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2025-03-31-accounts

Charity no. 290575

Design West Report and Unaudited Financial Statements

31 March 2025

Design West

Reference and administrative details

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charity number 290575
Registered office and 16 Narrow Quay
operational address Bristol
BS1 4QA
Trustees The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report
were as follows:
N Childs Resigned 31 December 2025
G Eddy
N Fairham (Chair)
S Hilton
C Kwiatkowski
S Loyn Resigned 25 October 2025
E Marco Burguete Resigned 24 May 2024
C Mckeivor (Secretary)
D Murphy Resigned 25 July 2024
D Waterhouse
Chief executive officer Dr Anna Rutherford
Bankers Natwest Bank plc
45 / 49 Broadmead
Bristol
BS1 3EU
Independent examiners Godfrey Wilson Limited
Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
5th Floor Mariner House
62 Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QD

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The Board of Trustees presents its annual report and financial statements for Design West for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the constitution 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

Introduction

Founded in 1996, Design West is a centre of excellence for design & placemaking. This year we continued to work across the South West, strengthening our programmes, whilst partnering with the West of England Combined Authority to green our harbourside home and improve the building’s energy performance.

Our public programme of talks, tours and our award-winning education initiative, Shape My City, continued to grow - attracting larger audiences and a more diverse range of participants. The prestigious Stirling Prize lectures drew the biggest regional audience to date, alongside events exploring nature, housing and global city-making, as we sharpened focus on designing places that support people, prosperity and planet. Six O’Clock Sessions turned our café-bar into a civic forum - bringing public, political and professional voices together for robust and respectful debate, modelling disagreement without division, and seeking shared solutions in an increasingly polarised world. The value of this work is reflected in the contribution of our volunteers: 102 people donated time and expertise worth £41k in-kind.

We also expanded our regional design services, supporting better outcomes for communities and the environment. Our programmes now operate across the South West - from Swindon to Cornwall, - with ten local authority partnerships in place for Design Review, supported by 190 expert panellists who contribute their time, considerable skill and judgement to shape a better built environment for everyone.

More people visited our venue than ever before, using our refurbished spaces for their own programmes and strengthening our network of partners and collaborators. We also opened up our officers through The Studio - a co-working Hub for knowledge exchange across the built environment and creative industries.

Towards year end, our CEO and Chair of Trustees, Nick Fairham led a restructure of the charity and trading arm to strengthen governance, delivery and to set a robust business plan for the next phase of our work.

It is a testament to our team, trustees, collaborators, audiences, funders and supporters that the charity once again delivered a strong year – increasing our reach and deepening our impact across the region.

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1) OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES

The design of our built and natural environment has a profound impact on our lives, shaping how we live every day.

Our health and wellbeing, our local economy and our climate are all shaped by the design choices we make. Everyone is impacted by the quality of the homes we live in, the design of our commutes and communities, and the schools, hospitals, blue and green spaces, and public realm we share.

When places are designed well, they support healthier, happier lives: people can move around safely, breathe clean air, feel connected to their community, stay active and access nature close to home. When they are designed poorly, they drive ill health, stress and inequality.

The built environment is also a major contributor to global carbon emissions (40%). In the context of a climate emergency, Design West has a key role to play in advocating for sustainable architecture and design.

Our mission is to inspire the public, politicians and professionals across the built environment to design, better, healthier, places to live, work and relax. We learn from our heritage to build our future. Our objects are to advance education and research in, and to foster public appreciation of, architecture and its related disciplines. As a registered charity we put design and social value at our heart.

Design West’s programmes inspire, inform and involve people in the design of the world around them. We work across sectors and society to innovate, co-design and challenge. We are international and local, bringing the best people together to shape better places. We are, collaborative, creative, expert, independent, open and visionary.

We seek to achieve our objectives through:

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

2) ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

During the year our activities reached over 500,000 people.

Public Programme

Audiences began to return to our programmes post-pandemic:

Digital Audiences

Design & Policy Review

Education, Young People & Volunteering

PROGRAMME

Design West is a place where public, politicians and professionals converge. As a world-leading centre for design and creative placemaking, we enable everyone to engage with the built environment and architecture around them. Throughout the year we showcase the world’s most inspiring thinkers and practitioners from home and abroad through our public programme. This year 3,286 people took part in our public programmes and workshops, with 1,885 people booking tickets for our core events programme. Highlights included:

National & International Talks Programme

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

“With Unlocking Housing, Design West pulled off yet another of their characteristically well organised & well attended events. It was a real pleasure to address a packed, enthused audience & to learn from such a diverse line-up of other speakers.” Ben Derbyshire, Chair HTA Design LLP, Commissioner, Historic England, Past President, RIBA

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

“The RIBA were delighted to collaborate with Design West to bring the Stirling Prize winners to speak in Exeter and Bristol. The talks and conversation reached an audience not normally well served and the whole event was well received and enjoyed. RIBA look forward to working with Design West in the future to help ensure that people in the South West are engaged and inspired by the very best architects and architecture”. Simon Allford, Past RIBA President

Participatory Debate - 6’O’Clock Sessions

Our 6’O’Clock Sessions (est. 2023) create a rare civic platform for informed debate, where citizens can gather to discuss the Built Environment we share. Participatory in nature, the programme brings public, politicians and professionals together around topical debates. Different opinions are welcome, heard and respectfully challenged. Guest contributors sit amongst the audience, and microphones are passed democratically around the room.

Built by our CEO in collaboration, the 6’O’Clock sessions are co-ordinated by a small team of volunteers, early career professionals and lecturers. In 2024/25 the programming team were Dr Rutherford, Keiron Stephens (Autor Architects), Josie Stephens (APG Architects), Fidel Miraz (UWE Bristol), Darby Georgeson (Design West) and Charlie Palmer (Oxford Brookes University).

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Partner Programme

A new focus on partnership enabled Design West to extend our charitable impact through the venue, with a 60% increase in partner-led programme aligned to our aims by year end. From inspiring lifelong learners through a 20th Century Architecture course for U3A, to supporting the next generation via RTPI Young Planners CPD on design codes and workshops for visiting students from The Bartlett, our spaces brought together people at every stage of life. We also hosted lively publicfacing conversations — including debates on public art — alongside cross-sector discussions on regeneration convened with Stride Treglown and Bristol City Council, creating a platform where practitioners, residents and decision-makers can learn from one another and shape better places together.

