Charity registration number 503003
SELBY ABBEY TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
SELBY ABBEY TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 3 |
| Statement of trustees' responsibilities | 4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 - 7 |
| Statement of financial position | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 14 |
SELBY ABBEY TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mr P Simpson - Chairman | |
|---|---|---|
| Mr J R Engelhart - Vice chairman | ||
| The Right Reverend Dr. J Thomson | (Resigned 16 July 2024) | |
| Mrs J Cooke - PCC Member | ||
| Reverend Canon J C Weetman | ||
| Mr T Pilcher | ||
| Mr D Caulfield | (Resigned 16 July 2024) | |
| Mrs A Crossland | ||
| Ms G Pullan | ||
| Mr F Stewart | (Resigned 6 May 2024) | |
| Dr M Clarke | ||
| Mr S C R Fell | (Appointed 1 May 2025) | |
| Key Management personnel | Mr P Simpson - Trustee and chairman | |
| Mr J R Englehart - Trustee and vice chairman | ||
| Charity number | 503003 | |
| Principal address | Equinox House | |
| Clifton Park | ||
| Shipton Road | ||
| York | ||
| YO30 5PA | ||
| Independent examiner | Frances Howard FCA | |
| Fortus Limited | ||
| Business Advisors and Accountants | ||
| Equinox House | ||
| Clifton Park | ||
| Shipton Road | ||
| York | ||
| YO30 5PA | ||
| Bankers | CAF Bank Limited | |
| 25 Kings Hill Avenue | ||
| Kings Hill | ||
| West Malling | ||
| Kent | ||
| ME19 4JQ | ||
| Consultant architect | David Sherriff | |
| Simmonsherriff LLP | ||
| 30 - 38 Dock Street | ||
| Leeds | ||
| West Yorkshire | ||
| LS10 1JF |
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019".
The legal and administrative page forms part of this report.
Objectives and activities
The objects of the charity are for such charitable purposes connected with the Abbey as the trustees shall from time to time in their absolute discretion determine.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commissioner’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and setting the grant making policy for the period.
Achievements and performance
2024 continued to be a challenging period for fundraising in keeping with other similar sectors, with only smaller personal donations from time to time.
Significant time and effort was give to supporting the joint application with the Abbey PCC for the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
The absence of a suitable Appeals Director was in part managed by the involvement of an advisory consultant.
The series of Summertime lunchtime Organ concerts was well received and the celebrity recitalists including James Vivien ( Chapel Royal, Windsor) were much appreciated by the audiences.
The Abbey also hosted two celebrity piano concerts in July and August, however the Harpsichord Concert planned for March 25 had to be cancelled.
Financial review
It is the policy of the trust to maintain free reserves at a level which they feel provides sufficient funds to cover administration and support costs for not less than approximately six months unrestricted expenditure. The charity’s free reserves at 30 November 2024 are £100,385.
Investment policy
The trustees manage the funds on a low-risk basis. The charity holds the majority of funds as bank deposits, which allows easy access for the trustees to donate the necessary sums for the repair and maintenance work. A policy of holding such sums as cash is commensurate with their short term nature and the desire not to jeopardise capital. The trustees recognise that greater returns could be achieved through investment but wish to take low risk and retain flexibility.
Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Plans for future periods
Following the unsuccessful search for an appeals Director the decision was made to pursue the use of a consultant on an individual appeal basis to identify 2/3 targeted potential funding sources.
Jointly with Abbey PCC we will continue to work actively for the Delivery phase of the National Heritage Lottery funded Origins Project.
The Summer organ recital series will continue in 2025 supported by the Trust under the new stewardship of the Abbey director of music, with the proceeds going to the Trust.
Structure, governance and management
The charity operates under the trust deed dated 17 December 1973, as amended by deeds dated 30 May 1974 and 20 June 1994.
Appointment of trustees
The body of trustees shall consist of not less than six and not more than twelve members, of whom at least one shall be a lay member of the Parochial Church Council of the Abbey.
Organisational structure
The trustees hold full meetings half yearly when key, strategic decisions are made following a review of progress. Interim meetings are held when necessary and some trustees are involved on a regular basis with progress reviews of specific areas.
