2023-12-31-accounts - Manchester Buddhist Centre

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

Charity Number: 514937

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Report and financial statements For the year ended 31st December 2023

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Reference and administrative information

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Charity number	514937
Registered office and operational address16/20 Turner Street, Manchester, M4 1DZ
Trustees	Trustees who served during the year andup to the date of this report
	were as follows:
	Chris Effendowicz (Silabodhi)	(Chair)
	Claire Morris (Lilasuri)	(Treasurer)
	Ajay Gilbert (Aparajita)	(Secretary)
	Keith Green (Vishangka)
	Helen Ellis (Suryaka)
	Sundeep Grewal (Aryaraksita)
	Jeff Cole	joined February 2023
Bankers	Royal Bank of Scotland
	Cooperative Bank
Independent	Christy Lau FCCA CTA DChA
Examiner	Slade & Cooper Limited
	Beehive Mill, Jersey Street,
	Ancoats Manchester, M4 6JG

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

The Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the charity’s trust deed and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Objectives and activities

The purpose of the Manchester Buddhist Centre is set out in its governing document as follows:

The advancement of the Buddhist religion in particular by:

i. Encouraging members and others to live in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha.
ii. Supporting ordained members of the Triratna Buddhist Community and other duly ordained Buddhists at the discretion of the association.
iii. Maintaining close communication with and working under the guidance of the Triratna Buddhist Order and in cooperation with other groups with the same objectives.
iv. Using applications of the Buddha’s teaching to promote the health and well-being of all.

The main activities undertaken by the MBC in relation to the above purpose (as registered with the Charities Commission) are described as follows:

“The Manchester Buddhist Centre provides a place of peace in Manchester. We offer classes in meditation and Buddhism for Buddhists and non-Buddhists and, for those who ask for it, training for ordination. We welcome schools and community groups, having developed a reputation for excellence.”

The main activities undertaken to further the charity’s purposes for public benefit include:

The provision of space with seating and free tea/coffee available to Buddhists and non-Buddhists (general public) to meet informally
A shop selling educational Buddhist literature, Buddhist ritual items and ethical giftware
A website providing information and an extensive variety of free talks (about Buddhism) which can be downloaded, and free Buddhist study materials

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Provision of rental space to ethical businesses directly or indirectly supportive of the advancement of Buddhism and/or the Buddha’s teaching to promote the health and well-being of all (Breathworks, OneTek, Bodywise Health Centre, Vegan Café)
A free Buddhist library – available as a reference library to the general public and as a lending library to members of the MBC
Two meditation halls/shrine rooms open and free to the general public who wish to meditate (when not otherwise used for classes)
A weekly ‘Tools for Living Your Life’ (meditation and Buddhism) class every Saturday morning.
Several weekly Order Chapter meetings
Several weekly ‘Training for Ordination’ groups for men who have requested ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order
Several weekly ‘Training for Ordination Groups’ for women who have requested ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order
The ritual celebration of 4 key Buddhist festivals throughout the year
Numerous weekly/monthly/occasional groups directly and indirectly related to the application of Buddhist teachings (Young Buddhists Group, Poetry Groups, Fundraising Kula etc)
A school/college visits service introducing pupils and students to the key principles of Buddhism
Many Buddhist study groups (following a set syllabus) each week throughout the year
Several Buddhist meditation retreats throughout the year.
Many weekend events directly or indirectly related to the practice and application of Buddhism (arts, study, meditation etc)
Introductory Meditation evening courses.
Introductory Buddhism evening courses.
Follow-on Buddhism evening courses.
Weekly ¾ hour-long lunchtime drop-in meditation classes.
Monday night 1.5 hour-long deepening meditation classes with visiting leaders.
Several online gatherings for people looking at deepening their Buddhist practice

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

3 Buddhist residential communities enabling members of the MBC to live and practice the Dharma together
Numerous volunteering opportunities enabling active engagement and participation in the development and life of the Triratna Buddhist Community in Manchester (reception, cleaning, maintenance, shrine-making, decorating, teaching, studyleading, class-supporting, leading and supporting retreats, managing the library, managing the second-hand bookshop, fundraising, administration, office work support etc).
Occasional meditation and mindfulness sessions for local businesses.

