ommunlty Wellbeing MAIDSTONE COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE Annual Report 2024125 Houily Sè$$lon*l Roorn Pile & Office spacoto Rent t Afford•bl•pri¢es. 4J
38th MCSC AGM
Agenda
Welcome Apologies Minutes of Previous AGM Chair’s Report- Peter Cox Treasurer’s Report and Accounts- John Hawkins Election of Trustees. Re-election Peter Cox, Election to board Carole Bacon Chief Executive’s Report- Tad Taberer A.O.B
Contents
The Mission and Vision of MCSC Chair’s Report CEO’S and Report Financial Directors Report AGM Agenda Staff, Trustee & Contact Information
Who are we?
The MCSC Mission
To support charitable organisations and community groups to effectively deliver their services to the community of Maidstone and surrounding areas by providing good quality affordable offices and meeting spaces in our Maidstone based community building.
What does our Centre mean to the local Community?
MCSC aims to unlock local potential by helping organisations, agencies and groups reach out to the neighbouring population and workforce to promote, to encourage and to educate.
The Home of Community and Voluntary work in the heart of Maidstone
MCSC has been providing office space and services for various charitable organisations and affordable meeting space for local community groups and businesses since 1986.
Our Vision
Working with our Members, visitors and the community in our area, Maidstone Community Support Centre aims to provide:
An attractive and affordable office base for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups.
A nurturing and encouraging environment for ideas, partnerships and developments.
A range of innovative and creative community services in response to local needs.
Chairman’s Report
Welcome to the 38th Annual General Meeting of our Charity Maidstone Community Support Centre.
As a Licence Holder or Sessional Hirer of our premises this is your opportunity to meet members of the Trustee Board together with the Chief Executive and members of the Staff Team. It is also an opportunity to suggest or recommend changes to or the introduction of new facilities or operations. Tad as CEO and I as Chairman are always available to meet to consider other thoughts. You will have read the contributions from our Treasurer and CEO and know that both financially and operationally MCSC is in good order. We are continuing to make a steady return to pre-covid levels of activity in both sessional hire and occupation of available office accommodation.
Our building, despite its age, is in good order and is well maintained. We take advantage of opportunities to improve the building and the facilities it offers as
and when an opportunity presents itself. MCSC in Marsham Street meets its objectives and provides an excellent platform for front line service providers to deliver their much needed service provision.
MCSC continues to offer an economic and attractive contractual relationship with its Licence Holders and Sessional Hirers. We absorb some of the inflationary cost pressures and offer favourable 'easy in, easy out' Licence term. This 'attractive proposition' is underwritten by the whole of the staff team and their commitment to the needs of our users.
On behalf of the Trustee Board I take the opportunity to thank Tad and the Staff Team for their commitment and contribution to the success of MCSC in Marsham Street and to you our users.
Peter Cox
Chairman Board of Trustees Maidstone Community Support Centre
CEO’s Report
Next year 2026, our charity, Maidstone Community Support Centre, will be 40 years old and in 2027, the Centre itself will be celebrating 40 years since it opened its doors. I wonder how many people have benefited from the support they were given from the organisations that have been based here over the years, I am sure these walls have plenty of stories to tell.
Through 2024 to 2025, I have continued to feel proud for the resilience, compassion, and commitment shown by everyone at Maidstone Community Support Centre. In a time of economic uncertainty and social challenges, the Centre has remained a vital source of services, support and connection for those who need it most.