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
Trustee induction and training
New trustees are given a comprehensive induction pack to inform them of their legal obligations. All trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
Co-operation with other charities
Care and stewardship of the Abbey rests with the Parochial Church Council of Selby Abbey who issue contracts for restoration work which the trust has agreed to fund. A close working relationship has been established between PCC members, trustees, contractors and professionals with agreed lines for two-way communication so all parties are kept fully informed.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mr J R Engelhart - Vice chairman
Trustee
17 September 2025
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
The trustees 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).
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 of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and 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 trust deed. They 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 charity 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.
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SELBY ABBEY TRUST
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Selby Abbey Trust (the charity) for the year ended 30 November 2024.
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).
I 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 I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
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 that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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 financial statements to be reached.
Frances Howard FCA
Fortus Limited Business Advisors and Accountants Equinox House Clifton Park Shipton Road YO30 5PA York
Dated: 18 September 2025
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
| Current financial year Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Notes £ £ Income Donations and legacies 3 - 18,118 Other trading activities 4 4,052 - Investments 5 3,841 - Total income 7,893 18,118 Expenditure Raising funds 6 9,256 - Charitable activities 7 2,948 32,201 Total expenditure 12,204 32,201 Net gains/(losses) on investments 11 1,934 - Net movement in funds (2,377) (14,083) Fund balances at 1 December 2023 102,762 142,709 Fund balances at 30 November 2024 100,385 128,626 |
Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ 18,118 30,105 4,052 6,987 3,841 2,088 26,011 39,180 9,256 11,781 35,149 157,329 44,405 169,110 1,934 1,369 (16,460) (128,561) 245,471 374,032 229,011 245,471 |
|---|---|
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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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
| Prior financial year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | ||
| funds | funds | |||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | - | 30,105 | 30,105 |
| Other trading activities | 4 | 6,987 | - | 6,987 |
| Investments | 5 | 2,088 | - | 2,088 |
| Total income | 9,075 | 30,105 | 39,180 | |
| Expenditure | ||||
| Raising funds | 6 | 11,781 | - | 11,781 |
| Charitable activities | 7 | - | 157,329 | 157,329 |
| Total expenditure | 11,781 | 157,329 | 169,110 | |
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | 11 | 1,369 | - | 1,369 |
| Net movement in funds | (1,337) | (127,224) | (128,561) | |
| Fund balances at 1 December 2022 | 104,099 | 269,933 | 374,032 | |
| Fund balances at 30 November 2023 | 102,762 | 142,709 | 245,471 |
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2024
| Notes Fixed assets Investments 13 Current assets Stocks 14 Debtors 15 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Restricted funds 17 Unrestricted funds |
2024 £ 14,000 17,075 189,089 220,164 (2,004) |
£ 10,851 218,160 229,011 128,626 100,385 229,011 |
2023 £ 15,000 16,870 206,616 238,486 (1,932) |
£ 8,917 236,554 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 245,471 | ||||
| 142,709 102,762 |
||||
| 245,471 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 17 September 2025
Mr J R Engelhart - Vice chairman Trustee
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Selby Abbey Trust is a charity operating under the trust deed dated 17 December 1973, as amended by deeds dated 30 May 1974 and 20 June 1994.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019".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 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include investments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific purposes or projects.
Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
1.3 Income
Income from donations, fund-raising events etc, is recognised in the accounting records upon receipt by the treasurer.
Income in respect of legacies is recognised when the sum due is ascertainable.
Gift aid income is recognised when received.
Bank interest received is recognised in the financial statements on an accruals basis.
1.4 Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs to that category.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in pursuit of its charitable objectives.
All assets are now fully amortised in accordance with the depreciation policy but remain in use and contribute to income generating activity of the charity.
1.5 Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are included in the accounts at market value. Realised and unrealised gains and losses on investments are disclosed separately in the appropriate section of the statement of financial activities.