The Trustees review the aims, objectives, and activities of the charity each year. This report looks at what the charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period. The Trustees report the success of each key activity and the benefits the charity has brought to those groups of people that it is set up to help. The review also helps the Trustees ensure the charity's aims, objectives and activities remained focused on its stated purposes.

The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.

Achievements and performance

Chair’s annual report for year ending 31 December 2023

Whilst in many ways 2023 was a fairly normal thriving Manchester Sangha year, having bounced back well from most of the difficulties resulting from the pandemic lockdowns, from a trustee point of view it was dominated by the long and complex discussions on whether ultimately, we will have to leave the building to ensure a sustainable long term future.

At the start of the year, we had some team changes with Anandamoksha, (then Len) taking on running the shop as a volunteer, and Paranayaka moving over to be the MBC maintenance manager. At the end of the year, Sthirajyoti finished working for the MBC and for the movement, bringing to an end 36 years of service to Triratna. One result of these changes is that the MBC now employs 5.3 full time equivalents. At the ECA, I carried out a rough survey of seven of the UK area’s largest centres to ascertain their staff support levels, and discovered that they had between 3.3 and 5.5 full time equivalents, this reassured me that the staffing level we had now achieved was in line with what is generally found to be sustainable.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

The trustees also experienced change, with Dharmakarunya stepping down having been a valuable council member for several years in which we benefited considerably from her wisdom and kindness. At the same time Upekshapriya was co-opted onto the council, with Sanghadhara also joining at the end of the year.

The men’s Sangha benefitted from a visit by our new Padmaloka ordination team contact, Vidyadaka, who was very impressed by the centre and its energy. People Of Colour events continued to develop, with a successful retreat of over 20 plus the team, and some trustees joined the MBC team for a Racial Diversity training day, which proved very helpful in increasing awareness of subconscious biases and the challenge of attracting and retaining POC in the future. In general, class numbers held up well, Tools on Saturday bringing in a large, energetic attendance each Saturday. At the end of the year Suryaka assembled a team and launched a new series offering for Saturday afternoons called Teachers of Enlightenment; so far this continues to be very popular into 2024.

Whilst festivals continued on well from progress made the previous year, the painting of the shrine in a much acclaimed deep red, had a striking effect. In addition, the old pictures of the Buddha’s life were replaced on the back wall by a large and beautifully framed reproduction of the Chintamani depiction of the Refuge and Respect Tree, central to the Triratna tradition. Festivals were also augmented by the inclusion of the family’s group, encouraging children to attend the opening sessions, and later carry on creative activities in the Vajra Hall; it’s been a significant development to help Sangha members with young children still feel involved with Sangha activities.

Unfortunately, perhaps as a fallout from the Pandemic, our tenants have still either continued to pay slightly reduced rents, or even cut them during the year. We also had the basement cafe space only briefly occupied by Tibetan Kitchen. They did a spectacular job of hand crafting the interior in Tibetan style, but despite this and the excellent food, they concluded the cafe would never be sufficiently successful and left after a few months; since then it has remained empty partly because of the uncertainty of knowing whether the Sangha will remain in the building in the long run. That said, Sanghadhara and Stephen Jeffreys began forming and presenting the trustees their plans for a Sober Bar and event space, that looks like it may be able to open in the Spring of 2024

In 2023 the school visits service continued to develop, both with pupils coming to the Centre, but also our Sangha members going to their schools. This function is now based on a firm financial model that both rewards the Sangha teachers, but gives back to the MBC in equal measure. Kula crafts and skills auction were again very successful in raising much needed extra funds.

Significantly, the Red Lotus Kula, who run the day-to-day direction and programme, chose to experiment with a different vision for the coming year, reducing the number of visiting teacher weekends, whilst doubling to six the number of MBC led retreats. We look forward to seeing how this affects Sangha engagement and energy during 2024.

At the end of 2023 we celebrated an important occasion in the history of the Centre. Arthapriya stepped down after being our President for over 10 years, having also been an

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

early Chair, and Lokeshvara took on the role. We had an enjoyable handover ceremony in December, where both were well celebrated, especially Arthapriya’s considerable contribution of friendship and support to the MBC and me and Arthavadin as Chairs during this time.

