
Loss for the financial year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible assets
Interest received
Decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash generated from Operating activities
Cash flows from Investment activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash from Investment activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:
Cash at bank and in hand
2024
£
(70,397)
3,624
(3,604)
1,158
11,232
_
(57,987)
_
(60)
3,604
_
3,544
_
(54,443)
552,455
_
498,012
_
498,012
2023
£
(107,180)
4,278
(3,469)
7,671
(10,111)
_
(115,302)
_
(1,14)
3,469
_
2,322
_
(112,980)
665,435
_
552,455
_
552,455

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

9

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

At 1 September At 31 August
2023 Cash Flows 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 552,455 (54,443) 498,012
_ _ _

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

10

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) General information and basis of preparation

Waltham Forest Chamber of Commerce Training Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are detailed within the Trustees’ Annual Report.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 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 (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the 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) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and are rounded to the nearest pound.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

(b) Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

(c) Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.

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. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.

Investment income is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and rent income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.

11

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(d) Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.

(e) Support costs allocation

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs and administrative payroll costs.

The analysis of these costs is included in note 5.

(f) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:

Office equipment 25% reducing balance Leasehold improvements 10% straight line

(g) Investments

Current asset investments are short term highly liquid investments and are held at fair value. These include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity of less than one year.

(h) Leases

Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the SoFA on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

(i) Employee benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.

(j) Tax

The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and it therefore meets the definition of a charitable company for UK Corporation Tax purposes.

(k) 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 the date of 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.

12

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

2 Income from charitable activities

Grants receivable

2024
£
757,845
2023
£
703,692

The grants receivable consists primarily of government funding provided through Education and Skills Funding Agency, which is solely expended in relation to the charitable activities of the company. The amounts disclosed are net of payments to subcontractor providers.

3 Income from investments

Bank deposit interest
4
Expenditure on charitable activities
College course fees
Examination, assessment and achievement costs
Staff costs
Establishment costs

Insurance
Printing, postage, stationery and advertising
Professional fees
5
Governance costs
Staff costs
Establishment costs
Accountant’s remuneration
2024
£
3,604
_
2024
£
272,227
55,856
318,149
142,339
4,518
3,261
17,344
_
813,694
_
2024
£
8,992
4,000
5,160
_
18,152
2023
£
3,469
_
2023
£
278,199
42,840
313,653
131,834
4,163
3,409
23,745
_
797,843
_
2023
£
7,578
4,000
4,920
_
16,498

13

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

6 Independent examiner’s remuneration

Independent examiner’s remuneration comprises of accountancy services of £5,160 ( 2023 - £4,920 ).

7 Trustees' and key management personnel remuneration and expenses

There was no Trustees’ remuneration, expenses or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2024 nor the year ended 31 August 2023.

8 Staff costs and employee benefits

The average monthly number of employees and full time equivalent (FTE) during the year were as follows:

Office and administration 2024
2024
2023
2023
Number
FTE
Number
FTE
12
12
11
11

The total staff costs and employee’s benefits was as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security
Defined contribution pension costs
2024
£
299,132
21,878
6,132
_
327,142
2023
£
292,825
22,128
6,278
_
321,231

No employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000.

14

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

9 Tangible fixed assets

Leasehold
Improvements
£
Cost:
At 1 September 2023
16,044
Additions
-
_
At 31 August 2024
16,044
_
Depreciation:
At 1 September 2023
4,812
Charge for the year
1,604
_
At 31 August 2024
6,416
_
Net book value:
At 31 August 2024
9,628
_
At 31 August 2023
11,232
_
10
Debtors
Grants receivable
Prepayments
11
Current asset investments
Bank account deposits

_
Office
Equipment
£
74,314
60
_
74,374
_
66,292
2,020
_
68,312
_
6,062
_
8,022
_
2024
£
47,482
11,953
_
59,435
_
2024
£
498,012
Total
£
90,358
60
_
90,418
_
71,104
3,624
_
74,728
_
15,690
_
19,254
_
2023
£
45,380
15,213
_
60,593
_
2023
£
552,455
__
_

15

WALTHAM FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRAINING TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Taxation and social security
Grants payable
Accruals
Deferred income
2024
£
7,397
8,700
33,354
2,700
_
52,151
2023
£
14,308
8,700
14,461
3,450
_
40,919

13 Operating leases

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Amounts due within one year
Within 1-5 years
2024
£
60,000
180,000
_
240,000
2023
£
60,000
240,000
_
300,000

14 Ultimate controlling party

There is no ultimate controlling party.

16