1.6 Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
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, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.8 Taxation
Selby Abbey Trust is a registered Charity, number 503003. All the Charity’s income is applied to its charitable objectives and the Charity is, therefore, exempt under current legislation, from most forms of taxation.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Donations and legacies
| Restricted | Restricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 26,508 | 30,105 |
| Gift aid income | (8,390) | - |
| 18,118 | 30,105 | |
| Donations and gifts | ||
| National Churches Trust | - | 30,000 |
| Bramall | 20,000 | - |
| Clarke | 2,500 | - |
| Other | 4,008 | 105 |
| 26,508 | 30,105 |
4 Other trading activities
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| general | general | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| CD Sales | 3,632 | 6,987 |
| Organ recitals and concert donations | 420 | - |
| Other trading activities | 4,052 | 6,987 |
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
5 Investments
| 6 | Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general general 2024 2023 £ £ Income from listed investments 958 236 Interest receivable 2,883 1,852 3,841 2,088 Raising funds Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general general 2024 2023 £ £ Fundraising and publicity Organ recital and concert expenses 9,256 11,781 9,256 11,781 |
Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general general 2024 2023 £ £ Income from listed investments 958 236 Interest receivable 2,883 1,852 3,841 2,088 Raising funds Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general general 2024 2023 £ £ Fundraising and publicity Organ recital and concert expenses 9,256 11,781 9,256 11,781 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,781 |
7 Charitable activities
| Charitable | Charitable | |
|---|---|---|
| activities | activities | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Grants for restoration work | 29,221 | 146,816 |
| Share of support costs (see note 8) | 4,404 | 9,061 |
| Share of governance costs (see note 8) | 1,524 | 1,452 |
| 35,149 | 157,329 | |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds - general | 2,948 | - |
| Restricted funds | 32,201 | 157,329 |
| 35,149 | 157,329 |
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
8 Support costs
| Support costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Support costs Governance costs £ £ Consultancy services - - Sundry expenses 117 - Public relations, adverting and website expenses 65 - Bank charges 90 - Legal and professional fees 68 - Book-keeping fees 960 - Insurance 640 - Meeting expenses 2,464 - Accountancy - 1,524 4,404 1,524 Analysed between Charitable activities 4,404 1,524 |
2024 Support costs Governance costs £ £ £ - 2,514 - 117 - - 65 3,651 - 90 74 - 68 54 - 960 540 - 640 610 - 2,464 1,618 - 1,524 - 1,452 5,928 9,061 1,452 5,928 9,061 1,452 |
2023 £ 2,514 - 3,651 74 54 540 610 1,618 1,452 |
| 10,513 | ||
| 10,513 |
9 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
10 Employees
There were no employees during the year.
11 Net gains/(losses) on investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| general | general | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Revaluation of investments | 1,934 | 1,369 |
12 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.
13 Fixed asset investments
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
| 13 Fixed asset investments Cost or valuation At 1 December 2023 Valuation changes At 30 November 2024 Carrying amount At 30 November 2024 At 30 November 2023 14 Stocks Goods for sale 15 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors 16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
(Continued) Listed investments £ 8,917 1,934 10,851 10,851 8,917 2024 2023 £ £ 14,000 15,000 2024 2023 £ £ 17,075 16,870 2024 2023 £ £ 2,004 1,932 |
(Continued) Listed investments £ 8,917 1,934 10,851 10,851 8,917 2024 2023 £ £ 14,000 15,000 2024 2023 £ £ 17,075 16,870 2024 2023 £ £ 2,004 1,932 |
|---|---|---|
| 10,851 | ||
| 10,851 | ||
| 8,917 | ||
| 2023 £ 15,000 |
||
| 2023 £ 16,870 |
||
| 2023 £ 1,932 |
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SELBY ABBEY TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
17 Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
| Balance at 1 December 2023 £ Roof appeal 142,709 Balance at 1 December 2022 £ Roof appeal 269,933 The roof appeal is for funding to restore and repair the Abbey's roof. Analysis of net assets between funds Fund balances at 30 November 2024 are represented by: Investments Current assets/(liabilities) Fund balances at 30 November 2023 are represented by: Investments Current assets/(liabilities) |
Movement in funds Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at 30 November 2024 £ £ £ £ 18,118 (32,201) - 128,626 Movement in funds Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at 30 November 2023 £ £ £ £ 30,105 (157,329) - 142,709 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 10,851 - 10,851 89,534 128,626 218,160 100,385 128,626 229,011 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ 8,917 - 8,917 93,845 142,709 236,554 102,762 142,709 245,471 |
Movement in funds Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at 30 November 2024 £ £ £ £ 18,118 (32,201) - 128,626 Movement in funds Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at 30 November 2023 £ £ £ £ 30,105 (157,329) - 142,709 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 10,851 - 10,851 89,534 128,626 218,160 100,385 128,626 229,011 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ 8,917 - 8,917 93,845 142,709 236,554 102,762 142,709 245,471 |
|---|---|---|
| Total 2024 £ 10,851 218,160 |
||
| 229,011 | ||
| Total 2023 £ 8,917 236,554 |
||
| 245,471 |
18 Analysis of net assets between funds
19 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).
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