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2025-04-05-accounts

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Charity Registration No. 328182

, THE HARDING TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 5 April 2025

THE HARDING TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees MrJohn Paul Claude Fowell
MrGary Greer (Appointed 9 September 2024)
Mr Michael Norman Lloyd
Mr Richard David Platt
Mr GeoffreyGeorge Wall
Charity number 328182
Independentexaminer Jean EllisBAFCACTA
Castile Chambers
43 Castle Street
Liverpool
L2 9TL
Accountants DSG CharteredAccountants
Castle Chambers
43 Castle Street
Liverpool
L2 9TL
Solicitors BrabnersLLP
Horton House
Exchange Flags
Liverpool
L2 3YL
Investment advisors Canaccord GenuityWealth Management
SaggarHouse
Princes Drive
Worcester
WR12PG

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THE HARDING TRUST

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees’ report 1-6
Independent examiner's report 7
Statement offinancial activities 8
Balance sheet 9
Notestothefinancialstatements 10-17

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THE HARDING TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 5 April 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements.

Objectives and activities

Charitable objects

The charitable objects of the Harding Trust are to apply the funds held for the benefit of such charitable objects and purposes as the trustees may in their discretion think fit which promote, improve develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music.

The trustees may also, at their discretion, apply up to 20% of the income generated for the benefit of other charitable objects and purposes.

Aims of charity

The aims of the charity are to apply, at the discretion of the trustees, grants to the charitable objects, mainly but not exclusively in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.

The trustees purchased a Steinway D Grand Piano (No. 466700) in August 2011 with the aim of further providing a way of assisting organisations to provide for concert performances.

How achievement of aims furthers objectives

The trustees, by sponsoring or by otherwise supporting public concerts, recitals and performances by amateur and professional organisations, as well as piano hire to organisations have been able to achieve their charitable objects.

Strategies for achieving aims

The trustees' main strategy to achieve their aims continues to be grant making.

Statement of compliance with Charity Commission guidance

The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in deciding the activities undertaken by the Charity during the year. The trustees are satisfied that the information provided in the report and accounts meet the public benefit reporting requirements.

Charitable activities

The only operational activities other than thase involved in the operation of the investment portfolio is the provision of the Steinway D Grand Piano for hire by organisations for concert performances.

Grant making policy

The charitable trust is mainly involved in grant making in furtherance of the charity's aims. Grants made during the year are recognised in the accounts in the period in which they are due and payable.

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THE HARDING TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Achievements and performance

Charitable achievements

The trustees are happy that by applying their intended musical grants to various societies, festivals, trusts, performances and theatres they have been able to fulfil their aims in providing sponsorship and otherwise supporting various public concerts, recitals and performances by both amateur and professional organisations.

In addition to the musical grants, the trustees have also been able to make several donations to various hospices and other organisations.

The charitable trust has been able to supply the Steinway D Grand Piano it acquired to various organisations for concert performances. The trustees have appointed Stoke on Trent Festival Limited (registered charity no 500687) as agents to deal with all the practicalities of administration in dealing with the hire of the piano. They report and account to the trustees on an annual basis and their activities are contained within the body of these accounts. The piano's storage and maintenance was undertaken by Gilberts Piano Storage.

Investment performance

Most of the trust's capital is invested on the stock market, and throughout the year the total return of the portfolio fell within the trustees acceptable variance of the performance benchmark. Ongoing investment advice is provided by Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management in conjunction with the trustees.

The market value of the portfolio on 5 April 2025 was £5,189,483 (£5,458,726 in 2024).

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THE HARDING TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED § APRIL 2025

Financial review

Review of financial position

The charitable trust's overall fund balances for the year total £5,563,909 compared with £5,822,398 for 2024.

After taking into consideration total net income and expenditure, net gains on investments, commitments to charitable donations and governance costs, there was an overall decrease in the net movement in funds of £258,489 compared to an increase of £7,142 in 2024.

The trustees have also reviewed their grant making capability and are happy, going forward, that there will be sufficient income year on year to enable them to meet the financial commitments of the charitable trust.