Through this period, MCSC has made a significant investment in the future of the Centre. With sustainability and safety at the forefront, we have installed solar panels on the roof—helping to reduce our carbon footprint and lowering energy costs. We upgraded to a greener boiler system, improving efficiency, reliability and environmental impact. We have also updated our fire protection
infrastructure, ensuring that our building remains a safe and secure space for everyone who walks through our doors. This investment and other improvements reflect our long-term commitment to not only making the building greener and energy efficient, which helps us to reduce our costs, but also ensuring that MCSC continues with its valuable role in supporting those organisations that support the wider community of Maidstone and the surrounding areas. The reported year 2024-2025 has been one of continued recovery and progress for MCSC. We have managed to maintain a high occupancy rate for our office space. The take up of our sessional hire rooms have shown continued improvement, although they have yet to still reach pre-pandemic levels. This year we have given some young people the opportunity for paid work experience, culminating in being able to take one of them on as a valued employee of MCSC. We are also continuing to support pupils from Five Acre Wood School with some work experience, which hopefully will give them some skills and confidence to move into the world of employment once they leave school. Alongside work experience we now have three volunteers that work alternate Mondays and help us with gardening maintenance.
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all the groups and organisations based at or use MCSC, for their ongoing support. I would also like to add a sincere thank you to our Board of Trustees for their guidance, and to our dedicated staff team Jo, Matt, Ella, Rey, Mike, Jay and Shupi for all their hard work and constant support.
Financial Directors Report
It doesn't seem that long ago that I was reporting on the financial position for 2023/24 but I now have the pleasure to present the accounts for the Maidstone Community Support Centre ("MCSC") for the year ended 31st March, 2025.
Apart from the offices undergoing refurbishment following the flood damage caused by the flash floods earlier in the year we are operating at full occupancy and although there have been changes to our members during the year, it is encouraging to note that, thanks to the efforts by the team, any vacancies have been filled almost immediately.
As a consequence, our annual budget assumes full occupancy will continue which is reasonable on the grounds that the market has settled down following the dark days of the Pandemic although the unknown factor is sessional hire but I am pleased to confirm that income from this source has increased by some 14% producing an income of £82,133 for the year.
The accounts show an operating surplus of £6,741 and the Board is confident that 2025/26 will produce a similar surplus.
In last year's report I mentioned that Tad was submitting our comments in response to Maidstone Borough Council's consultation document regarding the discretionary relief for business rates applicable to charities and non-profit organizations.
I am delighted to tell you that our representations were successful with the result that we will not be liable for business rates for at least another three years.
The year has seen a very significant investment of £115,419 on a new boiler and solar panels which have and will continue to reduce energy costs and underpin the trustees aim to ensure that our building is as eco-friendly as possible.
In December 2024, the trustees made the decision to invest £250,000 in a share portfolio to ensure that we maximize resources to cover future capital expenditure on the building which will ensure you will continue to have the best possible working environment.
To sum up, MCSC is in a very strong financial position which will ensure it can continue to offer the standard of facilities that you currently enjoy. It remains only for me to wish you every success and to thank Tad and the entire MCSC team for their splendid work throughout the year which makes my job so easy.
John Hawkins Treasurer
Income vs Expenditure for 202412025 2024-2025 £359.151.t Ea84A63. Expenditure 2024-2025 E2JMI?.10 IJ7Jbl.16 £M4S4YK I.%rA? Income 2024-20Z5
A Big Thank You... to our supporting Organisations here at our Centre...
Staff & Trustee Information
Staff
Tad Taberer - Chief Executive Officer Matt Wright - Centre Support Manager Jo Mitchell – Centre Lettings & Finance Manager Ella Griffiths - Reception/Administrator Rey Mayston - Centre Support Worker Mike Farmer - HandyMan
Shupi Makina - Evening and Weekend Centre Support Worker Jay Wild Mitchell – Evening and Weekend Centre Support Worker
Trustees
Peter Cox - Chair Ray Harris - Vice Chair John Hawkins - Finance Director Dorothy Phillips Sandie Turner Sue Maidens
Contact Us
Maidstone Community Support Centre
39-48 Marsham Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1HH 01622 690369
www.mcsc.org.uk admin@mcsc.org.uk
Twitter - @MCSCMaidstone Facebook - MCSC Maidstone LinkedIn - Maidstone Community Support Centre
“Just a quick one to say thanks so much for hosting and catering for our event yesterday, couldn't have asked for more from either the venue or from the catering side of things. It was a great venue and everyone was super friendly and helpful - if you have any review page/feedback we can complete I am more than happy to do that! Thanks again, hopefully see you again soon”
Kind Regards Taylor- Challenging Behaviour Foundation
“I just wanted to send an email to say what an amazing week I have had teaching at your venue. Before I go into detail, this was all reiterated by my students as well. The entire centre was clean with beautiful facilities and amazingly friendly and helpful staff. The students especially loved the outside area they could use in their break, describing it as a little nugget of paradise!”