Design West remains the only place in the South West for inspiration, information, and debate about the design of our built environment, and the impact of design decisions on environment, economy, equality and health.

DESIGN & POLICY SERVICES

Housing is the most urgent social issue of our time. The new government has committed to building 1.5 million new homes in England over this Parliament, backed by planning reforms and an ambition to accelerate delivery. In the South West, the government’s Local Housing Need figure has risen to 39,992 new homes per year across the region - underlining both the scale of demand and the importance of safeguarding design quality, sustainability and long-term value as schemes come forward.

In response to urgent social need, Design West is uniquely placed to help local authorities, public bodies and developers deliver high-quality, sustainable places at pace. We bring expert, interdisciplinary design and placemaking advice that protects quality under delivery pressure, strengthens outcomes for communities, and supports under-resourced authorities to secure longterm value from new development.

“Bristol City Council have found the Design West panel invaluable as an independent, super professional resource. The expert panels are highly effective in helping applicants optimise their plans & bring forward proposals that make the most of Bristol’s strengths & add to the city’s credentials as a great place to live, work & play” Simone Wilding, Chief Planner, BCC

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Building on a long history of bringing people together to shape better places, Design West runs an independent design review service across the South West. We convene 190+ leading professionals spanning design and housing, climate resilience and net zero, engineering, transport and active travel, landscape, heritage, accessibility, inclusive growth and placemaking. Our expert panels provide independent, early-stage guidance on significant development proposals, helping teams resolve issues before they become costly or contentious. The design review process delivers clear, practical improvements for people and planet, while often adding value and de-risking projects.

Our design review and policy support services continued to be in high demand. In 2024/25 we worked across 15 local authorities, running a dedicated service in ten: Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, Cornwall, Dorset, Exeter, North Somerset, Plymouth, South Gloucestershire, Torbay and Wiltshire. In 2024/25 we conducted 95 Design Reviews, including 49 in the West of England (WEMCA), and 46 in the wider South West including Devon, Exeter, Swindon, Plymouth, Torbay and Dorset.

Design West panels advised on improvements to >28,000 homes; to 11,807 school places; to 484,400 m2 commercial space (including office, leisure and retail), 6,070 care places, an energy centre, a fire station, 3 sporting facilities, a museum, a coastal defence, Bristol City Centre and 8 strategic sites.

Our panel chairs for 2024/25 were as follows: Bristol: Cora Kwiatkowski (BSc AA Dipl.-Ing. Arch RIBA), Jane Fowles (BA(Hons) DipLA (Hons) MA UD CMLI), and Rob Gregory (MArch BA (Hons) RIBA ARB); Bath & North East Somerset: Colin Cobb (BA(Hons) Dip Arch ARB); South Gloucestershire: Prof. Alex Wright (BSc Dip Arch MDesS ARB FHEA); North Somerset: Juliet Bidgood (MA Dip Arch RIBA); Exeter: Richard Rose Casemore (BA (Arch) Dip Arch (Dist) FRSA RIBA) and Yuli Cadney-Toh (BA (Arch) Hon Dip Arch RIBA); Dorset: Warren Lever (BSc Hons PG Dip UD MRICS IHBC); Cornwall: Estelle Doughty and Frazer Osment (MPhil UD BA (Hons) LA CMLI); Torbay, Jackie Gillespie (BA Dip Arch RIBA); Wiltshire: Patrick Devlin (MSc AAS, Dip Arch, RIBA, ARB) and Stephen Bee (BA (Hons) MRes AoU MRTPI. We continue to refresh and diversify our panellists to bring new critical skills and experience, and to improve gender balance and diversity.

The quality and impact of our design review service is made possible by the expertise, care and commitment of our chairs and panellists. We record our sincere appreciation to our chairs and all our expert panellists for their ongoing contribution to Design West’s charitable purpose and the consistent quality of their advice. We also acknowledge Pippa Goldfinger and Julie Tanner for their leadership and support alongside our CEO in overseeing delivery of the service.

“The Design West Review Service is exceptional. It’s a professional, astute and friendly operation, with a diverse and talented pool of individuals who are carefully selected for each Panel. The Panels make such a huge difference to the quality of schemes coming forward for development.” Louise Morris, Head of Planning & Building Control, Bath & North East Somerset Council

Design Review Highlights

Key schemes reviewed during the new Bath Road Development (>500 homes) in Bristol, major harbourside developments in Plymouth, town centre housing in Weston super-Mare, council-led housing in Cheltenham, the redevelopment of the Bath Press Site, a new leisure centre (Trowbridge) in Wiltshire and significant affordable housing in Cornwall.

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Notably the service has particularly supported developers to change their designs with practical interventions to create better, healthier places to live and work, through:

“Exeter City Council have found the Exeter Design Quality Group formed with Design West has helped drive up design standards in the city. The panellists convened by Design West combine local knowledge with national and international expertise. Working in collaboration with Exeter City Council, Design Reviews are pushing developers to deliver schemes that help the council deliver on its commitment to a Liveable Exeter.”

Ian Collinson, Head of Regeneration & Housing, Exeter City Council

“Can you share my appreciation to the panel for their time & constructive advice. I have attended a few of these over the years & I have to say the conduct & approach taken by the panel was by far the best. I would encourage anyone to come & share their ideas with you .” Emma Geater, Associate Director, Crest Nicholson

PLACEMAKING & NATIONAL LEADERSHIP

In 2024/25 we began discussions with MHCLG, WEMCA & ATLAS around the need to support dissemination of best practice & knowledge exchange between LPAs and the sector nationally.

At the end of the year, Design West CEO Dr Anna Rutherford, took up the chair role for the Design Network nationally. The Design Network supports local authorities, public bodies, politicians and developers to deliver great places for people prosperity and planet. Place-based and not-for-profit, the network is also the national delivery body for design review.

