Charity Registration No. 516925
Company Registration No. 01934024 (England and Wales)
ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
ANNUAL REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
Trustees
A D Burke
F C Hartshome
R T Muspratt
P E Prayle
R V Rishworth
(Appointed on 16 January 2025}
C J Roderick
APWare
Secretary
T J Trumble
Charity number
516925
Company number
01934024
Registered office
Acorn Venture Fami
Depot Road
Kirkby
Knowsley
Merseyside
L33 3AR
Independent Auditor
JS. Audit Limited
James House
Stonecross Business Park
Yew Tree Way
Warrington
Cheshire
WA3 3JD
Bankers
National Westminster Bank PIC
Aintree Black Bull
Comer of Longmoor Lane and Cedar Road
Aintree
Liverpool
L9 OEG

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees, report
Statement of Trustees, responsibilities
10
Independent Auditorfs report
Consolidated statement of financial activities
Group balance sheet
16
Company balance sheet
17
Consolidated statement of cash flows
18
Notes to the financial statements
19-34

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report, which also contains the requirements of a
directors. report under the Companies Act 2006, and the audited financial statements for the year ended
31 December 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note
and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 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 I"FRS102") leffeclive 1 January 20191. Legal and administrative details are provided on a separate
information page at the front of these financial statements.
Objectives and activities
OurAim
To provide a high quality. affordable and inclusive resource for the local community.
We believe that everyone has a valued social role to play wtthin their community and therefore we provide
opportunities for individuals with disabilities and young people to fully participate in the day to day running
of the farm.
Public Benefit
We review our aims, objectives, and activities each year. We have referred to the guidance contained in
the Charity Commission's Charities and Public Benefit document. Al of our charitable activities focus on
the provision of skills developmenl and recreational opportunities for persons designated as having
special needs and the promotion of other charitable purposes for the benefit of the community.
A recent comment from a visitor which stated, Will definitely be back. Amazing value.. £15 for 2 adults,
2 kids and pel food- suggests that we are succeeding in providing public benefit.
This annual report sums up what we have achieved and the outcomes of our work in the year to 31
December 2024. It looks at the success of each key aclivity and the benefits which they have brought to
those groups of people which we are set up to help.
Achievements & Performance
a) Daytime Support Programme
One of the major ways we fvlfil our aims is in the running of our very successful daytime activities
programme for people with special needs. We currently provide 100 placements per week to 37 different
individuals. This results in us having a maximum of20 individuals who we support attending the farm each
day and ensures that each individual gains maximum benefrt from the time that they spend here.
Most individuals now purchase the service through their personal budget. This is either done on Iheir
behalf by the local authority via the Intemal Setvice Fund or by the individual themselves via a Direct
Payment. However. we still have service level agreements for the provision of community support services
with several local authorities.
This service continues to be well attended and has been here for many years. This suggests that they are
very happy at Acorn.
The charity is well supported by its board of trustees and is led by a highly experienced and respected
management team.
Our da￿lme activities programme includes=
Horticulture
Horticultural activities range from the production and selling of bedding plants and hanging baskets to
maintaining the sensory garden, lawns, and flower beds.
Conservation activities include maintaining the woodland walk, which is widely used by visitors as our
ovefflow car park is accessed through this area and the tree shelterbelt.

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES, REPORT- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Fami Maintenance
Farm Maintenance tasks around the farm site include building animal shelters, repairing benches and
picnic tables, flagging, fencing, plumbing and painting.
Animal Care
Activilies include collecting and grading the eggs and feeding and mucking out the animals.
During school holidays additional activities include assisting in the small animal petting sessions and
giving horse rides to visitors to the fami.
Although we have these three specific daytime support programmes Acorn Farm is a truly inclusive
project. Therefore, individuals with disabilities are involved in every aspect of running the farm on a daily
basis.
Young People
We conlinue to enable young people to volunteer al the fami at weekends. Under the supetvision of the
Weekend Manager. they help to run the farm, carying out all the tasks from caring for the animals to
helping with horse rides and in the small animal petting area.
We have an average of eight young people who help out each day and a waiting list of those who would
like to volunteer. Taking on these responsibilities enables them to develop their self-esteem and sense of
pride in their community and consequently encourages them to become responsible citizens.
b) Plant Sales
We had another busy plant sales season. The high quality of the plants together with the competitive
pricing and outstanding customer service has led to a large number of customers returning year after
year. The success of this enterprise is a credit to our Horticultural Unit Manager Mike Taylor and his team.
Although the vast majorrty of the plants are sold in the spring and summer we do have planls, tubs,
baskets, and perennials on sale throughout the year.
This enterprise is run parallel to the horticultural daytime programme.
c) Livestock
The fami's livestock continue to be a major atlraction for everyone involved. including our visitors.
During the year 11 lambs were bom to our ewes which included 1 set oftriplets and 4 sets of ￿Ins.
Pearl the pygmy goat gave birth to Iwins, male and female. They were named Ryder and Ruby after
Thomas Ryder {CEOI from Applied Nutrition.
Doris the Gloucester Old Spot sow gave birth to a litler of 12 piglets and Mabel the Duroc cross sow gave
birth to a litter of 8 piglets wrthin 3 weeks of each other in June. They were all identical, black and white,
the spitting image of dad Billybob who is a Saddleback Boar. Watching them play provided much joy to
all who saw them.
Lola and Jimmy, the horses, continue to put plenty of smiles on little faces every weekend and during
school holidays when they give horse rides to visiting children.
The meerkal wntinues to be very popular and she keeps us busy filling in the holes she has dug.
Our four miniature Southdown Sheep have now retired from going out to schools as part of our Animobile
project. Annie (Herdwick) and Jasper (Ram) take it in tums now to go out to the schools.
We purchased 2 new calves in July from Market Drayion Market. A Ix)mpetition was held on Facebook to
name the calves,. the winning names were Boris and Bruce.