The rest of this report reflects the ongoing work around the viability of the Turner Street building, the vision of it as a Sangha Centre with years of practice, and the potential need to relocate if the building is seen to be unsustainable in the long run.

Alongside the trustees who are heavily involved in these discussions, a Project team was put together to work on all the aspects of the investigations and reports on an ongoing basis. Early on this involved Lilasuri as a project manager starting off the formal decision making process and Sangha engagement programme. Eventually she stepped down from that role, and the Project team of Silabodhi, Suryaka, Vishangka and Prasiddhi, continued with the work with Prasiddhi in a guiding role.

In April there was a Spiritual visioning day that 54 Sangha members attended, and a good spread of ideas and suggestions about the Centre's future were gathered and documented. Support was clear for further financial and building surveys for the MBC and also for research into what potential new sites might look like.

A lot of thought, especially by Vishangka and Prasiddhi, was put into drawing up evaluation criteria that place vision, historic practice and Sangha right alongside the more pragmatic concerns of staying or going. Unsurprisingly these latter aspects primarily concern the building’s weaknesses of a decaying roof, single pane often rotten windows, and very poor disabled access. Quite clearly any alternative site would have to retain good transport links, preferably a city centre location, real accessibility, and of course be financially sustainable. In addition, aesthetic aspects would be important with a strong desire for environmental considerations. Finally, we have come to acknowledge that Bodywise, the centre’s alternative health business right from its conception is really integral to who we are, and thus must be taken into consideration in any new scheme; as is true with the hoped for incorporation of a community bringing life and energy to the building.

The project team and trustees embarked on an extensive consultation round with chapters, study and GFR groups which gathered really useful additional opinions from some of the most engaged members of the Sangha. Over several council meetings it also became evident there was no appetite for funding investment through selling the community houses, or for risky own-led ‘building up’ schemes on the existing building.

It is necessary to note the ways in which further expert input has and is being sought. Survey reports by Kevin Neary were updated, accessibility assessed by Lucy & Dorothy and being cross-referenced with further information gathering. Abhayanara, Triratna’s main architect, inspected the building, reporting back to trustees on what he sees as its pros and cons. Probono work has been carried out by a surveying/building financial modelling company, and an Order property developer has thoroughly inspected the place for its state of repair and refurbishment requirements.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Towards the end of the year, I announced that I intend to stand down as Chair at the end of May 2024 after 5 years in the role, making way for new energy and ideas. To move this process forward a ‘succession kula’ consisting of Dayanandi, Taravandana and Upekshapriya have been updating a process of recruitment to the local and wider Order, with interviews and Order presentations to take place in March 2024.

Mitra convenor report 2023 - Suryaka

In my role as Mitra Convenor, I’ve continued to really benefit from the support / input and engagement of many local Dhramacharinis. Many of them lead study groups, events, retreats or are involved in teaching newer people at the centre. All these contexts are opportunities for friendship to flourish.

The Mitra Convening Kula also continues to meet 3-4 times a year, specifically looking at the needs of women in our community.

More broadly my role also involves working very closely with both the Chair and other Mitra convenor in looking at the bigger vision/spiritual direction of the Buddhist centre and also fulfilling our responsibilities as trustees of the charity.

Who is involved? and milestones for women

51 Dharmacharinis (Ordained female Buddhists) connected to the MBC

74 active women Mitras

45 of the above Mitras are actively training for ordination

Several of the above women live beyond the Greater Manchester geographical boundary, demonstrating that the MBC is a hub for Dharma practice in the North West

4 women became Mitras

7 women requested Ordination

7 women were ordained into the Triratna Buddhist community

What conditions have supported women in our community in 2023?

Dharma training groups at different levels

11 Dharmacharinis with support from experienced Mitras actively lead / support 10 groups offering study and friendship to 60 women

1 monthly pre-Mitra study Dharma training group

1 young persons Dharma training group

5 Dharma Training groups

3 post-Mitra study groups (one self-led and 2 led)

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Other women's groups

Women create sangha - informal monthly meetup for friendship / support Women’s Over 70’s monthly meetup

Kesa group

A group of women continue to meet regularly to make the ritual kesas given at ordination and deepen connections.