“I wanted to thank Design West for a successful day in Bristol. We saw interesting high density brownfield developments & heard rare insights from the developers on their experiences and challenges. The presentation from the Bristol City Council Regen team was excellent & the conversations throughout the day were rich, extremely relevant & transferrable. The itinerary was great & really well thought through.” Ian Collinson, Head of Regeneration & Housing, Exeter City Council

“Design West has built relationships across the sector enabling them to form panels which act as a ‘critical friend’ to local authorities ensuring emerging plans & strategies meet the ambitions and needs of the communities they serve.” Sophie Camburn, Director, Arup

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Design West is a national leader in place-based education. We inspire young people of all ages to understand, shape and take pride in the built environment — and we open up clear pathways into careers across the sector. By intervening early and creating meaningful opportunities, we help remove barriers that would otherwise exclude many young people.

We believe the places of the future will only be as good as the people designing them — and that requires a workforce that better reflects the communities it serves.

This work is urgently needed. Today, just 1% of British architects are Black (ARB); women make up only 16.9% of the UK engineering and technology workforce; and just 5% of construction directors and senior managers are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. In the private planning sector, women make up 40% of the workforce, but only hold 17% of director-level roles (Women in Planning/RTPI).

Shape My City (15 – 18 yrs)

Shape My City provides high-quality careers development for young people aged 15–18, with a focus on girls and young people from ethnic minority backgrounds and lower socio-economic backgrounds. Through mentoring, sector insight and real-world experiences, the programme broadens horizons, builds confidence and skills, and opens up pathways that might otherwise be out of reach - supporting a more diverse and representative built environment workforce.

“Design West’s innovative Shape My City Programme is an essential initiative that empowers young people from diverse backgrounds to enter the built environment sector. Inspired by Stephen Lawrence, the programme is designed to tackle the lack of sector diversity, to identify & nurture young talent, so that in future our city is shaped by professionals who better represent the communities they serve. Built in partnership with Bristol’s schools, communities, world-class universities & companies, the programme builds confidence, skills & networks for young Bristolians. Designed for maximum impact, the programme also gives young people a voice in live development happening across our city today & delivers two-way change in the companies that engage. Marvin Rees, Former Mayor of Bristol

In summer 2024, the 2023/24 cohort graduated and, for the first time, we combined a university open evening with our end-of-year awards. The programme delivered strong outcomes, with graduates reporting increased confidence, greater recognition of their own skills, a stronger sense of agency, clearer understanding of how to reach their goals, and an improved ability to communicate with authority.

Some of the participants’ voices are captured below:

“ Being part of Shape My City makes me “ It was great to meet other people my age believe I can get into an architecture interested in architecture, & to learn about course at uni & pursue a career.” related professions.”

“ The best thing about Shape My City was learning that design isn't just buildings”

“ I can present more confidently & am more confident in a career in engineering”

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

In autumn 2024 we welcomed a new cohort to Shape My City, expanding our outreach through school assemblies to increase both the number and diversity of applicants. In total, 79 young people applied and 35 students were selected from 21 schools. Of those accepted, 66% identify as from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, 66% are female, and 3% identify as non-binary. During the year, Shankari Raj returned from maternity leave and the programme leadership transitioned from Rosy Jones — an experienced architect and educator on secondment from AHMM. We are grateful to Rosy for her invaluable support and contribution to the programme.

“Shape My City lifts the lid on a number of key disciples that help shape the places we live, work and play. Seeing the various cohorts engage with, question, and understand these complex topics helps to show that they have a role to play in the future of our cities.” Jason Ramlugon, Senior Architect, AHMM

Shape My City holds a special commendation from the Thornton Education Trust Awards (Dec 2022) with course leader Shankari Raj named Individual of the Year (Dec 2023) for her work on the programme.

We thank the organisations who signed up to take part in the academic year, namely AHMM, Arup, AWW, Buro Happold, Churchman Thornhill Finch, Dandara Living, FCB Studios, LDA Design, Purcell, Stantec and Vattenfall. We extend our thanks to all the volunteer professional inspirers, young people and university students who give their energy, enthusiasm and skills to the transformative programme.

“The Shape My City programme is truly a guiding light in inspiring and empowering future generations, especially in providing invaluable opportunities to talented young individuals who might otherwise lack access, notably those from underrepresented socio-economic groups.” Victoria Thornton OBE, Thornton Education Trust

3) FINANCIAL REVIEW

Following a record year, 2024/25 was a year of consolidation for the charity, as we piloted new roles and strengthened our structure to support future growth. We ended the year in a sound financial position, with almost £1m of income and a modest surplus, despite continued investment in the building. This performance reflects the resilience of the organisation in a challenging economic climate for charities.

Following successive years of growth, Design Services income fell by 8% to £511k, reflecting a slowdown in the development sector, and LPA staff turnover impacting continuity. Despite this, partners continue to report strong value from our support in driving up design quality across social, economic and environmental outcomes, and we saw a move to the delivery of more strategic reviews. Expenditure remained well controlled. Looking ahead we will strengthen strategic leadership capacity around consultancy and restructure to support more upstream placemaking and capacitybuilding work, alongside Design Review. Our Placemaking services bring politicians, professionals and communities together to co-design and vision better places and are secured primarily through competitive tenders, with some direct commissions linked to existing service level agreements.

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Public programmes performed well in context of the cost-of-living crisis, with audiences continuing to return to live events. Box Office income for talks and debates has now returned to pre-pandemic levels, at £15.3k, with a further £16.2k raised from sponsorship and small grants (including Bristol City Council). We continued to successfully fund the Shape My City education programme, in partnership with leading top Built Environment firms, supplemented by project funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering. Overall sponsorship was our strongest to date at £39k.

Design West remains a lean and efficient charity. We deliver our public programme with a small staffing budget, made possible by a team working across multiple strands. Public programmes will always require some subsidy; in recent years, amid reduced public funding, we have prioritised growing earned income through services rather than investing heavily in risk-heavy bid writing. Surpluses from services help subsidise our programmes, and we are building a Designated Fund to leverage match funding to expand delivery from 2026. We will continue to maintain a balanced income mix and invest staff capacity where it delivers the greatest return and impact.

Core income (reported in the accounts as ‘Raising Funds’) from venue hire, rent and memberships stabilised at £111k. We trialled additional capacity to grow memberships and desk hire, but this did not deliver the impact hoped for, and we have reconfigured the approach for 2025/26, bringing hires into a new role linked to developing the venue programme to increase both revenue and impact.

Expenditure was well controlled. We mitigated rising costs by renegotiating improved contracts with key suppliers for electricity, insurance, IT and waste, alongside regular cost reviews and careful procurement to secure value for money across our work. The building project also completed within the planned £32k budget.