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES, REPORT- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
All the animals on the farm are cared for during the week by the people who we support and at the
weekends by our young volunteers.
The animal sponsorship scheme, which we operate, continues to be popular and helps us to offset the
cost of keeping the animals. Sponsors are rewarded with a certificate, a visitorfs pass to the fann, a
photograph of their animal, birthday and Christmas cards and a mention on the Roll of Honour on our
website. We have extended the scheme to enable sponsors to add the cost of a bale of hay or straw or a
bag of animal feed onto their sponsorships.
d) Visitor Facilities and Attractions
Horse Rides
This activity is very popular with visitors. We do horse rides every weekend throughout the year as well
as during school holidays. Bookings may also be made by groups during term time. During the period we
were open the horses have given rides to 8,060 children.
Small Animal Petting Sessions
This attraction continues to be extremely popular with many repeat visitors. Over 21,546 people attended
sessions during the period covered by this report. Activtlies include stroking a rabbit. guinea pig and a pet
rat, holding a bantam hen, and feeding Toby, Teddy, and Paddy the pygmy goats. The petting area is
open to visitors every weekend and bank holiday and every day during school holidays.
e) Educational services
All the activities below are promoted and delivered by our Education Worker, Marie Moulsdale.
School VisitslGuided Tours
We hosted 1,684 visitors from 48 establishmentswhich include mother and toddler groups, nurseries. and
primary schools.
Incubator Hire
We have five incubators available for hire to schools and other registered groups. We supply the whole
package including incubator. brooder, fertile eggs and feed. We are able to take the resultant chicks back
where the hens join our laying flock producing free range eggs for sale in our shop. The incubators were
hired out a total of six times over the 3-month period and 12 dozen eggs were distributed to schools with
their own incubator.
Animobile (Mobile Farm Unit)
This is a hugely successful project whereby we take a selection of the farm animals out to groups in the
community who would othetwise have difficulty accessing our servI￿s. These include children's centres,
nursery schools, residential and nursing homes, and (x)mmunity fijn days as well as mainstream and
special schools.
The selection of animals taken includes a goat. sheep. hen, duck. rabbit. guinea pigs and pet rats. Lambs,
goat kids, ducklings and chicks are also taken when available. Over the period covered in this report, the
Animobile made 41 visits seeing a total of 2.735 people. Demand for this service always exceeds the
number of sessions which we are able to deliver during our peak season.
Animal Handling Workshops
This topic is appropriate for secondary school pupils studying animal-based courses.
Each group of students participates in an animal handling workshop which Gan include working with the
horses, sheep and goats.
The horse workshop entails learning about health and safety around horses before grLNJming and tacking
up Lola and Jimmy and leading them around the arena.
The sheep workshop entails the students safely fitting the hamess and lead rope on to the sheep and
individually walking them around the field in a controlled manner. They then muck out the sheep shed
and, using teamwork, herd the sheep into the shed.

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES, REPORT- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The goat workshop entails looking at the different breeds of goat that we have on the farm. Safe and
appropriate ways of handling and restraining them are demonstrated and praclised. A foot trimming
demonstration is also given.
Each group is given information aboutthe animalsthey areworking with and encouraged to ask questions.
Fann themed Activity Days
We held 7 'Farm Experience Days, and 3 'Horse Days, this year. They were attended by 94 young people
who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. as well as leaming new skills.
n Events
Halloween
This year we held our daytime event on the Friday of Halloween. Activities included Halloween themed
games., Feed the ghost, Witches Broomsticks, Pin the nose onto the Skelelon, Splat the rat. We also held
a fancy dress compelition. The lambing shed was converted into a fabulous spooky Haunted House with
real live 'ghosts' and ghouls! The event was a huge Suc￿sS with 756 people attending. We were greatly
helped on the day by a team of corporate volunteers from Co-op, friends, and family of Acorn Farm's
Staff.
Christmas Grotto
This was open for 3 weeks in the lead up to Christmas for pre-booked school visits and also over 2
weekends for visitors to the farm. The lambing shed was transformed into a magical grotlo by farm staff
and volunteers. The grotto proved popular once again with 260 Children visiting from 7 schools and
nurseries during the week. Over the weekends 238 children came to see Father Christmas and receive a
gift.
g) Visitors
We had another successfvl year in terms of visitor numbers. During the ￿e1Ve-mOnth period covered by
this report we received 90.890 visitors.
h) Awards
We have been re-awarded the Wisit Britain" accreditation as a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction- receiving
an overall score of 76 % which was an increase (up from 73 % ) from our last inspection.
In the Visit England Annual Trends Report Survey. we were ranked Top 20 most visited paid attraction in
the Northwest up with the likes of Knowsley Safari Park and Chester Zoo. We were also ranked 5th in the
Go Outdoor survey as one of the most cost effective days out in England.
i) Local Fundraising
Our supporters continue to fundraise for us and Lady Derby who is our Patron continues to support us
yeady.
Thomas Ryder (CEO) from Applied Nutrition asked us to make a wish list of what we needed here at the
fami. Our dairy floor was in need of refurbishment and ice cream making had to be suspended. Thomas
organised his contractor to come and re-lay the floor so that we could start making ice cream again. He
also supplied and erected 3 new animal sheds.
9 members of our staff climbed Snowdon in October and raised over £2,000.
j) Trading Company
Acorn Farm Trading Company continues as a thriving operation. The shop and café who trade through
this company have both had a busy summer.
However, during busy periods both the kitchen and café area struggle to cope with the volume of
customers due to insufficient seating in the café area and lack of workspace in the kitchen. Similarly, the
shop can get very congested.