The trustees consider their investments as expendable endowments, providing a relatively secure and predictable stream of income from which to make grants. The trustees aim to distribute as large a percentage of the income, net of expenses, as possible in each financial year. However, any unrealised gains and income levels on investments held are continually reviewed by the trustees at their meetings to ensure that they have sufficient funds to meet their objectives.

Reserves policy

The policy of the charitable trust is that unrestricted funds which are of a capital nature should be maintained as far as possible to achieve future growth, whilst those of an income nature should be utilised as far as possible to meet the grant making activity and cover the annual expenditure relating to its charitable activities involved in maintaining and supplying the piano. As such, the trustees are happy that sufficient funds have been maintained to meet their charitable objectives throughout the year.

Investment policy

There are no specific restrictions of investment powers under the governing deed; the trustees have full discretion over the investments. The investment managers have been employed under their Discretionary Management Service since July 2023, whereas previously it was an Advisory Service, and the trustees consider proposals with a view to adherence to their investment policies. The trustees regularly review their investment policies and do not feel any amendments are necessary.

The trustees, in conjunction with the investment managers, are to avoid exposure to investments which are deemed to be unsuitable in the context of the trust's objectives when considering the portfolio as a whole. The investment manager is also to have regard to the need for diversification and the total amount invested in a single company or security should not exceed 5% of the market value of the trust's total portfolio at the time of purchase, or 10% of the market value of the trust's total portfolio at any time.

The benchmark upon which the investment portfolio is measured is based upon the MSCI WMA Private Investor Balanced.

The investment managers will provide half year valuations and reports in April and October and will attend the trustees' AGM. Valuations are also available online to all trustees.

The trustees will inform the investment manager of any relevant changes to the trust objectives and any other developments that result in a required change of investment policy.

Risk management

The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have established systems and procedures to manage these. This includes the appointment of solicitors and accountants to provide legal advice, accountancy and secretarial services; investment advisors to provide continuous oversight of the trust's investment portfolio; and the trustees themselves have agreed to delegate certain functions to those with the appropriate skills to monitor the effective management of the trust and the application of funds to fulfil their charitable objectives.

The trustees consider the variability of investment returns constitute the charity's major financial risk and have put the investment policy in place to manage that risk.

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THE HARDING TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Plans for the future

The trustees are satisfied that their current policies are sufficient to meet the objectives of the trust and continue to review the position.

AJ Harding Will Trust

Mrs Sally Warnock, the life tenant of the A J Harding Will Trust has advised the trustees of the Will Trust that when the trust comes to an end the capital of the A J Harding Will Trust does accrue to the Harding Trust. Mrs Warnock believes that her late husband, Mr Anthony James Harding, would have wished the income generated by his estate to be applied for the benefit of sporting charities for the young. The trustees fully understand and appreciate the sentiments expressed by Mrs Warnock in this regard. They have no hesitation in agreeing to take into account these wishes within the ambit of the Harding trust deed. It was agreed that this nofe will be included in the annual accounts of the Harding Trust to ensure consideration when the funds are applied to the Harding Trust.

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THE HARDING TRUST TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Structure, governance and management

Nature of governing document and charity constitution The charitable trust was established by deed dated 14th April 1989 by Michael Eric Harding. Subsequent to the original deed, a supplemental deed dated 4th May 2001 irrevocably amended the objects of the charity using the powers contained in clause7 of the original deed to their present format.

The supplemental deed dated 4th May 2001 has been submitted to and approved by the Charity Commission.

The trust was originally constituted by the introduction of cash and investments for the purposes of investment and the fulfilment of the charitable aims of the trust.

Trustees

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr John Paul Claude Fowell

Mr Gary Greer (Appointed 9 September 2024) Mr Michael Norman Lloyd Mr Richard David Platt Mr Geoffrey George Wall

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The power to appoint further trustees rests with the existing trustees who continue to review the future requirements of the charitable trust and professional experience when considering the appointment of new trustees.

Organisational structure

The trust is mainly a grant making charity. In general, Gary Greer and Richard Platt act in conjunction with the investment managers, currently Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, in respect of the investment portfolio whilst Mike Lloyd and John Fowell deal with the charitable donations including identifying and liaising with organisations whose activities help fulfil the objectives of the charity.