The trading arm (est. September 2022) operates the café-bar, and supports venue hires and public programme. 2024/25 marked a step forward: in its second full year of independent trading the business broke even for the first time and began loan repayments. Tighter management improved gross margins, and reduced waste. Moving forwards to further increase efficiency, we will reduce labour costs by bringing the hires function back into the parent charity; trustees will monitor this arrangement and associated risk.

Trustees also recognise that the trading arm delivers benefits not fully captured in the financials. The café-bar helps generate significant footfall, provides a welcoming base for our talks, debates, learning sessions, exhibitions and book events, and acts as a hub for professional and public exchange. The trading team also supports charitable delivery through logistics for design review sessions, space hires, and catering for partner programmes. Governance will keep this operating model under review.

Salary costs finished the year £36k below budget, reflecting strong cost control, while rising to £468k (including £177k in the Trading Arm) from £420k last year due to planned team growth and inflation. As many charities continue to experience recruitment and retention pressures in the post-pandemic, cost-of-living context, the Board approved a 3% pay award for all staff in 2024/25 to help maintain fair, competitive salaries. We also strengthened our employment offer by investing in health insurance and continuing our performance-related bonus scheme, supporting staff wellbeing and recognising the talent and commitment that underpins our work.

Overall Design West is pleased to report a consolidated in-year surplus of £9,850, enabling the trustees to invest in designated funds for the future, alongside building charity reserves commensurate with our size. Total charity funds are £1,548,608, and total group funds are £1,264,762.

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Restricted reserves are £29,057 - this includes £6,913 left in the three-year Creating Excellence Fund for regional work, £20,000 held for a commission in Temple Quarter and small amounts for Placemaking commissions.

Unrestricted funds total £1,235,705, which includes designated funds including the leasehold property (£635,944), designated cash funds of £225,000 and a general fund of £374,761. The general fund contains our unrestricted net current assets of approximately £314,656 (up £26k from £288k in the previous year) and tangible fixed assets of £60,105.

The trustees have designated funds where future spend is anticipated. This includes £60k for Building Renovation as the roof, rear render and lift are reaching the end of their lifespan. £10k has been set aside for Education to safeguard Shape My City should sponsorship dip (economic downturn) and £80k for organisational development to strengthen senior capacity as the charity enters its next phase of growth. Trustees have also set aside £75k to enable us to develop in-venue programme and a Festival of Design, and to leverage further match funding over the next three years.

The trustees are pleased to report a responsible reserves position leading into 2025/26, and a strong mix of income streams now supporting our activities. With clear leadership and the support of new and existing clients for our impactful work, we are confident in our sustainable future.

“Massive congratulations on a great day. I was most privileged to be part of it & enjoyed it all hugely. Your work is a total triumph, and the ability to continue the conversation in The Architect Bar after events is truly inspired. I go around the country all the time & I have to say, hand on heart, I do not think any place in the UK has a better platform for growth than you.” Jackie Sadek, Urban Strategy

Risk Management

The Board of Trustees has reviewed the principal risks facing Design West and agreed mitigation plans to reduce our exposure. Risks are monitored through a live risk register, reviewed quarterly, with any significant changes escalated between meetings. The staff team regularly discusses risk and contributes updates to the register.

Key risks include financial pressures on local government, and the impact of recession on the built environment sector and demand for Design Review. We mitigate this by maintaining a high-quality, good-value service; strengthening relationships and networks; and increasing our national engagement through the Design Network. Our geographically broad client base, diversified income streams and healthy reserves also help us manage short- to medium-term volatility.

The trading arm remains a focus given tight hospitality margins. The business has an agreed repayment plan and began loan repayments in 2024/25, with associated risks overseen by the CIO trustees through the risk register.

Fraud and digital risks continue to rise. During 2024/25 we strengthened processes and staff training, and while scam attempts were received, all were identified and averted. The charity maintains appropriate insurance, reviewed by trustees, and appointed an HR provider during the year to strengthen employment risk management.

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

As the charity grows, trustees recognise the importance of operational resilience. We have invested in staff benefits, training and team development to retain talent, and plan to recruit additional senior capacity to support the next phase of growth, underpinned by a designated fund for organisational development.

Design West also maintains strong financial controls. Budgets and cashflow are monitored throughout the year to identify and address risk early, and overheads are reviewed annually to ensure value for money. We continually seek to maximise income and improve efficiency, without compromising public benefit or the quality of our offer.

Reserves Policy

Design West’s reserves form part of the organisation’s strategic planning process informing business planning, budget and risk management, ensuring that the organisation remains sustainable, has the capacity to manage unforeseen financial circumstances and is able to invest in its future.

The trustees have reviewed the reserves policy to a risk-based assessment which takes into account our income certainties and sources of income, compared to our fixed and committed expenditure. Following this review, the Trustees agree that in order to weather variations in cash flow our free reserves should reach six months expenditure (£330,000) as a general reserve. In addition to this, the board have assigned designated reserves funds. At the end of March 2025 the board are pleased to report significant progress against our business plan. Unrestricted free cash reserves increased by £26k to £314,656 in the general unrestricted reserve fund (£375k), and £225,000 in the designated funds described above. The trustees will continue to balance holding strong reserves for the organisation, with the ongoing business risks, including inflation, talent retention, recession, and the cost-of-living crisis.

The trustees believe that the current business plans make the business a going concern and are confident of a mixed income stream over the next 3 years. The organisation has a 125-year lease asset that will be used to generate increased revenue and has demonstrated valuable service provision increasing our earned income through our Design Review and Placemaking Services.

4) STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT Constitution & Organizational Structure

Design West is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). Our constitution is the charity’s primary governing document.

The charity is led by a Board of Trustees who are non-executive, unpaid, and meet quarterly. Over the past five years, CEO Dr Anna Rutherford has worked effectively with the Chair and Board to deliver sustainable strategic change, strengthening our structure, finances, impact model, and organisational policies and processes.

In 2022/23 the organisation converted from a charity regulated by Companies House to a CIO regulated by the Charity Commission, and changed its legal name from Bristol Centre for the Advancement of Architecture to Design West.