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES, REPORT - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
k) Risk Management
The trustees have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. This has led to
the implementation of a number of policies including the Reserves Policy, which states that in order to
safeguard the future of the farm we will hold in reserve six months of resources expended.
There are a number of other risks which we have identified and are detailed in our Reserves Policy. We
also have a Business Continuity Procedure.
Intemal risks are minimised by the implementation of additional policies including Policy and Practi￿ on
Payments, Banking and Custody Procedure, Payroll Financial Procedure, Capital Purchases Policy, and
Asset Control.
Procedures are in pla￿ to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, people we support,
volunteers and visitors. These include a comprehensive set of risk assessments. The implementation of
safeguarding policies for both Vulnerable Adults and Children ensure that we deal with any safeguarding
issues which may arise in a consistent manner. Al policies are reviewed on a regular basis by the trustees.
Staff Team
Permanent Staff:
Name
Job title
Hours
Tracy Trumble
Rebecca Little
Mike Taylor
Craig Ellingham
Marie Moulsdale
Heather Dowell
Jane McKillop
Zaneta Radilova
Lisa Hughes
Lisa Gunn
Philip Dowsett
Sue Rowan
Lynn Fitzpatrick
Val Kelly
Marta Silva
Jo Mountain
Megan Roberts
Hannah Duddle
Millie Jordan
Val Kelly
Jennifer Hardie
Erin Rhead
Amy Martlew
Suzanne Austin
Donna Tyrer
Chelsea Truesdale
Farm Manager
Depu
Mana
er
Horticultural Unit Manager
Fami Maintenance Worker
Education Worker
Administrative Assistant
Cafe Mana
Weekday Cafe Assistant
Shop Worker
Farm Animal Supervisor
Farm AssislanUDriver
GardenerlSuptK)rt Worker
Weekend Manager (Job Share)
Weekend Manager (Job Share)
Weekend Cafe Team Leader
Weekend Café Assistant (Job Share)
Weekend Cafe Assistant (Job Share)
Weekend Shop Worker
Weekend Animal Petting Area Supervisor
Sundayl School holiday Horse Ride Supervisor
Saturday Horse Ride Supervisor
Weekend Horse Ride Helper
Weekend Horse Ride Helper
Fami Assistant
Weekday Cleaner
Weekday Cleaner
37.5
37.5
37.5
37.5
28
22.5
37.5
15
30.2
37.5
30
er
12
12
12.5
10

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES, REPORT - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Seasonal staff:
Name
Hollie Lan
Vacant
Gemma Guepla
Edwina Johnson
Job litle
Weekend Admissions Kiosk
Petting Area (School Holidays}
Admissions Kiosk {School Holidays)
Horse Rides (School Holidays)
Horse Rides (School Holida
Horse Rides Ischool holidaysl
Horse Rides (School Holidays)
Plant Production Assistant {Weekdays)Seasonal
Weekend Plant Sales Assistant Seasonal
Plant Sales Assistant (Weekdays) Seasonal
Hours
11.5
32.5
30
10
10
10
10
25
10.5
28.5
an
Holly Fitzpatrick
Josh Tristam
Sue Rowan
Helen Corrin
Chrislelle Winlersdroff
Staff Developments
Acorn Farm continues to succeed largely through the high level of commitment shown by the staff leam,
who are always willing to turn their hand to whatever needs doing.
All stsff are encouraged to undertake training relevant to their role.
m> Site Developments
Site Reconfi
uralion
A greal deal has been achieved in temis of our planned site reconfiguration.
We are now undertaking a major fundraising campaign to enable us to achieve our dream of a new
community hub.
FUTURE PLANS
Our plans for 2025 include..
l Fundraising for a new purpose built fami hub
I Working with DK Architects on the construction of the farm hub
Introducing new animals
Site Im
rovements
We are continually making improvements and doing repairs to the farm site- thus, ensuring that it is safe
for the animals who live here and the people who Ix)th visit and work here.
n) Conclusions
Acorn Farm continues to provide a highly valued and affordable resource for both the local community
and visitors from further afield. We are proud that our facilities are enjoyed by all.
A visitor posted on Tripadvisor-
'From start to finish Acorn Fami was a magical experience for us all. It all started on the car park where
we met Roddy. the sheep. From paying the very reasonable admission charges in the well-stocked shop
to walking round beautifully maintained animal enclosures, the whole experien￿ was a delight. All around
the Fami there were helpers who were a credit to the venue in the way that they greeted us and directed
us to different parts ofthe Fami. To top it all. the cafe offered a sumptuous range ofdishes and a spacious
seating area. Thank you for a wonderful day out. We will certainly visit again,.
In the coming year we will strive to continue to serve the community to the highest standards.