6 x Women’s going for refuge groups for those training for ordination (31 women)

Gender diverse members of our community

Both myself and Vishangka continue to meet and have conversations with gender diverse members of our community to support their spiritual pathways.

Events

Some highlights re events specifically for women

Annual practice reviews for women training for ordination

22 women took the opportunity for a practice review (thanks to the local Order Members who gave their time in this way)

1 x evening for women training for Ordination and those thinking of asking

1 x day for women training for Ordination

1 x women’s residential retreat

1 x ½ day self-led by women training for Ordination

Mixed events

4 x mixed days for those training for Ordination

What else?

Support / training to those leading study and mentoring continues to be offered by Taravandana

A personal highlight for me was being part of the team for the Big Sangha Retreat.

We are also continuing to support / encourage the development of families, people of colour, and gender diverse groups.

I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity of serving the Sangha in this role. It enriches my own Dharma practice and I gain such inspiration from being alongside others who are treading this path. It’s quite a privilege!!!

Suryaka

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Mitra Convenor report 2023 – Vishangka

2023 was another full and vibrant year for our sangha. There were many memorable events and retreats. Our festivals went from strength to strength. This year we put more emphasis on welcoming parents/carers and their children into the festival space. Sangha Day saw the children enact a story about friendship for us all to enjoy. On Buddha Day I enjoyed giving the festival talk exploring images of the Buddha and his enlightenment. On that day we also held Mitra ceremonies, and it was a pleasure to witness Josh and Tom make that commitment. As I've said many times before, it is always a privilege to explore becoming a Mitra with those who wish to do so. And it is always a joy to witness them ritually taking this step.

Two men from our sangha were ordained on a retreat at Padmaloka. Len Dillon became Anandamoksha - ‘He who is liberated through joy.’ Martin Lewis (Lewi) became Vajranistha - 'Devoted to the Vajra'. Witnessing them both joining the Order, after many years of deepening their going for refuge to the Three Jewels, was a significant point in our year. Sadhu!

Three men asked for ordination in 2023. Sam Lloyd-Bennett, Phil Duncan, and Tom van Berkel have all started to engage with the ordination process, taking part in their going for refuge and study groups, attending retreats, and deepening friendships with each other and with Order members in Manchester.

Vidyadaka, from the Ordination team at Padmaloka, made the first of his annual visits to the Manchester Centre. He met with all the men who are actively engaged in the ordination process, led study for them, and also led a day for all men attending the Centre. I have appreciated Vidyadaka's generosity in building a deeper connection with men in our Sangha and making time to visit us. I value his kindness and clarity and look forward to our deepening connection over the coming years.

We also held a day on the 'Art of Dreaming', led by Arthabandhu from the Nottingham Sangha. Arthabandhu has been exploring the relationship between our dream lives and the Dharma for many years. We explored how our dreams can offer an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Our mixed study group for younger people continues to meet weekly, now led by Lilasuri and Silabodhi. Upekshapriya, Sanghadhara and Mahabodhi continue to lead their Dharma group once a week. The friendships between the men in that group continue to deepen. The study group I lead with Vidyapala and Sion, has settled into a core group of men who come every fortnight. We are now going through the study material from the first year of the Dharma Training Course. Thanks to everyone who gives freely of their time to lead or support our study groups.

Our annual Men's Retreat took place in October. The theme was 'Emotional Equivalents', helping us to get more in touch with understanding the truth of the Dharma on an emotional level rather than just intellectually. Many thanks to Aparajita for leading the

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

retreat, and both Vajranistha and Dan who led workshops to help us dive deeper into the theme.

Finally, I've continued to be very active as a Trustee again this year, and particularly as a member of the 'Project Team'. The team is gathering all the information we need to make a decision on whether we can stay longer term at Turner Street or need to move to different premises. There have been many aspects to this work, not least the dialogue we've been having with members of our Sangha, and also senior Order members outside of Manchester. All our conversations have been fruitful, giving us the most extensive picture we've had for years on what issues are important for our Sangha. Many thanks to all who have engaged with us in this process.

Vishangka 2023

FINANCIAL REPORT 2023

2023 was for us a relatively normal trading year.

Sangha Members attended the Centre largely in person, this being reflected in the numbers attending our teaching classes.