In September 2022 the charity set up an operational trading arm to operate the café bar, manage venue hires, and support public programme delivery. Design West Trading is registered with Companies House and overseen by a board of Directors that includes hospitality expertise, a trustee from the parent charity and the charity’s CEO. Under a Deed of Gift, all profits are transferred to the parent charity. Day-to-day operations are led by Bar & Venue Manager Malcolm Howard.

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Our Chair of Trustees, Nick Fairham (Chief Executive of BDP), brings significant sector and business leadership and is well placed to guide the Board as we enter our next phase of growth.

Future Development

Building on the successful changes to the charity’s structure and name, over the next 18 months the Trustees will work with the Chair and staff team to refine our business plan and structure the organisation for growth. The Board intends to refresh its membership in line with the evolving plan and update the charity’s objects (drafted in 1984) to better reflect current needs.

Board of Trustees

The Board meets quarterly and holds overall responsibility for:

The CEO and the Chair of Trustees meet monthly, to review progress, and drive strategic development. Trustee working groups are convened as required.

The trustees regularly review the Board’s composition to ensure is has the skills, experience and diversity necessary for effective governance and the charity’s long-term sustainability. Trustee roles are advertised through relevant networks, with prospective trustees completing an interview and induction process.

Senior Team

Trustees delegate day-to-day management to the CEO, supported by the Senior Leadership Team. The Senior Leadership Team also implement and maintain the charity’s policies and procedures. During the year, the Senior Leadership Team comprised:

Dr Anna Rutherford (CEO) Pippa Goldfinger (Head of Design) Julie Tanner (Head of Design & Planning Services)

All staff roles are assessed and paid in relation to responsibility, skills and capabilities required. Roles are regularly benchmarked.

Trading Arm

The Board of the Trading Arm meet quarterly and have responsibility for:

Networks & Memberships

Design West is a key member of the Design Network. The Director is a member of several leadership groups in Bristol. The charity is also a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.

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Design West

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Public Benefit

Design West has complied with the duty in Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the charity commission.

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure, of the charity for the year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were appointed as independent examiners to the charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 28 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Nicholas Fairham, Chair

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Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Design West

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the consolidated accounts of the Group comprising Design West ('the Charity') and its subsidiary undertakings for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 19 to 38.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the consolidated accounts of the Group in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act') and you have chosen to prepare consolidated accounts for the Group. You are satisfied that the accounts of both the Charity and the Group are not required by law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.

I report in respect of my examination of the consolidated accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the consolidated accounts present a 'true and fair' view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner's statement.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the Group's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

Godfrey Wilson Limited also provides bookkeeping services to the Group. I confirm that as a member of the ICAEW I am subject to the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2024, which I have applied with respect to this engagement.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

17

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Design West

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 28 January 2026

Robert Wilson FCA Member of the ICAEW Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

18

Design West

Consolidated statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Restricted
Unrestricted
Note
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
-
1,313
Charitable activities
4
Design services
-
510,653
Placemaking
-
-
Public programme
18,404
67,675
Other trading activities
5
-
355,704
Investments
-
44,069
Total income
18,404
979,414
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
-
486,357
Charitable activities
Design services
-
414,841
Placemaking
2,543
2,740
Public programme
16,616
64,871
Total expenditure
7
19,159
968,809
(755)
10,605
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
29,812
1,225,100
Total funds carried forward
29,057
1,235,705
Net income / (expenditure)
and net
movement in funds		 2025
Total
£
1,313
510,653
-
86,079
355,704
44,069
997,818
486,357
414,841
5,283
81,487
987,968
9,850
1,254,912
1,264,762		 2024
Total
£
2,633
556,049
32,501
80,315
386,543
48,661
1,106,702
474,583
435,699
31,915
96,999
1,039,196
67,506
1,187,406
1,254,912

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 20 to the accounts.

19

Design West

Consolidated and parent balance sheets

As at 31 March 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Investments
12
Current assets
Stocks
15
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
17
Net current assets
Net assets
19
Funds
20
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
General funds
Total charity funds
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year		 The group
2025
£
146,049
550,000
696,049
5,081
99,249
635,680
740,010
(171,297)
568,713
1,264,762
29,057
860,944
374,761
1,264,762		 The group The charity
2024
2025
£
£
166,719
103,078
550,000
825,001
716,719
928,079
7,585
-
127,250
143,790
626,292
624,902
761,127
768,692
(222,934)
(148,163)
538,193
620,529
1,254,912
1,548,608
29,812
29,057
858,069
1,092,972
367,031
426,579
1,254,912
1,548,608		 The charity
2024
£
122,685
825,001
947,686
-
174,018
622,413
796,431
(207,703)
588,728
1,536,414
29,812
1,089,033
417,569
1,536,414

Approved by the trustees on 28 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Nicholas Fairham, Chair

20

Design West

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Cash used in operating activities:
Net movement in funds
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
(Increase) / decrease in stock
(Increase) / decrease in debtors
Increase / (decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash provided by investing activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 2025
£
9,850
32,755
(44,069)
2,504
28,001
(51,637)
(22,596)
44,069
(12,085)
31,984
9,388
626,292
635,680		 2024
£
67,506
42,892
(48,661)
(214)
(8,413)
15,312
68,422
48,661
(8,400)
40,261
108,683
517,609
626,292

The charity has not provided an analysis of changes in net debt as it does not have any long term financing arrangements.

21

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies a) General information and basis of preparation

Design West is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is Architecture Centre, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Design West meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Group accounts

These financial statements consolidate the results of the charity and its wholly-owned (controlled) subsidiary on a line by line basis. Transactions and balances between the charity and its subsidiary have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Balances between the two entities are disclosed in the notes of the charity's balance sheet. A separate Statement of Financial Activities for the charity is not presented as the charity has taken advantage of the provisions of section 24 of the SORP.

c) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

d) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of provision of design services is deferred until criteria for income recognition are met.

e) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

22

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

f) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particularly areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

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.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

h) Allocation of support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities based on the proportion of staff time as follows:

2025 2024
Raising funds 54% 52%
Charitable activities
Design services 37% 33%
Placemaking 1% 3%
Public programme 8% 12%

i) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:

Leasehold property 125 years
Office equipment 3 years
Fixtures and fittings
Bespoke fixtures 5 years
Other fixtures and fittings 3 years
Leasehold improvements 10 years

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £1,000.

j) Investment in subsidiaries

The charity has one wholly owned subsidiary, Design West Trading Ltd, (registered company number 14049103). The subsidiary is used for non-primary purpose trading activities. The subsidiary undertaking is valued at cost less any cumulative impairment losses in the charity's accounts.