How decisions are made

The charity is run by a body of trustees who liaise regularly amongst themselves and with their professional advisors and formally review the policies and objectives of the trust once a year. The trustees act in accordance wiih the decisions made at these meetings with the appropriate actions minuted.

Induction and training of trustees

Incoming trustees will be made aware of their responsibilities and the trust's objectives from the existing trustees and their professional advisors at the date of their appointment.

The trustees are kept up to date on relevant matters by their professional advisors.

Operational restrictions

There are no specific restrictions imposed on the trustees by the governing document concerning the way the charity can operate.

Special investment powers

There are no specific restrictions on the trustees investment powers. The trustees have decided for the time being not ta impose restrictions of their own on the fund managers as listed in the investment policy.

Asset cover for funds

The trustees are satisfied there are sufficient assets to meet the charity's obligations.

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THE HARDING TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Trustee approval and signature GL by the Board ofTrustees. Yo Trustee Trustee Dated: Lf12/2025 dated: /12/12/

Trustee dated: /12/12/[2025]

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THE HARDING TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HARDING TRUST

| report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Harding Trust (the charity) for the year ended 5 April 2025,

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

| report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. , ‘

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 4 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

i understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

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

| 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 arder to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Jean Ellis BA FCA CTA Independent Examiner

LD) (-\c

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THE HARDING TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Unrestricted Unrestricted Total
funds funds funds funds
Revenue Capital Revenue Capital
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
Notes £ £ £ £ £ E
Income andendowments from:
Investments 2 188,898 - 188,898 185,392 - 185,392
Piano hire 3 1,000 - 1,000 - - -
Total income 189,898 - 189,898 185,392 - 185,392
Expenditure on:
Investment
Management fees 4 - 34,835 34,835 - 30,131 30,131
Charitable activities § 187,441 9,124 196,565 175,508 8,835 184,343
Total expenditure 187,441 43,959 231,400 175,508 38,966 214,474
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
9 - (216,987) (216,987) - 36,227 36,227
Netmovement in funds 2,457 (260,946) (258,489) 9,884 (2,739) 7,145
Fund balances at 6 April
2024 340,810 5,481,588 5,822,398 330,926 5,484,327 5,815,253
Fund balances at5April
2025 343,267 5,220,642 5,563,909 340,810 5,481,588 5,822,398

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

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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THE HARDING TRUST

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 5 APRIL 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 11 19,450 19,450
Investments 12 5,189,483 5,458,726
§,208,933 5,478,176
Currentassets
Cash at bank and in hand 391,005 374,939
Creditors: amounts falling due within
oneyear 14 (36,029) (30,717)
Net current assets 354,976 344,222
Total assets less current liabilities 5,563,909 5,822,398
Unrestricted funds
Capital funds 5,220,642 5,481,588
Revenue funds 343,267 340,810
5,563,909 5,822,398
Thefinancialstatementswere approvedby
Coals
bythea
MrGeofrey-Qenrgeeal!
Trustee Trustee
Rrtrnan
Oavio Piatt

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THE HARDING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Harding Trust is a charitable trust, charity registration number 328182, created by Michael Eric Harding by a deed dated 14th April 1989 and subject to a subsequent deed dated 4th May 2001.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the required revaluation of financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2. Going concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

The charity only consists of unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.

14 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Apart from the receipt of capital from the A J Harding Trust it is not anticipated that any further cash donations or legacies are to be made to the charitable trust.

Any income from the hire of the piano is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and should represent amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of the charitable activity attributed to the piano. It is not anticipated that any surplus income will be receivable from this activity but one where the activity incurs an ongoing expense.