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES, REPORT - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Financial review
Income from charitable actrvrties and other trading activities increased to £1,192k (2023.. £887kl.
Expenditure for the year increased to £764k {2023= £712k), resulting in a net surplus before investment
gainsl(losses) of £429k (2023.. £175k). Unrealised investment gains of £149k {2023'. Losses (£97k)I were
achieved in the year.
Reserves Policy
The Acom Farm Board of Trustees recognises the need to hold reserves to allow for unforeseen
circumstances which could result in a substantial drop in income. These could include..
1. A global pandemic.
2. A lack of funding could cause local authorities to terminate the contracts which they have with us for
the provision of day ServI￿S for people with disabilities.
3. A fire, flood or similar incident could result in business interruption whilst repairs are undetway.
4. Severe weather could result in damage to the farm buildings making Ihe site unsafe for visitors until
repairs are undertaken.
5. Outbreak of animal disease (e.g. Foot and Mouth. e.coli) which could result in the compulsory closure
of the farm for a period of time.
6. Outbreak of food poisoning which could result in the Glosure of the Gafé andlor dairy whilst investigations
by the Environmental Health Office are undertaken.
Additionally, the reserves would allow for unforeseen capital works or purchases which may be required
to ensure the safety of the farm site (e.g. replacement of unsafe animal housing or to replace faulty tools
and equipment).
To cover such eventualities, the trustees believe that Acorn Venture Association needs to hold in reserves
6 months of resources expended and have maintained this position throughout the year.
The actual level of free reserves held is slated in our annual accounts.
Structure, governance and management
The Association is a charitable company limited by guarantee. incorporated on 26 July 1985 and
registered with the Charity Commission on 4 March 1986.
The Association was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and
powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year
and up to date of signature of the financial statements were=
A D Burke
F C Hartshome
R T Muspratt
P E Prayle
R V Rishworth
C J Roderick
APWare
(Appointed 16 January 2025)

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES, REPORT - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the
company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
All trustees have completed a Declaration of Confidentiality and a Declaration of Commitrnent and
Eligibility to be a trustee having regard to Section 72 of the Charities Act.
Appointment and induction of trustees
We are always keen to welcome new trustees on to the board. Our aim is to recruit trustees who are able
to complement the skills and experience of our existing board.
In line with our Memorandum and Articles of Association the truslees may appoint any inlerested party
as a member ofthe board eitherto fill a casual vacancy or by way ofan addition to the board. Any member
so appointed shall retain their office only until the next AGM. but they shall then be eligible for re-election.
Trustee induction and training
At present, new trustees are inducted into the charity in the following way-
Potential new trustees are invited to the premises to attend an initial discussion with the Chair. They are
introduced to the stsff team and people we support and given a tour of the farm, prior to applying to join
the board. Invitation to attend the next trustee meeting, where new members will be elected. then follows.
This is also an opportunity to meet other Board members.
Potential new trustees are issued with an infomiation pack. upon retuming the completed pack they are
appointed as a trustee.
Organisation
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the administration of the charity. The day-to-day running of the
organisation is delegated to the Secretary.
The full board meets quartedy. The board has one key sutFcommittee of the Finance Committee, this
also meets quarterly. The Personnel Committee meets as and when required.
We have in place a number of policies relevant to the trustees which help to ensure that governance of
the charity is perfomied to the highest standard. These include a Trustee Recruitment Policy, a Conflict
of InteresULoyalty Policy. a Register of Interests and a Trustee Code of Practice.
Disclosure of infomiation to auditor
Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant
to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken
appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditors are aware of such
information.

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES, REPORT - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within
Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Registered office..
Signed by the order of the Trustees
Acom Venture Farm
Depot Road
Kirby
Knowsley
Merseyside
L33 3AR
C J Roderick
Trustee
Approved by the Trustees on 31 October 2025

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing
the Trustees. Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a
true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the Charity and the Group and the incoming resources and
application of resources, including the net income or expenditure, of the Group for the year. In preparing
those financial statements. the Trustees are required to=
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently-
make judgements and estimales thal are reasonable and prudent.,
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP-
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
accurary at any time the financial position of the Charity and the Group and to enable them to ensure that
the financial slatements complywith the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding
the assets of the Charity and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for Ihe prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities.
10