23

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

k) Investment property

Investment property is property (land or a building, or both) held to earn rentals.

Investment property is initially measured at cost, including transaction costs. Investment property is subsequently measured at fair value at the reporting date. This method of valuation applies to all the charity’s investment properties.

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment property are included in net profit or loss on the face of the Statement of Financial Activities for the period in which they arise.

l) Stock

Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the open market.

m) Debtors

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

n) 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.

o) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where there is 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.

p) Financial instruments

The trust only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

q) Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.

r) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

24

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

r) Accounting estimates and key judgements (continued)

The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are: depreciation (see accounting policy 1i), the split of the property between tangible fixed assets and investments (see note 12) and the valuation of investment property see (accounting policy 1k).

2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities

Income from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Design services
Placemaking
Public programme
Other trading activities
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Design services
Placemaking
Public programme
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure)
and net movement in funds		 Restricted
£
£
-
2,633
-
556,049
1,806
30,695
9,920
70,395
-
386,543
-
48,661
11,726
1,094,976
-
474,583
-
435,699
12,620
19,295
11,708
85,291
24,328
1,014,868
(12,602)
80,108
Unrestricted		 2024
Total
£
2,633
556,049
32,501
80,315
386,543
48,661
1,106,702
474,583
435,699
31,915
96,999
1,039,196
67,506

25

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

3. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Total income from donations and legacies
Prior period comparative:
Donations
Total income from donations and legacies
Income from charitable activities
Design services
Service provision
Public programme
Grants
Sponsorship
Memberships
Events
Total income from charitable activities		 Restricted
£
£
-
1,313
-
1,313
Restricted
£
£
-
2,633
-
2,633
Restricted
£
£
-
510,653
18,404
-
-
38,678
-
13,732
-
15,265
18,404
67,675
18,404
578,328
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted		 2025
Total
£
1,313
1,313
2024
Total
£
2,633
2,633
2025
Total
£
510,653
18,404
38,678
13,732
15,265
86,079
596,732

4. Income from charitable activities

26

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

4. Income from charitable activities (continued) Prior period comparative:

Prior period comparative:
Design services
Service provision
Placemaking
Grants
Service provision
Public programme
Grants
Service provision
Sponsorship
Memberships
Events
Total income from charitable activities
5.
Income from other trading activities
Café/bar sales
Space hire
Service provision
Total income from other trading activities		 Restricted
£
£
-
556,049
1,806
-
-
30,695
1,806
30,695
9,920
-
-
400
-
34,512
-
18,824
-
16,659
9,920
70,395
11,726
657,139
2025
£
313,939
26,457
15,308
355,704
Unrestricted		 2024
Total
£
556,049
1,806
30,695
32,501
9,920
400
34,512
18,824
16,659
80,315
668,865
2024
£
330,435
35,383
20,725
386,543

All income from other trading activities in the current and prior year was unrestricted.

6. Government grants

The charity receives government grants, defined as funding from Bristol City Council to fund charitable activities. The total value of such grants in the period ending 31 March 2025 was £11,790 (2024: £1,806). There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to these grants in 2024/25.

27

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Total expenditure

Total expenditure
Staff costs (note 9)
Recruitment and training
Cost of goods sold
Production
Consumables
Marketing and communications
Building costs
Office and admin
Finance and legal
Organisational development
Depreciation
Sub-total
Allocation of support and governance costs
Total expenditure		 Raising funds
£
220,300
-
125,408
1,658
9,708
1,736
9,812
1,383
6,398
-
-
376,403
109,954
486,357		 Design
services
£
149,484
-
-
187,573
-
3,146
-
-
-
29
-
340,232
74,609
414,841		 Placemaking
£
3,284
-
-
-
-
360
-
-
-
-
-
3,644
1,639
5,283		 Public
programme
£
34,310
85
-
14,749
-
15,218
-
-
-
-
-
64,362
17,125
81,487		 Support and
governance
costs
£
60,288
12,010
-
6,870
-
8,936
42,877
21,399
13,816
4,376
32,755
203,327
(203,327)
-		 2025 Total
£
467,666
12,095
125,408
210,850
9,708
29,396
52,689
22,782
20,214
4,405
32,755
987,968
-
987,968

Total governance costs were £10,989 (2024: £14,189)

28

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Total expenditure (continued) Prior period comparative

Prior period comparative
Staff costs (note 9)
Recruitment and training
Cost of goods sold
Production
Consumables
Marketing and communications
Building costs
Office and admin
Finance and legal
Organisational development
Depreciation
Sub-total
Allocation of support and governance costs
Total expenditure		 Raising funds
£
192,645
-
148,500
2,010
10,298
2,562
4,131
1,931
13,574
-
-
375,651
98,932
474,583		 Design
services
£
121,590
-
-
250,634
-
862
-
-
-
171
-
373,257
62,442
435,699		 Placemaking
£
10,031
-
-
16,312
-
420
-
-
-
-
-
26,763
5,152
31,915		 Public
programme
£
43,368
215
-
15,426
-
15,719
-
-
-
-
-
74,728
22,271
96,999		 Support and
governance
costs
£
52,162
5,138
-
1,351
-
10,486
32,153
22,598
18,264
3,753
42,892
188,797
(188,797)
-		 2024 Total
£
419,796
5,353
148,500
285,733
10,298
30,049
36,284
24,529
31,838
3,924
42,892
1,039,196
-
1,039,196

29

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

8. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Depreciation
Trustees' remuneration
Trustees' reimbursed expenses
Auditors' / Independent examiner's remuneration (excluding VAT):
Statutory audit
Independent examination
Other services		 2025
£
32,755
Nil
Nil
-
4,920
2,214		 2024
£
42,892
Nil
225
11,350
-
1,912

In common with other charities of our size and nature we use our independent examiners to assist with the preparation of the financial statements and to prepare and submit returns to the tax authorities. Our independent examiners also provided occasional bookkeeping support to the charity during the year.

9. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs
Freelance staff		 2025
£
428,157
31,347
8,162
467,666
94,672
562,338		 2024
£
391,266
20,118
8,412
419,796
135,247
555,043

No employee earned more than £60,000 during the current or prior year.

The key management personnel of the group comprise the Trustees, CEO, Head of Design, Venue Operations Manager and Communications Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £167,689 (2024: £134,382).

Average number of employees (full-time equivalent) 2025
No.
19		 2024
No.
21

10. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes. The subsidiary company distributes any profits to the charity and therefore no corporation tax is payable.

30

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

11.
Tangible fixed assets
Group
Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions in year
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Charity
Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions in year
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024		 Leasehold
property
£
265,566
-
-
265,566
177,497
2,125
-
179,622
85,944
88,069
Leasehold
property
£
132,783
-
-
132,783
88,748
1,062
-
89,810
42,973
44,035		 Office
equipment
£
28,495
2,165
(2,210)
28,450
19,574
5,510
(2,210)
22,874
5,576
8,921
Office
equipment
£
28,495
2,165
(2,210)
28,450
19,574
5,510
(2,210)
22,874
5,576
8,921		 Fixtures
and fittings
£
£
113,002
46,039
6,869
3,051
(1,204)
-
118,667
49,090
78,247
11,065
20,389
4,731
(1,204)
-
97,432
15,796
21,235
33,294
34,755
34,974
Fixtures
and fittings
£
£
113,002
46,039
6,869
3,051
(1,204)
-
118,667
49,090
78,247
11,065
20,389
4,731
(1,204)
-
97,432
15,796
21,235
33,294
34,755
34,974
Leasehold
improvements
Leasehold
improvements		 Total
£
453,102
12,085
(3,414)
461,773
286,383
32,755
(3,414)
315,724
146,049
166,719
Total
£
320,319
12,085
(3,414)
328,990
197,634
31,692
(3,414)
225,912
103,078
122,685

31

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

12. Investments

Investment property
Design West Trading Limited
At 31 March
Investment property:
Market value at the start of the year
Revaluation gains / (losses)
Market value at 31 March		 2025
2024
£
£
550,000
550,000
-
-
550,000
550,000
2025
2024
£
£
550,000
550,000
-
-
550,000
550,000
The group
The group		 2025
2024
£
£
825,000
825,000
1
1
825,001
825,001
2025
2024
£
£
825,000
825,000
-
-
825,000
825,000
The charity
The charity		 2025
2024
£
£
825,000
825,000
1
1
825,001
825,001
2025
2024
£
£
825,000
825,000
-
-
825,000
825,000
The charity
The charity
825,000

Investments in subsidiaries

The investment represents 100% of the ordinary share capital of Design West Trading Limited (company number 14049103), whose principal activity is to carry out trading activities in support of the charity. A summary of the financial results and position of trading subsidiary is given in note 13.

Investment property

16 Narrow Quay, Bristol was transferred to the charity on 24 June 1997. The property was held as a tangible fixed asset and depreciated over the 125 year leasehold term. At this time, the building was used fully by Design West for operational use. In the year ended 31 March 2017 the building became a mixed use investment property. 50% of the building is recognised as investment property and held at fair value, with the remaining 50% held as a tangible fixed asset and depreciated over the 125 year leasehold term. On consolidation, the portion of the building occupied by Design West Trading Limited is reclassified as a tangible fixed asset, resulting in 25% of the building being recognised as investment property, and the remaining 75% held as a tangible fixed asset.

An external valuation of the residential properties was carried out by Alder King LLP, chartered surveyors, in November 2023 and a fair value of £1,100,000 was reported. Unless advised to the contrary, the valuers assume that no work would is required to any building by a prospective owner or occupier to comply with regulatory requirements. Prior year valuations have been provided by the trustees.

The trustees are satisfied that the valuation provided by Alder King Property Consultants was carried out by experts with sufficient relevant qualifications, and recent experience in the location and class of the property being valued, and that this continues to be an appropriate valuation as at the year end date.

32

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

13. Subsidiary undertakings

Design West Trading Limited

The charity owns the whole of the issued share capital (1 ordinary £1 share) of Design West Trading Limited, a company newly registered in England and Wales on 14 April 2022. The subsidiary is used for non-primary purpose trading activities. All activities have been consolidated on a line by line basis in the statement of financial activities. Available profits are donated to the charity. A summary of the results of the subsidiary is shown below:

Turnover
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Loss on ordinary activities
Corporation tax
Profit for financial year
The aggregate of the assets, liabilities and funds was:
Assets
Liabilities
Funds		 2025
£
373,357
(136,774)
236,583
(237,869)
(1,286)
-
(1,286)
2025
£
16,598
(68,416)
(51,818)		 2024
£
368,546
(160,808)
207,738
(228,551)
(20,813)
-
(20,813)
2024
£
13,462
(63,994)
(50,532)

33

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Parent charity

The parent charity's gross income and the results for the year are disclosed as follows:

Gross income
Results for the year		 2025
£
701,653
12,199		 2024
£
791,306
89,379

15. Stock

Café and bar stock
Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Amounts due from group undertakings		 2025
2024
£
£
5,081
7,585
2025
2024
£
£
93,379
122,737
5,870
4,513
-
-
99,249
127,250
The group
The group		 2025
2024
£
£
-
-
2025
2024
£
£
92,638
120,743
5,870
4,513
45,282
48,762
143,790
174,018
The charity
The charity		 2025
2024
£
£
-
-
2025
2024
£
£
92,638
120,743
5,870
4,513
45,282
48,762
143,790
174,018
The charity
The charity
174,018

16. Debtors

17. Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year

Trade creditors
Accruals
Deferred income (see note 18)
Other taxation and social security
VAT
Other creditors		 2025
2024
£
£
40,434
51,783
25,946
31,799
56,595
97,190
8,314
6,734
27,263
33,707
12,745
1,721
171,297
222,934
The group		 2025
2024
£
£
38,548
51,323
22,977
28,549
56,595
97,190
6,181
5,261
11,533
23,904
12,329
1,476
148,163
207,703
The charity		 2025
2024
£
£
38,548
51,323
22,977
28,549
56,595
97,190
6,181
5,261
11,533
23,904
12,329
1,476
148,163
207,703
The charity
207,703