4.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

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THE HARDING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

eee 1 Accounting policies (Continued)

Fair value on fixed asset investments is measured as at the balance sheet date as follows:

Unrealised gains and losses are included on the statement of financial activities.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss,

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. in the unlikely event that a bank overdraft arises, it would be shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Trade creditors are in respect of the hire of the piano and Other creditors represent obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors and Other creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled,

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THE HARDING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Investments

2025 2024
£ £
Income from UK equities, investment trusts, unit trusts & OEICs 106 564 104,472
Income from foreign equities, investment trusts, unit trusts& OEICs 36,978 43,601
Income from UK interest bearing investments 25,284 18,199
Income from foreign interest bearing investments 12,065 11,031
|Stockbroker interest - received gross 8,006 8,089
188,898 185,392

3 Piano hire

Receipts from piano hire

2025 2024
£ £
1,000 -

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THE HARDING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

4 InvestmentManagementfees
2025 2024
£ £
Investment management 34,835 30,131
34,835 30,131

5 Charitable activities

Grant Piano hire Total Total
funding 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Gilberts Piano storage and porterage
Insurance
-
-
7,540
39
7,540
39
480
39
Pianotuning and maintenance - 990 990 -
- 8,569 8,569 519
Grant funding ofactivities (see note 6) 167,250 - 167,250 162,250
__ Share ofsupport costs (see note 7) 5,550 - 5,550 5,443
Share ofgovernance costs (see note 7) 15,196 - 15,196 16,131
187,996 8,569 196,565 184,343
Analysis byfund
Revenuefunds 178,872 8,569 187,441
Capital 9,124 - 9,124
187,996 8,569 196,565
Forthe yearended 5 April 2024
Revenue funds 174,989 519 175,508
Capital 8,835 - 8,835
183,824 519 184,343

6 Grants payable

2025 2024
£ £
Grants to institutions:
Musical donations (see appendix) 149,750 146,500
Otherdonations (see appendix) 17,500 11,500
167,250 162,250

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THE HARDING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

7 Support costs

Support costscosts
Support Governance 2025 2024
costs costs
£ £ £ £
Secretarial supportfees 4,933 - 4,933 4,572
Travel expenses and costs ofmeetings 617 - 617 871
Accountancy - §,532 5,532 6,756
Examiner - 540 540 540
Legal and professional - 9,124 9,124 8,835
5,550 15,196 20,746 21,574
Analysed between
Charitableactivities 5,550 15,196 20,746 21,574

Governance costs includes payments to the independent examiner of £540 (2024- £540) for the independent examination of the accounts.

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, but they were reimbursed a total of £617 travelling expenses and disbursements (2024- they were reimbursed £871).

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THE HARDING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

9 Net gains/(losses) on investments

2025 2024
£ £
Revaluation ofinvestments (192,953) 60,252
Gain/(loss) on sale ofinvestments (24,034) (24,025)
(216,987) 36,227

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

11 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Plantand equipment (Plano)
£
Cost
At 6April 2024 46,680
At 5April 2025 46,680
Depreciation and impairment
At6April 2024 27,230
At 5April2025 27,230
Carrying amount
At 5 April 2025 19,450
At5April2024 19,450

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THE HARDING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

12 Fixed asset investments

e
Cost orvaluation
At 6 April 2024 5,458,726
Additions 41,398,348
Valuation changes (192,740)
Profiti(loss) on sales (24,035)
Costwrite up (1,450,876)
At 5April 2025 5,189,483
Carrying amount
At 05April2025 §,189,483
At 05April2024 5,458,726
13
Financial instruments
2025 2024
£ £
Carryingamount offinancial assets
Equity instruments measured at cost less impairment 5,189,483 5,458,726
Carrying amountoffinancial liabilities
Measured atfairvalue through profit or loss
Measured atamortised cost 36,029 30,717
Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear
2025 2024
£ £
Trade creditors 12,323 6,493
Other creditors 23,706 24,224
36,029
——————
30,716
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14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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THE HARDING TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED5 APRIL 2025

15 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assetsnet assetsassets between funds
Revenue Capital Total Total
Funds Funds
2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ E
Fund balances at 5April2025 are represented by:
Tangible assets - 19,450 19,450 19,450
Investments ~ 5,189,483 5,189,483 5,458,726
Current assets/(liabilities) 343,267 11,709 354,976 344,222
343,267 5,220,642 5,563,909 5,822,398

16 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

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