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
Opinion
We have audited the financial slatements of Acom Venture Association for the year ended 31
December 2024 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, the group balance
sheet.lhe company balance sheet, the consolidated stalement of cash flows and the notes to the
financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting
framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102"The Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice)..
In our opinion, the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and the parent charitsble company's affairs
as at 31 December 2024 and of the group's incoming reSoUr￿S and application of reSoUr￿s.
for the year then ended-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice., and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audil in accordance with Intemational Stsndards on Auditing {UK) (ISAS (UK))
and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are furiher described in the Auditor's
responsibilities for the audit of the accounts section of our report. We are independent of the
charitsble company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the
accounts in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial ststements, we have concluded that the Trustees use of the going concern
basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statement is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed. we have not identtfied any material uncertainties relating to
events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significanl doubt on the charity's ability
to continue as a going concern for a period of at least iwelve monlhs from when the financial
statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the TrUSt￿S wilh respect to going concern are
described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other infomiation
The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the
information included in the annual report. other than the financial statements and our auditor's report
thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, ex￿p1 to
the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report. we do not express any fomi of assurance
conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other infomiation is materially inconsistent with
the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially
misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are
required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a
material misstatement of the other infomiation. If, based on the work we have performed, we
conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information. we are required to report that
fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION -continued
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit..
the information given in the Trustees. Report, which includes the directors, report prepared for
the purposes of company law. for the financial year for which the financial statements are
prepared is consistent with the financial statements- and
the directors. report included within the Trustees. Report has been prepared in acGordance
with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment
obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors,
report included within the Trustees, ReporL
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act
2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion-
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent charitable company, or returns
adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us., or
the parent charitable company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting
records and returns- or
certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made- or
we have not received all the infomiation and explanations we require for our audit- or
the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordan￿ with the small
companies regime and take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the
Trustees, Report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report.
Responsibilities of the Trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees. Responsibilities, the Trustees, who are also
the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law. are responsible for the preparalion of the
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal
control as the Trustees determine is ne￿SSary to enable the preparation of financial statements that
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements. the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going Goncern and using
the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable
company or to cease operations. or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditorfs responsibilities forthe audit of the financial statements
Ourobjectives are to obtain reasonable assuran￿ aboutwhetherthe financial statements as a whole
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. and to issue an auditorfs report
thal includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee
that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will a￿ayS detect a material misstatement
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually
or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users
taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line with our responsibililies, oullined atK)ve, to delecl material misstatements in
respect of irregularities. including fraud. The extent to vthich our prO￿dureS are capable of detecting
irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
12

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION -continued
Based on our understanding of the charitable company and sector. we identified that the principal
risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to, but were not limited to, the
Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011. employment, pension and health and safety
legislation and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect
on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct
impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006 and the
Charities, Statement of Recommended Practice.
We evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the
financial statements (including the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal
risks were related to management bias in accounting estimates and judgements and the risk of
fraud in revenue recognition.
Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following-
reviewing the financial statement disdosures and testing to supporting documentation to
assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a
direct effect on the financial statements-
enquiring of management about actual and potential litigation and claims, their policies and
procedures to prevent and detect fraud as well as whether they have knowledge of any
actual, suspected or alleged fraud-
performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that
may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud,.
reading minutes of meetings of those charged with govemance:
obtaining an understanding of provisions and holding discussions with management to
understand the basis of recognition or non-recognition of provisions., and
in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls.. testing the
appropriateness of joumal entries., assessing whether the accounting estimates,
judgements and decisions made by management are indicative of a potential bias., and
evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside
the normal course of business.
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all
engagement team mernbers and remained alert lo any indications of fraud or non-compliance
with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
There are inherent limitalions in our audit procedures described above. The more removed Ihat
laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become
aware of non-compliance. Audtting standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify
non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and olher management and
the inspection of regulatory and legal co￿espondenCe, if any. Material misstatements that arise
due tofraud can be hardertodetect than those that arise from erroras they may involve deliberate
concealment or collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on
the Financial Reporting Council's website at= httP=Ilwww.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This
description forms part of our auditorfs report.
13

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION -continued
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with
Chapter 3 of Parl 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we
might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in
an auditors, report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept
or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's
members as a body, for our audit work, for this report. or for the opinions we have formed.
F P PFL:.
Peter Atkinson F.CA. (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of JS. Audit Limited
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
31110/2025
James House
Stonecross Business Park
Yew Tree Way
Warrington
Cheshire
WA3 3JD
14

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total funds
Total funds
Year to
Year to
31 December 31 December
2024
2023
Funds
Funds
Note
Incomin
Resources
Incoming resources from generated funds:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other income
13.044
296.278
602.525
43.055
237.509
250,553
296,278
602,525
43,055
6,566
346,643
502,709
30,576
279
Total incoming resources
enditure on:
Costs of generating funds
Charitable activities
Govemance costs
954,902
237,509
1,192,411
886,773
316,381
434.527
7.122
316,381
440,079
7,122
231,842
473,751
5,991
5.552
Total expenditure
758.030
5.552
763,582
711,584
Net incoming resources before
gainsl(losses) on investments
196.872
231.957
428,829
175,189
Net gainslllosses) on investments
Nel movement in funds
148.697
148,697
96.819
345.569
231,957
577,526
78,370
Fund balances al 31 De￿mber 2023
2.339.055
251,438
2,5￿,493
2.512,123
Fund balances at 31 December
2024
2.684.624
483.395
3.168.019
2.590,493
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure
account under the Companies Act 2006.
15

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
GROUP BALANCE SHEET
AS A T 31 DECEMBER 2024
Note
31 December 2024
31 December 2023
Tangible fixed assets
15
934,878
945,106
Investments
16
1448 318
2.383,196
1 282018
2,227,124
Current assets
Stock
Debtors
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
8.877
19,594
415.521
385 287
829,279
1.000
16,726
17
18
380 661
398,387
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
Net current assets
19
{44.456)
(35.018}
784,823
363,369
Net assets
3,168,019
2,590,493
Funds employed
Restricted funds
21
483,395
251,438
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Fixed asset fund
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
21
21
21
1,650,000
688,992
345.632
1,306,332
693,668
339,055
2,684,624
2,339,055
Total funds
3,168,019
2,590,493
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to
companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 ofthe Companies Acl 2006.
Approved for issue on 31 October 2025
C J Roderick
Trustee
Company Registration No.01934024
16