Rental from the Communities remained good with no issues, and occupancy at capacity. Rental from other businesses was challenging with the income we received slightly reduced.

We have now concluded the measures brought in to look at our largest expenditure, Team Members’ Salaries. Staff numbers have decreased from 6.3 to 5.3 full-time equivalent employees during 2023.

Our Donations decreased slightly by 3% to £83,836 during 2023. Headcount of donors remained stable, with a slower year for large fundraising activities.

INCOME

Income from providing Dharma & Meditation Classes rose from £58,231 to £65,690, again with higher numbers of people attending the classes in person.

Bookshop income decreased slightly from £31,942 to £27,067, this downward trend a reflection of what is happening to the high street more generally. Anandamoksha took on the role of Bookshop/Reception Manager as an unpaid role with the result that even on lower takings the bookshop produced a healthy surplus of £9,098.

Room Hire income was £480.

Rental income from the three Community Houses rose from £61,560 to £66,494 and the year ended with the three properties being at capacity.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Business rental income dipped slightly producing £29,198. Tibetan Kitchen vacated the café space with the resultant loss of income, and reduced rent negotiated for the Breathworks office.

BREAKDOWN OF INCOME £275,680

Fundraising & Donations 31%

Rental Income from Communities & Businesses 35%

Dharma and Meditation Classes 24%

Shop Sales 10%

EXPENDITURE

The Mortgages held on the two Healey Close properties were paid off during 2023, with the result that we are debt-free for the first time in our history.

Payroll fell by 6% during 2023, and we finished the year with a full-time equivalent level of staffing of 5.3 or 183 hours worked per week.

BREAKDOWN OF EXPENDITURE £267,739

Payroll 49%

Events Costs & Team Training & Other costs 14%

Premises, Community, Insurance, Rates 13%

Utilities 9%

Bookshop Purchases 7%

Finance Costs, Mortgage Payments & Depreciation 6%

Governance 2%

We enter 2024 with a slimmed down, efficient Centre Team and with attendance for classes and groups high, and our Bookshop now producing a healthy surplus for the Centre.

At year end the Café in the basement of our building is being refurbished and is due to open spring 2024 with a rent to be negotiated.

Utility costs for 2023 were £22,917 which represented a 27% reduction from the heights of 2022.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

RESERVES POLICY

Our Reserves Policy is to hold funds sufficient to cover three months’ operating costs in the event of income sources being lower than forecast, or costs being higher than expected. The Trustees review this policy annually. Our current cash in hand and at bank is more than sufficient for this

Cash holdings 31st December 2023 were £91,530.

At the balance sheet date, the charity’s total net assets were £759,582 of which £751,873 were unrestricted and £7,709 were restricted.

This net book value of the freehold building and other tangible fixed assets can only be realised on disposal of those assets.

Structure, governance and management

Potential new charity Trustees may be identified amongst the Membership of the Association (charity) and invited to consider joining the Council by the consensual agreement of the existing Council. Alternatively, Members of the Association may inform the Council that they wish stand for election to the Council at the Annual General Meeting.

Membership of the Council is open to members of the Association, in accordance with the policy for Membership of the Council, which is made available to any Member of the Association upon request.

Council Members serve as Trustees of the Association (charity) for a period of one year when they become eligible for re-election. All candidates for election to the Council must satisfy the Council that they are professed Buddhists supportive of the Triratna Buddhist Tradition and are able to fulfil the obligations of a Council Member. They are elected from a list of candidates agreed in advance by the Council.

Vacancies on the Council, including Officers, are filled during the year by co-option. Such members hold office until the next Annual General Meeting.

Officers are elected by the Council at the first Council meeting after the Annual General Meeting, and holds office for one year and then become eligible for re-election.

The organisation is an unincorporated charity, registered as a charity on 2 April 1984 in England and Wales.

The charity is constituted under a trust deed 17/12/2014. The Trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The Trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

All Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others

The Charity does not hold funds as custodian trustee on behalf of others

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Trustees’ annual report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Statement of responsibilities of the Trustees

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 charity's financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees should follow best practice and:

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards and statements of recommended practice 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 charity will continue in operation

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

Approved by the Trustees on / /2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Lokeshvara (Chair)

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Independent examiner’s report

for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2023 which are set out on pages 16 to 34.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 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:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts 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 accounts to be reached.