34

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

18. Deferred income

2025
2024
£
£
At 1 April
97,190
96,767
Deferred during the year
56,595
97,190
Released during the year
(97,190)
(96,767)
At 31 March
56,595
97,190
Deferred income relates to services paid for in advance of provision.
The group		 2025
2024
£
£
97,190
96,767
56,595
97,190
(97,190)
(96,767)
56,595
97,190
The charity		 2025
2024
£
£
97,190
96,767
56,595
97,190
(97,190)
(96,767)
56,595
97,190
The charity
97,190
19.
Analysis of group net assets between funds
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
Investments
-
Current assets
29,057
Current liabilities
-
Net assets at 31 March 2025
29,057
Prior year comparative
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
Investments
-
Current assets
29,812
Current liabilities
-
Net assets at 31 March 2024
29,812
Restricted
funds
Restricted
funds		 £
85,944
550,000
225,000
-
860,944
£
88,069
550,000
220,000
-
858,069
Designated
funds
Designated
funds		 £
60,105
-
485,953
(171,297)
374,761
£
78,650
-
511,315
(222,934)
367,031
General
funds
General
funds		 Total
Funds
£
146,049
550,000
740,010
(171,297)
1,264,762
Total
Funds
£
166,719
550,000
761,127
(222,934)
1,254,912

35

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

20. Movements in group funds

Restricted funds
BCC CIL
Temple Commission
Creating Excellence Regional Fund
Royal Academy of Engineering
BCC Imagination Funding
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
Building renovation
Property
Education
Programme
Organisational development
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 At 1 April
2024
£
2,144
20,000
9,456
(1,788)
-		 Income
£
-
-
-
6,614
11,790		 £
-
-
(2,543)
(4,826)
(11,790)
Expenditure		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,000
-
5,000
(5,000)
-
-
Transfers
between
funds		 £
2,144
20,000
6,913
-
-
At 31 March
2025
29,812 18,404 (19,159) 29,057
60,000
638,069
10,000
70,000
80,000		 -
-
-
-
-		 -
(2,125)
-
-
-		 60,000
635,944
10,000
75,000
80,000
858,069 - (2,125) 860,944
367,031 979,414 (966,684) 374,761
1,225,100 979,414 (968,809) 1,235,705
1,254,912 997,818 (987,968) 1,264,762

Purposes of restricted funds

BCC CIL

Bristol City Council, Community Infrastructure Levy fund towards The Green Way, a series of infrastructure, cycling & tree planting improvements across three sites (St Pauls Learning Centre, St Pauls Adventure Playground, Halston Drive Community Room) & a ‘green’ route through St Pauls.

Temple Commission

Funding for public art commission in the area of Redcliffe & Temple (Cubex) to be deployed when conservation works are finished.

Creating Excellence Regional Fund

Funding from Creating Excellence to develop regional working, promoting design & placemaking into the South West regions.

36

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

20. Movements in group funds (continued)

Purposes of restricted funds (continued)

Royal Academy of Engineering

Ingenious Funding for ‘Engineering Climate Superheros’. Engagement project aimed at highlighting the important role of engineers in tackling the climate emergency. Plus inspiring & informing a future generation of diverse engineers.

BCC Imagination Funding

Cultural Investment Programme Funding towards our public programmes and Education programme (Shape My City).

Purpose of designated funds

Building renovation

Buildings require continual investment and maintenance. Following the capital transformation (21/22) of the ground and first floor, the trustees have created a building fund to secure future capital work and urgent repairs. This will cover critical future work including repairing exterior render, roof renewal, and updated energy regulations.

Property

The property fund represents the net book value of the investment and leasehold property held at the year end.

Education

The Trustees have designated a fund towards the development and safeguarding of our education work with diverse young people. We anticipate that this work may be impacted by recession.

Programme

Our public programmes, including large tour-based programmes like Bristol Open Doors have been reliant on a dwindling pool of public subsidy. In light of austerity & the current funding climate, the trustees have put aside a fund for developing programme to cover public tours, awards and a conference (2025 – 2027).

Organisational development

The charity has been through a period of rapid growth. Over the past year, the trustees have tested new structural models to build capacity & enable future growth. In 2025-2026 we anticipate creating a senior business operations role in the organisation. This investment will be loss-making in the short term, thus a fund is set aside for 2025-2027.

Transfers

The transfer to designated funds represents an amount the trustees deem reasonable to allocate for a specific project.

37

Design West

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

20. Movements in group funds (continued) Prior year comparative

Prior year comparative
Restricted funds
BCC Lockleaze
BCC CIL
Temple Commission
Creating Excellence Regional Fund
Royal Academy of Engineering
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
Building renovation
Property
Education
Programme
Organisational development
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 At 1 April
2023
£
6,064
2,144
20,000
14,206
-		 Income
£
1,806
-
-
-
9,920		 £
(7,870)
-
-
(4,750)
(11,708)
Expenditure		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
20,000
-
-
20,000
20,000
60,000
(60,000)
-
-
Transfers
between
funds		 £
-
2,144
20,000
9,456
(1,788)
At 31 March
2024
42,414 11,726 (24,328) 29,812
40,000
640,193
10,000
50,000
60,000		 -
-
-
-
-		 -
(2,124)
-
-
-		 60,000
638,069
10,000
70,000
80,000
800,193 - (2,124) 858,069
344,799 1,094,976 (1,012,744) 367,031
1,144,992 1,094,976 (1,014,868) 1,225,100
1,187,406 1,106,702 (1,039,196) 1,254,912

21. Related party transactions

N Fairham, chair of trustees, is the Chief Executive of Building Design Partnership (BDP). During the year, BDP was a member of Design West and sponsored Shape My City and The Good City Talk, totalling £6,200 (plus VAT). Liaison on delivery was managed with the BDP Bristol team, independent of the Chair’s role. In the prior period, the charity received £235 from BDP for space hire. £2,400 was outstanding at year end (2024: £3,480).

During the year, C Kwiatkowski, trustee, was paid for design services by the charity totalling £2,350 (2024: £2,009). No amounts were outstanding at year end.

Design West Trading Limited (wholly owned subsidiary of Design West)

Design West Trading Limited was incorporated on 14 April 2022 and is a wholly owed subsidiary of Design West. At 31 March 2025, Design West Trading Limited owed Design West £45,282 (2024: £48,762).

38