-
“It was easy to get to, easy to park at and an all-round thoroughly enjoyable to visit. The Sunflower Café was a particular highlight for us all as well! The food was well
-
priced and served some of the best jacket potatoes I have had, the service was quick and (again) the staff were lovely”
“Thank you again for a lovely week; it has been a highlight for me (and my students!)”
Emily Hempstead- Runway Training
“I just wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for all your help on Friday,”
“The event was really fab, food and service/friendliness great. You run a lovely ship there, I do hope we can have more events with you in the future.”
Joanna Saady Director
PG Dip (Arch) MSc (Energy Eff Bld) PG Cert (Cons) Arb RIBA IHBC IHBC Trustee and South East Branch Chair
Registered number: 02045986 Charity number: 295143
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Unaudited
Trustees' Report and Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 - 19 |
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Trustees and Advisers For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Trustees | Peter Cox, Chair |
|---|---|
| Raymond Harris, Vice Chair | |
| John Hawkins, Financial Treasurer | |
| Susan Maidens (appointed 26 November 2024) | |
| Dorothy Phillips | |
| Fiona Marriner (resigned 21 February 2025) | |
| Sandra Turner | |
| Company registered number 02045986 Charity registered number 295143 Registered office 39 - 48 Marsham Street Maidstone ME14 1HH Company secretary Rowland Taberer Chief executive officer Rowland Taberer Accountants UHY Hacker Young Chartered Accountants Thames House Roman Square Sittingbourne Kent ME10 4BJ |
Page 1
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
The trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the company for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 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).
Since the company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
Maidstone Community Support Centre was established to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in South East England and, in particular, the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, distress and sickness. The principal method of delivery of our charitable aims has been through the provision of affordable office and meeting space to charities and like minded organisations. These facilities and the infrastructure supporting them are provided on a mutually acceptable but cost effective basis. We further promote our charitable aims through the provision of a range of activities that support the community who are disadvantaged by social or health issues.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Main activities undertaken to further the company's purposes for the public benefit
The charity's income is derived in the main from licence fees from the provision of rented office accommodation and the sessional hire of its meeting and training room facilities to the charities and other like-minded organisations.
By providing enhanced facilities to users of the Centre, we seek to further support our key stakeholders during difficult economic times.
The centre currently employs 8 staff at the time of signing this report.
Maidstone Community Support Centre continues to look at developing and growing its role as an important asset to the local community.
Achievements and performance
a. Review of activities
Maidstone Community Support Centre ("MCSC") has for all practical purposes maintained full occupancy levels throughout the period under review. While there has been some ‘churn’ of tenants the resulting, vacancies have been filled quickly by the Staff-Team.
Changed work patterns following Covid have continued to impact the sessional hire of halls and meeting rooms, meaning MCSC has yet to return to pre-Covid levels of sessional hire activity.
Notwithstanding activity levels MCSC continues to support its tenants through absorption of inflation cost pressures and investment in the fabric of the Marsham Street building. Rent increases in 2025/26 were limited to a modest increase in storage and parking costs.
The two-year plan to replace the main stairwell carpets has now been completed.
Surge Protection Devices have been installed to protect the building, its systems and tenant’s IT facilities against a future electrical surge or major power failure as we witnessed following last year’s sub-station failure.