Christy Lau FCCA CTA DChA Slade & Cooper Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Beehive Mill Jersey Street Ancoats Manchester M4 6JG Date

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Unrestricted funds Note £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 83,836 Charitable activities 4 188,929 Investments 5 876 Total income 273,641 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 266,895 Total expenditure 266,895 7 6,746 Transfer between funds 355 Net movement in funds for the year 7,101 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 744,772 Total funds carried forward 751,873 Net income/(expenditure) for the year	Restricted funds £ 2,039 - - 2,039 844 844 1,195 (355) 840 6,869 7,709	Total funds 2023 £ 85,875 188,929 876 275,680 267,739 267,739 7,941 - 7,941 751,641 759,582	Total funds 2022 £ 87,151 184,120 153 *271,424* 280,216 *280,216* *(8,792)* - *(8,792)* 760,433 *751,641*

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

A full comparative SOFA is available on the last page of the financial statements.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023

Note
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
668,972
Total fixed assets
668,972
Current assets
Stock
12,836
Debtors
11
2,542
Cash at bank and in hand
91,530
Total current assets
106,908
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due in less than one year
12
(16,298)
Net current assets
90,610
Total assets less current liabilities
759,582
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than one year
13
-
Net assets
759,582
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
14
7,709
Unrestricted income funds
15
751,873
Total charity funds
759,582
2023

£
£
687,184
687,184
13,705
10,497
82,113
106,315
(33,387)
72,928
760,112
(8,471)
751,641
6,869
744,772
751,641
2022

The notes on pages 19 to 34 form part of these accounts.

Approved by the trustees on / /2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Lokeshvara (Chair)

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Statement of Cash Flows for the year ending 31 December 2023

Note
2023
£
Cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
18
8,541
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest, and rents from investments
876
Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets
-
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
-
Proceeds from sale of investments
-
Purchase of investments
-
Cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
876
9,417
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
82,113
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
91,530
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents in the year

2022
£
(12,303)
153
-
-
-
-
153
(12,150)
94,263
82,113

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

1 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

a Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), second edition - October 2019 (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a 'true and fair view' and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following 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), second edition - October 2019, rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Manchester Buddhist Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

There are no key judgments which the trustees have made which have a significant effect on the accounts.

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

c Income

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

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

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Income received in advance of a provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

d Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised; refer to the trustees’ annual report for more information about their contribution.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

e Interest receivable

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

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

f Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

g Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of running the Manchester Buddhist Centre undertaken to further the purposes of the charity.
Other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading.

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

h Operating leases

Operating leases are leases in which the title to the assets, and the risks and rewards of ownership, remain with the lessor. Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

i Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £2,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

	Per annum
Buildings (excluding value of land)	2%
Library	5%
Ground floor refurbishment	10%
Fixtures & fittings	25%

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

j Stock

Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. In general, cost is determined on a first in, first out basis. Net realisable value is the price at which stocks can be sold in the normal course of business after allowing for the costs of realisation. Provision is made where necessary for obsolete, slow moving, and defective stocks. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the open market.

k Debtors

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

l Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

m Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

n Financial instruments

The charity 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.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

o Pensions

Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution ‘money purchase’ scheme. The charity’s contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 8. There were no outstanding contributions at the year end.

2 Legal status of the charity

The charity is an unincorporated charity, registered as a charity in England & Wales. The registered office address is disclosed on page 1.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Donations Total Donations *Total* Current reporting period *Previous reporting* *period*	Unrestricted £ 83,836 83,836 Unrestricted £ 86,496 86,496	Restricted £ 2,039 2,039 Restricted £ 655 655	Total 2023 £ 85,875 85,875 Total 2022 £ 87,151 87,151

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

4 Income from charitable activities

Fees and other income Room Hire Bookshop Sales Charges for classes/events Rental Income: Right Livelihood Businesses Spiritual Communities Total *Fees and other income* Room Hire Bookshop Sales Charges for classes/events Rental Income: Right Livelihood Businesses Spiritual Communities *Total* Current reporting period *Previous reporting* *period*	Unrestricted £ 480 27,067 65,690 29,198 66,494 188,929 Unrestricted £ 1,567 31,942 58,231 30,820 61,560 184,120	Restricted £ - - - - - - Restricted £ - - - - - -	Total 2023 £ 480 27,067 65,690 29,198 66,494 188,929 Total 2022 £ 1,567 31,942 58,231 30,820 61,560 184,120

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

5 Investment income

All of the charity's investment income arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounts. All investment income is unrestricted.