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AS A T 31 DECEMBER 2024
Note
31 December
2024
31 December 2023
Tangible fixed assets
15
932.175
942,403
Investments
16
1.448.319
1,282,019
Current assets
Debtors
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
2.380.494
2,224,422
17
18
35,053
415,521
368,055
818,629
23,500
365,349
388,849
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year:
Net current assets
Net assets
19
(31,238)
122,912)
787,391
3.167,885
365,937
2,590,359
Funds employed
Restricted funds
21
483.395
251,438
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Fixed asset fund
General funds
21
21
21
1.650.000
688,992
345.498
1,306,332
693,668
338,921
Total unrestricted funds
2,684,490
2,338,921
Total funds
3,167.885
2,590,359
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to
companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of Ihe Companies Act 2006.
Approved for issue on 31 October 2025
C J Roderick
Trustee
Company Registration No. 01934024
17

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
AS A T 31 DECEMBER 2024
2024
2023
Note
Cash flows from operating
activities
Cash generated from
operations
26
416.528
184.532
Investing activities
Purchase oftangible fixed assets
Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets
Investment income received
Short term investment
(10.983)
(16.938)
17,872
3,933
14,602
Net cash {oufflow)linflow from
invesling activities
411902
Nel increase in cash and cash
equivalents
189 399
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year
380 661
191262
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
385,287
380,661
Relating to=
Cash at bank in hand
385,287
380,661
385.287
380,661
18

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. Accounting policies
Charity Infonnation
Acorn Venture Association is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and
Wales. The registered Offi￿ is Acom Venture Fami, Depot Road. Kirkby. Knowsley, Merseyside,
L33 3AR.
1.1 Accounting Convention
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of
Association, the Companies Act 2006 and °Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of
Recommended Practi￿ applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102}" (effective 1
January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entty as defined by FRS 102.
The accounts are prepared in sterling, vthich is functional Gurrencyofthe charity. Monetary amounts
in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest£.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, rnodified to
reflect certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are sel
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 reSoUr￿S to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Thus the trustees continLbe to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial
statements.
1.3 Basis for consolidation
The consolidated financial ststements comprise Acorn Venture Association and its trading
subsidiary. Acorn Venture Trading Co. Ltd. The results of the subsidiary are consolidated on a line
by line basis.
The summarised Profit and Loss Accountfor the yearended 31 December 2024 and Balance Sheet
as at 31 December 2024 for Acorn Venture Trading Co. Ltd are given in the notes to these accounts.
The charity has availed itself of the provisions of the Companies Act and adapted the Companies
Act formats to reflect the special nature of the charity's activities. No separate SOFA has been
presented for the charity alone as pe￿itted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and
Paragraph 397 of the SORP.
19

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1.4 Charitable Funds
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in
furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other
purposes.
Fixed asset funds relate to the assets in relation to the construction of the farm building.
Designated unrestricted funds relate to funds that the trustees have designated for a particular
project within the objectives of Ihe charity-
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific reslrictions imposed by
donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and
administering such funds is charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted
fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
All income and expenditure is shown in the Statement of FinanGial Activities (SOFA).
Investment income and gains are allocated to the appropriate fund.
1.5 Incoming resources
All incoming resources are induded within the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the
income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has
been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income
tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised
at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending
distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy
is treated as a contingent asset.
Other trading income is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and
represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business,
net of discounts.
1.6 Resources expended
Expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT is recognised on the accruals basis.
In particular, the policy for including items within costs of generating funds is as follows=
Charitable activities comprise those costs incU￿ed by the charity in the delivery of its aGtivities and
services for ils beneficiaries.11 includes both the costs that can be allocated directly to such activities
and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities
on bases designed to reflect the uses of particular resources. Costs relating to a particular activity
are allocated directly, while others are apporboned on an appropriate basis.
20

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1.7 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at the following
annual rates in order to write off each asset, with the exception of land, over its estimated useful
life-
Long leasehold land and buildings
Renovations
Outbuildings and paddock
Fixtures and fittings
Motor vehicles
Play equipment
Over the temi of the lease
20 % per annum on a straight line basis
10 % per annum on a straight line basis
200/0 per annum on a straight line basis
25 % per annum on a straight line basis
Over 15 years
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is detemiined as the difference between the
sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset and is recognised in the statement of financial
activities.
1.8 Fixed asset investments
Listed investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are
subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised
in net incomel{expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
Investments in subsidiaries are inttially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less
any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each
reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impaimient losses are recognised
immediately in net incomellexpenditure) for the year.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity- Control is the power to govern the financial and
operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
1.9 Impainnent of Fixed Assets
At each reporting end date. the charity reviews the carying 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 detemiine
the extent of the impairment loss {rf any).
1.10 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
1.11 Investments
Current asset investments relate to cash held on deposit and are stated al market value.
1.12 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 maturtties of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank
overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.13 Financial Instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and
Section 12 '0ther Financial Instruments Issues. of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party
to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements,
when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention
to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
21

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the assel
expire or are settled. or when the charity transfers the financial asset and subslantially all Ihe risks
and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership
are retained but control of the asset has transferred to anolher party that is able to sell the asset in
its entirety to an unrelated third party.
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 al 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.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rale
method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary
course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as currenl liabilities if paymenl
is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. #ierm18 are
recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amorlised 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.
1.14 Employee benefils
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.
1.15 Retiremenl benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they
fall due.
22