The Centre has also invested in upgrading its Fire Protection systems throughout the building as part of our continuing drive to keep the building safe and up to date.
Page 2
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
The two new boilers have been brought into service. Their greater efficiency will bring reduced energy costs, which coupled with our renegotiation of both gas and electricity supply contracts, will further reduce cost pressures. As part of our plan for greater energy efficiency we have recently applied for planning permission to install solar panels on the roof space.
We continue to work with Age UK through their provision of the Sunflower Café and we encourage them to introduce more of their service provision to the building.
We also continue to work with Five Acre Wood School and look forward to their students starting to broadcast next year from the radio studio at Marsham Street.
b. Investment policy and performance
In the past most of the Centre’s funds were required to be spent in the short term and funds were not available for long term investment. Recent years have seen a sensible increase in rental charges both for office space and sessional room hire. A determination to keep offices at 100% occupancy and increased marketing of dramatically improved facilities has seen a surplus year on year in recent times.
The majority of this surplus is earmarked for future works under the aforementioned maintenance and improvement plan.
During the year the trustees reviewed the charity’s investment strategy and agreed to appoint a professional investment management company, Evelyn Partners, to oversee the charity’s funds. The objective is to safeguard reserves, achieve a modest return above cash, and ensure funds are available to support the charity’s purposes as required.
In line with this revised approach, surplus funds not immediately required for operations have been placed in a managed portfolio of lowrisk, listed investments, together with short-term cash deposits. The trustees have sought a balance between maintaining capital security and generating income to support the charity’s activities.
The investment manager operates within guidelines set by the trustees, and performance is regularly monitored against agreed benchmarks. The trustees are satisfied that the new arrangements provide an appropriate mix of security, liquidity, and return, and that performance in the short period between the first investments in December 2024 and the financial year end has been in line with expectations. At 31 March 2025 the charity held listed investments as fixed assets of £227,533 and current asset cash deposits of £4,541.
In addition to these investment balances the charity held cash at bank balances for operations of £121,636 at 31 March 2025.
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Please see accounting policy 2.3 for further details of why the trustees have reached this conclusion.
b. Reserves policy
The trustees have reviewed the current financial position and any changes are detailed below. Additionally they have agreed to maintain the current reserves policy. The charity endeavours to ensure sustainable reserves for future years.
At 31 March 2025 the charity held total reserves of £634,354 (2024: £626,147), of which £171,488 (2024: £174,410) were restricted. Unrestricted funds of £462,866 (2024: £451,737) included a designated fund of £146,096 (2024: £52,176) related to the charity's operational fixed assets, as detailed in note 18. The charity therefore had completely free general reserves of £316,770 (2024 - £399,561), the reduction arising as a result of the investment in various property related improvements during the year, notably the new boiler installation and initial costs in respect of the solar panels.
Detailed budgeting and financial reviews take place at regular intervals during the year. The organisation's trustees maintain a prudent approach to the current reserves.
Page 3
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
c. Principal risks and uncertainties
This year’s financial performance has continued in the previously established pattern with the continuing Government squeeze on public sector expenditure having some impact on our users. Against this background sufficient funds have been generated to maintain the building at the required level and to add some additional facilities needed to keep our offering at a competitive level.
d. Financial risk management objectives and policies
The trustees' principal financial management policies are in respect of managing reserves and managing risk. These are described in (b) and (c) above.
e. Review of results for 2024-25
The overall financial result for 2024-25 shows a net increase in funds of £8,207, which compares to a surplus of £27,395 in the previous year. Although income has increased, rising costs, particularly staff costs, have impacted on the final performance.
Charitable income from licence fees and session income was up by £16,996 compared to 2023-24.
Staff costs remained the greatest expense, followed by light and heat costs, and then other property management and cleaning costs.