6 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Staff costs Bookshop stock & expenses Services/Utilities Maintenance/H&S Administration Loans/mortgages/interest Depreciation Other costs Governance costs Restricted expenditure Unrestricted expenditure	Total 2023 £ 132,339 17,969 22,917 19,510 13,877 965 18,212 35,835 6,115 267,739 2023 £ 844 266,895 267,739	Total 2022 £ 141,114 18,021 31,752 17,476 14,806 1,393 18,212 32,402 5,040 280,216 2022 £ 470 279,746 280,216

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

7 Net income/(expenditure) for the year

This is stated after charging/(crediting):	2023	2022
	£	£
Depreciation	18,212	18,212
Independent examiner's remuneration:
Independent examination	630	600
Accountancy fees	1,620	1,545

aff costs ff costs during the year were as follows: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Team support Training	2023 £ 117,278 696 2,019 45 12,301 132,339	2022 £ 124,856 724 1,682 780 13,072 141,114

8 Staff costs

Staff costs during the year were as follows:

No employees has employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2022: Nil).

The average number of staff employed during the period was 8 (2022: 11). The average full time equivalent number of staff employed during the period was 5.3 (2022: 6.3).

The Manchester Buddhist Centre operates a flat management structure, with decisions being taken collectively by staff. The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and the staff team. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £119,993 (2022: £127,262).

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

9 Trustee remuneration and expenses, and related party transactions

The charity is part of a network of connected charities, similar organisations, each of which is legally autonomous. The various charities in the network co-operate in their shared objectives of advancing the Buddhist religion. Specifically, the charity aims to contribute financially to the Triratna Development Fund, an organisation which provides help and guidance to Triratna centres. In 2023, the charity made a payment of £5,000 to this fund (2022: £5,000).

The charity rents out parts of the main building to other businesses which are connected with the centre. These are: Breathworks, a company that teaches mindfulness-based approaches to managing pain and other chronic conditions; Bodywise, a company that offers complementary therapies (such as massage, acupuncture, and shiatsu) as well as teaching yoga and Chi Kung; OneTek, an ethical Fast Fibre business; and Tibetan Kitchen part of 2023.

Dayanandi and Jeff Cole are tenants in one of the community houses.

The transactions between the charity and the above related parties are as follows:

Bodywise Breathworks One Tek Tibetan Kitchen Soul Kitchen Vishangka Silabodhi Suryaka Support received by the Trustees in 2023 are as follows: Rental income to the charity:	2023 £ 12,710 4,500 9,984 1,700 - 2023 £ 18,064 15,306 14,110	2022 £ 11,922 7,490 5,172 - 5,000 2022 £ 14,990 12,947 11,779

The charity’s rules allow for support – such as living allowances mentioned above – to be given to the Trustees (ie. members of the charity’s council who are members of the Triratna Buddhist Order).

And, the Trustees have claimed £55 expenses in 2023 (2022: £45).

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

10 Fixed assets: tangible assets

Cost Additions Depreciation Charge for the year Net book value At 31 December 2023 At 1 January 2023 At 1 January 2023 At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2022	Freehold Land and Buildings £ 909,129 - 909,129 221,945 18,212 240,157 668,972 687,184	Office and Computer Equipment £ 51,400 - 51,400 51,400 - 51,400 - -	£ 2,409 - 2,409 2,409 - 2,409 - - Library	£ 962,938 - 962,938 275,754 18,212 293,966 668,972 687,184 Total

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

11 Debtors

HMRC (tax for Gift Aid donations) Prepayments Other debtors	2023 £ 910 530 1,102 2,542	2022 £ 1,386 8,779 332 10,497

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Triodos Mortgages Other Creditors and Accruals	2023 £ - 16,298 16,298	2022 £ 19,236 14,151 33,387

13 Creditors: amounts falling after more than one year

Personal Loan Triodos Mortgages Repayable after more than 5 years by instalments	2023 £ - - - -	2022 £ 2,250 6,221 8,471 -

The Triodos mortgages were taken out to purchase 2 & 4 Healey Close Salford and the mortgages are secured on the properties with variable interest rates. The mortgages are repaid on a capital and interest basis by regular monthly payments over a repayment profile of 12 years. The mortgages have been repaid in full during 2023.