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Donations and legacies
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
funds
Total
2024
Total
2023
Donations and legacies
For the year ended 31 December 2023
13,044 237,509 250,553
6,566
6,566
6,566
Donations and gifts
Donations
Donations - restricted
13.044
13,044
237,509 237,509
13,044 237.509 250,553
6,566
6,566
3 Charitable artivities
Total
2024
Total
2023
Daytime activities programme
Product sales
Educational income
Other income
245,208
15.533
34,270
1.267
296,278
236,937
78,693
29,327
1.686
346,643
l income for both years relate to unrestricted general funds.
Other trading activities
Total
2024
Total
2023
Sponsorship
Admission charges
Horse riding charges
Petting pavilion charges
Room hire
Shop sales
Café sales
Animal feed
Plant sales
836
242.033
20.203
35,809
2,859
74.385
134.865
27.601
63,934
602.525
1,322
204.374
21,185
38,402
2,782
74,900
127.700
32,044
502.709
All income for both years relate to unrestricted general funds.
23

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5 Investment income
Total
2024
Total
2023
Income from listed investrnents
Interest receivable
28,453 26,643
14,602
3,933
43,055 30,576
All income for both years relate to unrestricted general funds.
6 Other income
Total
2024
Total
2023
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
279
279
l income for both years relate to unrestricted general funds.
7 Costs of generating funds
Totsl
2024
Total
2023
Fundraisin
and ublici
Other fundraising costs
Investment management administration costs
Staff costs
Costs of generating funds
Premises costs
General administrative costs
56,112
10,850
114,633
128,347
2,170
4,269
316.381
827
5,293
102,502
117,959
1,439
3,822
231,842
All costs for both years relate to unrestricted general funds.
24

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Charitable activities
Total
2024
Total
2023
Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives
Indirect employee costs
Premises costs
General administrative costs
Professional fees in support of charitable activities
Direct employee costs
311,704 294,784
21,211
24,953
34,798
55,638
546
1,219
55,155
60,235
11,767
18,512
1,451
15,863
3,447
2,547
440,079 473,751
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
434,527 467,739
5,552
6,012
440,079 473,751
9 Governance costs
Total
2024
Total
2023
Governance costs
7,122
7,122
5,991
5,991
I costs for both years relate to unrestrided general funds.
25

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
10 Movement in total funds for the year
This is stated after charginty(crediting):
Total
2024
Total
2023
Auditors. remuneration
Depreciation
7,000
21,211
24,953
11 Staff costs
Total
2024
Total
2023
Wages and salaries
Social securty costs
Pension costs
397,897
20,920
7,520
426,337
371,667
19,239
6,380
397,286
The average number of fvll-time equivalent employees, analysed by function was:
Total
2024
Total
2023
Charitable activities
35
33
35
33
There were no employees whose annual emoluments were £60,000 or more.
12 Pension costs
The charity operates a company pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately
from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge
represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £7,520 (2023
£6,380).
13 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during
the year12023 £Nil).
26

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
14 Surplus for the financial year
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and Paragraph 397 of the SORP, no separate
SOFA has been presented for the Charity alone. Relevant information is as follows=
2024
2023
Charity's gross income
Charity's surplus for the financial year
930.445
653,010
78,370
577,526
27

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
15
Tangible fixed assets - Group
Lony leasehold
land arKI
Outhuildings
and
Fixiurè4
fittlngs and
equipmont
Motor
vehicles
Totsl
buildiny$
paddocks
Cost at 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
Cost at 31 December 2024
1,062,346
1,548
582,328
129,975
9,435
(250)
139,160
15,490
1,790,139
10,983
(250)
1,800.872
1,063.894
582,328
15,490
Accumulated depreciation
al 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposal
Accumulated depreciation
al 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
123.998
19.474
579,982
1.086
125,563
651
(250)
15,490
845,033
21,211
1250)
143.472
581.068
125,964
15.490
865,994
920.422
938,348
1.260
2,346
13,196
4,412
934,878
945,106
Tangible fixed assets - Charity
Longlease￿￿
land and
buiMling$
Outbulldlngs
and
Motor
f￿1￿9$ aThl
twipmènt
vehicles
Cost at 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
Cost at 31 December 2024
Accumulated depreciation
al 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposal
Accumulated depreciation
al 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 De￿mber 2024
At 31 December 2023
1,062.346
1.548
582,328
116,767
9,435
15,490
1,776,931
10,983
1.063.894
582.328
126,202
15.490
1,787,914
123,998
19.474
579,982
115,058
651
15,490
834,528
21,211
143,472
581,068
115,709
15,490
855,739
920,422
938,348
1.260
2.346
10,493
1,709
932,175
942,403
28

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
16 Fixed asset investments - Group
Listed
investments
Total
Cost or valuation at 1 January 2024
Valuation changes
Income reinvested
Managemenl fees
Cost or valuation at 31 D￿mber 2024
Carrying amount
As at 31 December 2024
As at 31 December 2023
1,282,018
148.697
28.453
10,850
1,448,318
1,282,018
148,697
28,453
10,850
1,448,318
1,448,318
1,282.018
1,448,318
1.282,018
16 Fixed asset investments - Charily
Listed
Other
investments investments
Total
Cost or valuation at 1 January 2024
Valuation changes
Income reinvested
Management fees
Cost or valuation at 31 December 2024
Carrying amount
As at 31 December 2024
As at 31 December 2023
1.282,018
148,697
28,453
10,850
1.448,318
1.282,019
148,697
28,453
10,850
1,448,319
1,448,318
1,282,018
1.448.319
1,282,019
2024
2023
Other investments comprise=
Investments in subsidiaries
The investments held by the company represent the investrnent in the subsidiary companies as follows..
Company
Country of incorporation
Shares held
Class
Subsidia
undertakin
Acorn Venture Trading Co. Ltd
England & Wales
Ordinary
100
The principal activity of this undertaking for the last relevant financial period was as follows:
Principal activity
Cafeteria services and the sale of gifts
Acorn Venture Trading Co. Ltd
29