The result for the year split between funds is shown on the face of the Statement of Financial Activities, with the great majority of all income and expenditure during the year passing through general unrestricted funds.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Maidstone Community Support Centre is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee (company registration no. 02045986) and was set up by a Memorandum of Association. It was incorporated on 12 August 1986. The Members of the company are the Trustees and such other persons or bodies corporate as are eligible for membership. Persons wishing to become members are required to make a formal application for consideration. Membership is not transferable. The company is constituted under a Memorandum of Association and is a registered charity, no. 295143.
b. Methods of appointment or election of trustees
Trustees, who also act as directors for the purposes of company law, are appointed at the company’s Annual General Meeting. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association directors are elected to serve for a period of up to three years after which they must apply for re-election at the Annual General Meeting.
c. Risk management
The trustees have established an annual procedure to review risks and set or confirm strategies and policies. Day to day management of risk policies and their effectiveness is carried out by the Chief Executive.
Members' liability
In the event of the company being wound up, members are each required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. The Members of the company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up.
Management
The Centre is managed by a Board of Trustees appointed at the Annual General Meeting. The Centre employs a Chief Executive who reports, and is responsible to the Honorary Chairman.
Page 4
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . 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 of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
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 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 members of the board of trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Peter Cox
(Honorary Chairman)
Date:
Page 5
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Independent Examiner's Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Maidstone Community Support Centre ('the company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the trustees of the company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the company's accounts 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.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the company'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, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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.
This report is made solely to the company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the company's trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated:
Allan R. Hickie BSc FCA
UHY Hacker Young Chartered Accountants Thames House Roman Square Sittingbourne Kent. ME10 4BJ
Page 6
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 4 Charitable activities 5 Investments 6 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 7 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) before net gains on investments Net gains on investments 13 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward 18 |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 48 379,363 6,843 386,254 376,591 376,591 9,663 1,466 11,129 451,737 11,129 462,866 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - - - - 2,922 2,922 (2,922) - (2,922) 174,410 (2,922) 171,488 |
Total funds 2025 £ 48 379,363 6,843 386,254 379,513 379,513 6,741 1,466 8,207 626,147 8,207 634,354 |
Total funds 2024 £ 7,039 362,367 6,708 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 376,114 | ||||
| 348,719 | ||||
| 348,719 | ||||
| 27,395 - |
||||
| 27,395 | ||||
| 598,752 27,395 |
||||
| 626,147 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 9 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee) Registered number: 02045986
Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Investments 13 Current assets Debtors 14 Investments 15 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 17 Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 18 Unrestricted funds 18 Total funds |
10,786 4,541 121,636 136,963 (41,084) |
2025 £ 317,584 227,533 95,879 640,996 (6,642) 634,354 171,488 462,866 634,354 |
14,198 - 446,725 460,923 (51,493) |
2024 £ 226,586 - 409,430 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 636,016 (9,869) |
||||
| 626,147 | ||||
| 174,410 451,737 |
||||
| 626,147 |
The company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Peter Cox
(Honorary Chairman)
Date:
The notes on pages 9 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Maidstone Community Support Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
1. General information
Maidstone Community Support Centre is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The registered office is 39 - 48 Marsham Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HH.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective March 2018), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Maidstone Community Support Centre 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.
2.2 Company status
The company is a company limited by guarantee. The legal members of the company are the trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company.
2.3 Going concern
The Trustees have considered whether they believe the charitable company will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and whether there are any material uncertainties about the charity company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation of the financial statements.
At the time of approval of these financial statements the charitable company has healthy cash at bank and free reserve balances, and with year-to-date management accounting information and forecasts for the coming twelve months indicating that there are no material uncertainties over going concern, the Trustees have concluded that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.
2.4 Income
All income is recognised once the company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
2.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. The costs of the one activity for the entity is made up of direct costs as well as support costs involved in undertaking said activity.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Page 9
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.