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

14 Analysis of movements in restricted funds

Total Total Stan Kukalowisz Bursury Fund Vajra Hall Fund Stan Kukalowisz Bursury Fund Vajra Hall Fund Other Other Current reporting period *Previous reporting* *period*	Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 1,136 4,478 1,255 6,869 Balance at 1 January 2022 £ 951 4,478 1,255 6,684	Income £ 2,039 - - 2,039 Income £ 655 - - 655	Expenditure £ (844) - - (844) Expenditure £ (470) - - (470)	Transfers £ - - (355) (355) Transfers £ - - - -	Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 2,331 4,478 900 7,709 Balance at 31 December 2022 £ 1,136 4,478 1,255 6,869

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

14 Analysis of movements in restricted funds (cont.)

Stan Kukalowisz This money has been donated specifically to the fund to enable those with Bursury Fund low incomes to be able to apply for a Bursury. This can be used primarily to pay for or contribute towards the cost of our local residential retreats organised by the Manchester Buddhist Centre.

Vajra Hall Fund This is money fundraised to enable us to fit secondary glazing to the windows of the Vajra Hall Shrine room.

Other Other smaller restricted amounts collected and dispersed during the year

15 Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds

General fund *Previous reporting* *period* Current reporting period Name of unrestricted fund General fund	Balance at 1 January 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers £ £ £ £ 744,772 273,641 (266,895) 355 744,772 273,641 (266,895) 355 Balance at 1 January 2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 753,749 270,769 (279,746) - 753,749 270,769 (279,746) - Description, nature and purposes of the fund	As at 31 December 2023 £ 751,873 751,873 As at 31 December 2022 744,772 744,772

General fund The free reserves after allowing for all designated funds

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets Other net current assets/(liabilities) Creditors of more than one year Total Tangible fixed assets Other net current assets/(liabilities) Creditors of more than one year Total *Previous reporting* *period*	General fund £ 668,972 82,901 - 751,873 General fund £ 687,184 66,059 (8,471) 744,772	Designated funds £ - - - - Designated funds £ - - - -	Restricted funds £ - 7,709 - 7,709 Restricted funds £ - 6,869 - 6,869	Total £ 668,972 90,610 - 759,582 Total £ 687,184 72,928 (8,471) 751,641

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

17 Financial instruments

Financial instruments measured at amortised cost comprise the loan financing provided by Triodos bank to the charity.

Loan payable falling due within one year Loan payable falling due in more than one year but in less than five years	2023 £ - - -	2022 £ 19,236 6,221 25,457

18 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/(expenditure) for the year Adjustments for: Depreciation charge Dividends, interest and rents from investments Decrease/(increase) in stock Decrease/(increase) in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash provided by/(used in) operating	2023 £ 7,941 18,212 (876) 869 7,955 (25,560) 8,541	2022 £ (8,792) 18,212 (153) 3,162 980 (25,712) (12,303)

Manchester Buddhist Centre

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 (continued)

19 Prior year Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure account)

Unrestricted funds Note £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 86,496 Charitable activities 4 184,120 Investments 5 153 Total income 270,769 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 279,746 Total expenditure 279,746 7 (8,977) Transfer between funds - Net movement in funds for the year (8,977) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 753,749 Total funds carried forward 744,772 Net income/(expenditure) for the year	Restricted funds £ 655 - - 655 470 470 185 - 185 6,684 6,869	Total funds 2022 £ 87,151 184,120 153 271,424 280,216 280,216 (8,792) - (8,792) 760,433 751,641	Total funds 2021 £ 113,503 127,167 - *240,670* 256,277 *256,277* *(15,607)* - *(15,607)* 776,040 *760,433*

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.