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
17 Debtors
2024
Group
2024
Company
2023
2023
Group Company
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Balance due from subsidiaries
Other debtors
13,518
2,772
10,819
5,111
15,819
3,304
13,961
2,679
13,961
2,679
6,860
3,304
86
19,594
35,053
16,726
23,500
18 Current asset investments
2024
Group
2024
Company
2023
2023
Group Company
Short term investments
415,521
415,521
415.521
415.521
19 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
Group
2024
Company
2023
Group
2023
Company
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors
12,131
9,004
23.115
206
44,456
13,318
8,071
7,459
19,386
102
35,018
6,801
2,705
13.406
17.920
31,238
22,912
20 Taxation
The group is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
30

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
21 Statement of funds- Group
At 31 Income Expenditure Gains and
At31
December
losses J December
2023
transfers
2024
General reserve
Designated fund
Fixed asset fund
1,306,332
693,668
339,055
2,339.055
343,668 1,650,000
10,983
(15.659)
688.992
943,919 {742,371) {194,971)
345,632
954,902
758,030
148,697 2,684,624
General funds
Restricted funds
Restricted funds
Farm building refurbishment
357
251,081
237,509
251,438
237,509
2,590,493 1.192,411
{357)
5,195
5,552
763,582
483,395
483,395
148,697 3,168,019
Statement of funds - Charity
At 31 Income Expenditure Gains and
At31
December
losses l December
2023
transfers
2024
General reserve
Designated fund
Fixed asset fund
General funds
1.306,332
693,668
338,921
2.338,921
343,668 1,650.000
10,983
(15,659)
688,992
681,953 {480,405) {194,971 }
345,498
692.936
496.064
148.697 2.684.490
Restricted funds
Reslricted funds
Farm building refurbishment
357
251,081
251,438
2,590,359
{357)
5,195
5.552
501,616
237,509
237.509
930,445
483,395
483.395
148,697 3.167,885
The designated funds have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for the
redevelopment of the fami.
The fixed asset fund relates to the fixed assets that were bought using unrestricted fund income
with the annual depreciation charge of these assets being allocated against the brought forward
balances.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants
which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used.
The restricted and farm building refurbishment funds relate to fixed assets that were bought using
restricted income with the annual depreciation charge of these assets being allocated against the
brought forward balances.
31

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
22 Analysis of group net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2024
Fund balances as at 31 December 2024 are represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
688,992
1,448,318
591,770
(44,456)
245,886
934,878
1,448,318
829,279
{44,456)
237,509
2,684,624
483,395
3,168,019
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2023
Fund balances as at 31 December 2023 are represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
693,668
1,282.018
398.387
(35,018)
251,438
945,106
1,282,018
398,387
(35,018)
2,339,055
251,438
2,590,493
23 Share capital
The charity has no share capital being a company limited by guarantee. Members guarantee lo contribute
an amount not exceeding £1 each in the event of a winding up situation.
24 Control
The charity is controlled by the trustees.
32

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
25 Net income from trading
The company owns 100.kn of the shares in Acom Venture Trading Co. Ltd (AVT), which is
incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in England {Company Registration No..
05381159). The subsidiary is based at Acom Farm. The shop and café trade through the
subsidiary.
All income and expenditure for the above subsidiary has been consolidated on a line by line
basis in the SOFA. The total nei profit is gifted to the charity-
A summary of the financial postiion for the year ended 31 December 2024 is given below..
Profit and loss account
2024
Avr
2023
Airr
Turnover
308.492
241.973
Cost of sales
(135,363)
(124,367)
Gross profit
173.129
117.606
Administrative expenses
(134,311)
(116,725)
Operating profit
Other income
38.818
881
Profit on ordinary activities
38,818
881
Profits donated to Acom Venture Association
(38.818)
(881)
Retained result for the year
Balance sheet
2024
2023
Tangible assets
Current assets
Creditors- falling due within one year
2.703
30.800
(33.368)
2.703
16,398
{18.9661
Net assets
135
135
Called up share Gapital and reserves
135
135
The Acom Venture Trading Co. Ltd figures as shown above relating to the provision of shop and café
sales have been included as income and expenditure in the Statement of Financial Activities and the
related notes rather than commercial trading operations, to better refleGt the nature of the Charity's
activities.
33

ACORN VENTURE ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
26 Cash generated from operations
2024
2023
Surplus for the year
577,526
78,370
Adjustments for..
Investment income rec(NJnised in statement of financial
activities
{43,055)
(30,576)
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
1279)
Fair value Igainsylosses on investments
(148,6971
96,819
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Investment management fees deducted from portfolio
Movements in working Gapital..
21,211
24,953
10,850
5,293
(Increase}Idecrease in stock
(Increase}Idecrease in debtors
Increasel{decrease) in creditors
(7.877)
(2,868)
3,689
Cash generated from operations