- Freehold property 2% per annum straight line on cost - Freehold property improvements 10% per annum straight line on cost - Fixtures, fittings and equipment 20% per annum straight line on cost
2.7 Investments
Fixed asset investments are held in a managed portfolio of listed equities and other securities through a regulated investment manager. Investments are initially recognised at cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, based on quoted market prices. All gains and losses, realised or unrealised, are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they arise. Investment income is recognised when receivable.
Current asset investments comprise cash deposits held with the charity’s investment manager. These are included at cash value at the balance sheet date. Income from such deposits is recognised when receivable.
2.8 Financial instruments
The company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.9 Pensions
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the company to the fund in respect of the year.
2.10 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
Page 10
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Maidstone Community Support Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Critical areas of judgment:
Classification of investments
The trustees have exercised judgement in determining the appropriate classification of the charity’s listed investments. Although the portfolio is managed on a discretionary basis and can be realised at short notice, the trustees’ intention, as documented in the charity’s investment strategy, is to hold these investments for the medium to longer term in order to generate income and capital growth to support the charity’s objectives.
Accordingly, the listed investments have been classified as fixed asset investments rather than current asset investments. Shortterm cash deposits managed alongside the portfolio, which are intended to be available to fund near-term expenditure, are presented separately as current asset investments.
4. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Analysis of 2024 total by fund |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 48 - |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - 7,039 |
Total funds 2025 £ 48 7,039 |
Total funds 2024 £ 7,039 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5. Income from charitable activities
| Licence fees and session income Analysis of 2024 total by fund |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 379,363 362,367 |
Total funds 2025 £ 379,363 362,367 |
Total funds 2024 £ 362,367 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 11
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
6. Investment income
| Income from listed investments Investment income Analysis of 2024 total by fund |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 607 6,236 6,843 6,708 |
Total funds 2025 £ 607 6,236 6,843 6,708 |
Total funds 2024 £ - 6,708 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6,708 | |||
7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Direct charitable purposes Analysis of 2024 total by fund |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 376,591 346,442 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 2,922 2,277 |
Total 2025 £ 379,513 348,719 |
Total 2024 £ 348,719 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Direct charitable purposes Analysis of 2024 total |
Direct costs 2025 £ 308,790 285,444 |
Support costs 2025 £ 70,723 63,275 |
Total funds 2025 £ 379,513 348,719 |
Total funds 2024 £ 348,719 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 12
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs
| Staff costs Water, sewerage and waste Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Property management and cleaning Other direct costs |
Total funds 2025 £ 185,730 9,720 59,235 19,980 29,558 4,567 308,790 |
Total funds 2024 £ 167,033 1,714 62,176 29,034 25,038 449 |
|---|---|---|
| 285,444 |
Analysis of support costs
| Depreciation Donations Repairs and maintenance Insurance Accountancy and payroll charges Legal and professional fees Postage, stationery and telephone/broadband costs Computer supplies Bank charges and interest Sundry expenses |
Total funds 2025 £ 24,421 500 11,872 6,695 5,185 1,020 14,071 2,465 924 3,570 70,723 |
Total funds 2024 £ 13,768 - 14,392 6,029 5,326 - 15,504 5,238 653 2,365 |
|---|---|---|
| 63,275 |
Page 13
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
9. Independent examiner's remuneration
The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £3,925 (2024: £3,790), and other services of £1,260 (2024: £1,536).
10. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2025 £ 170,125 9,180 6,425 185,730 |
2024 £ 152,967 7,273 6,793 |
|---|---|---|
| 167,033 |
The average number of persons employed by the company during the year was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Employees | 8 | 8 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
Key management personnel received remuneration (including employer national insurance and pension contributions) of £127,109 (2024 - £120,855) .
11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 31 March 2025, no trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL) .
Page 14
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
12. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
Freehold property £ 221,765 - 221,765 54,335 2,218 56,553 165,212 167,430 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 148,503 - 148,503 133,058 2,345 135,403 13,100 15,445 |
Other fixed assets £ 542,199 115,419 657,618 498,488 19,858 518,346 139,272 43,711 |
Total £ 912,467 115,419 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,027,886 | ||||
| 685,881 24,421 |
||||
| 710,302 | ||||
| 317,584 | ||||
| 226,586 |
| 13. Fixed asset investments Cost or valuation Additions Disposals Revaluations At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 |
Listed investments £ 302,442 (76,375) 1,466 |
|---|---|
| 227,533 | |
| 227,533 |
Page 15
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
14. Debtors
| Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income Current asset investments Unlisted investments (liquid) |
2025 £ 9,966 - 820 10,786 2025 £ 4,541 |
2024 £ 11,333 2,045 820 |
|---|---|---|
| 14,198 | ||
| 2024 £ - |
15. Current asset investments
16. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Other loans Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year Other loans |
2025 £ 3,226 7,148 3,049 1,721 25,940 41,084 2025 £ 6,642 |
2024 £ 3,226 3,658 3,988 997 39,624 |
|---|---|---|
| 51,493 | ||
| 2024 £ 9,869 |
17. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
Page 16
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
18. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Fixed asset fund General funds General funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Capital fund Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2024 £ 52,176 399,561 451,737 174,410 626,147 |
Income £ - 386,254 386,254 - 386,254 |
Expenditure £ - (376,591) (376,591) (2,922) (379,513) |
Transfers in/out £ 93,920 (93,920) - - - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - 1,466 1,466 - 1,466 |
Balance at 31 March 2025 £ 146,096 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316,770 | ||||||
| 462,866 | ||||||
| 171,488 | ||||||
| 634,354 |
Summary of funds
Unrestricted funds
The designated fixed asset fund represents the net book value of tangible fixed assets funded from unrestricted general funds. The difference between the carried forward balance on this fund and the value of tangible fixed assets in note 12 relates to the balance on the restricted capital fund for fixed assets acquired out of restricted funding.
General funds represent the 'free' reserves readily available to trustees to spend as they see fit in accordance with the charity's objectives.
Restricted funds
The capital fund is in respect of capital grants received for the purchase and improvement of freehold buildings and purchase of items and equipment. In accordance with the accounting policy, depreciation on the assets concerned is charged as an expense of the restricted fund.
Page 17
Maidstone Community Support Centre
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
18. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Fixed asset fund General funds General funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Capital fund Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 56,798 372,306 429,104 169,648 598,752 |
Income £ - 369,075 369,075 7,039 376,114 |
Expenditure £ (11,491) (334,951) (346,442) (2,277) (348,719) |
Transfers in/out £ 6,869 (6,869) - - - |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 52,176 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 399,561 | |||||
| 451,737 | |||||
| 174,410 | |||||
| 626,147 |
19. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 146,096 227,533 136,963 (41,084) (6,642) 462,866 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 171,488 - - - - 171,488 |
Total funds 2025 £ 317,584 227,533 136,963 (41,084) (6,642) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 634,354 |
Page 18
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Maidstone Community Support Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025
19. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 52,176 460,923 (51,493) (9,869) 451,737 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 174,410 - - - 174,410 |
Total funds 2024 £ 226,586 460,923 (51,493) (9,869) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 626,147 |
20. Pension commitments
The company operates a defined contribution scheme. The assets of the pension scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund. There were £565 payable to the fund at the balance sheet date (2024 - £584) .
21. Operating lease commitments
At 31 March 2025 the company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
| Not later than 1 year Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years |
2025 £ 9,165 11,042 20,207 |
2024 £ 3,281 2,424 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,705 |
22. Related party transactions
The company engaged in transactions with related parties, as noted below. Each of these transactions were at open market value or on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm's length transactions.
The company charged rent of £4,321 (2024 - £4,321) to Mr. Peter Cox, a trustee of Maidstone Community Support Centre. At 31 March 2024 Mr. Cox was owed £1,292 (2024 - £1,906) by the charity, as a result of payments in advance.
Page 19