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2023-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 518850

Company Registration No. 02115913 (England and Wales)

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

ANNUAL REPORT AND INDEPENDENTLY EXAMINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

PM+M Solutions for Business LLP Chartered Accountants New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5QB

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Dr Jennifer Clucas Ms Stephanie Davies Mr Howard Hopwood Dr Diana Leitch MBE Mrs Melissa Lord Dr Michael Pitts Dr Donald Westwood Mr Noel Hutchinson Mrs Jennifer Wilson Hart Dr Julian Hought Mr Jay Wiegand Ms Serra Cinar Mr Kevan Wainwright Mr Hugh Dowding

(Appointed 8 November 2022) (Appointed 8 November 2022) (Appointed 2 February 2023) (Appointed 2 February 2023) (Appointed 2 February 2023) (Appointed 25 April 2023)

Chair of Trustees

Mr Hugh Dowding

Charity number

518850

Company number 02115913

Registered office

Gossage Building Mersey Road Widnes Cheshire WA8 0DF

Independent examiner

PM+M Solutions for Business LLP New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challenge Way Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5QB

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 8
Independent examiner's report 9
Statement of financial activities 10
Balance sheet 11
Statement of cash flows 12
Notes to the financial statements 13 - 22

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the trust's Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited, Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 0DF, “Catalyst”, is a registered charity (No: 518850) and company (No: 2115913) limited by guarantee. Its registered office is shown on the company information sheet. The Company changed its name from Halton Chemical Industry Museum Trust Limited on 16[th] June 2008. The present trustees who served during the year are listed on page 6 and details of any external advisers are noted on the company information sheet.

The Company was governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association adopted on 2[nd] June 2008. Updated Articles of Association were adopted by the Company on 26[th] April 2022.

Objectives and activities

The Charity’s Objects in the 2022 Articles are specifically restricted only for “the public benefit to raise awareness of and increase public knowledge of biochemistry and the chemical sciences and other related sciences and their materials, processes and products with a particular emphasis on education of young people through the development and maintenance of a science centre/museum – placed within a historical context and with particular reference to the locality”. Therefore, the principal activity of Catalyst is to inform, educate and inspire the widest audience about the relevance of chemistry and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) in general with a particular emphasis on education of young people.

Catalyst also holds extensive archives in various media for the UK Chemical Industry (including ICI, Brunner Mond and Peter Spence) and offers a heritage experience around its buildings but especially through its ‘Birth of an Industry Gallery’, and the ‘Baker Gallery’ which celebrates the history and modern-day uses of chlorine produced in the Halton area.

Our vision is to be a premier visitor attraction, recognized as the best science discovery centre dedicated to chemistry and a unique museum of the chemical heritage of NW England.

Our strategic objectives are; ensuring financial sustainability, maintaining Catalyst as a visitor attraction, delivering an exciting programme for Education and schools incorporating new themes, developing access to our heritage offer and providing an enhanced enquiry service, and broadening our audience appeal to attract a wider range of visitors.

Public benefit, aims and intended impact

In meeting our objectives, the Charity’s public benefit aim is to increase the public knowledge of chemical sciences and the chemical industry through the centre/museum and workshops. In setting our objectives and planning our activities, the Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Achievements and performance

This report outlines the major achievements, challenges, events and developments within Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited during the past 12 months (April 2022 to March 2023).

In the financial year 2022 – 2023 Catalyst saw a significant rise in visitor numbers to over 40,000, an increase of 60% on pre-pandemic figures.

Covid restrictions (social distancing, mask wearing, contact tracing, restricting visitor numbers, on-line booking only etc) were removed in July 2022 and although there was no legal requirement for people contracting Covid to self-isolate, Catalyst advised staff to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.

Planning permission and listed building consent was granted from Halton Borough Council and a second array of

solar panels were installed on the roof above the new building.

Rising gas prices saw the Catalyst gas quote rise by over 500% to £54,000 pa. With the help and advice of industry friends this was reduced to £44,000, but was still a significant proportion of the operating budget.

The newly appointed Community Engagement Coordinator attended a number of outreach events in the local community, has co-ordinated exhibitions for the temporary exhibition area, has continued the award-winning MindLab Programme, and has introduced a monthly Dementia Café.

Exhibitions

A temporary exhibition installed in March told the story of the ‘Space Sapling’ and how Tim Peake took seeds into space (on the International Space Station) from Isaac Newton's apple tree. The seeds were germinated in Kew Gardens in London and Catalyst in partnership with Halton Borough Council were presented with our own Space Sapling from Tim Peake following a competitive bidding process. This tree was planted in a specially designed Space Garden outside Catalyst in October 2022 as a lasting legacy of this project. We are grateful to Heather Wark (a previous Education Officer at Catalyst) and Barker Langham for their skill and dedication in creating this exhibition with us. This exhibition is now displayed in our Education Lunchroom.

Earlier this year Catalyst opened an exhibition of artwork from Level 3 Creative Practice students studying art and design, fashion and graphic design at Cronton 6[th] Form College.

Education Programme

Post pandemic, school visits were a little slow to resume, however in the financial year 2022–23 they exceeded pre-pandemic numbers with over 220 schools attending.

The number of sleepovers also exceeded post pandemic levels, and saw Catalyst welcome 55 groups on overnight stays.

A programme of activities for Toddlers and their parents was developed and trialled during 2022, which allowed young scientists to investigate and explore at their own pace.

The programme of workshops for schools and families was updated, the Maths Kit was refreshed, and new workshops created included Is Air Really There, DNA Detectives, a Summer Planetarium Show, Bridges and a hands-on workshop all about Celebrations.

In addition to delivering a packed programme of events at Catalyst, the education team delivered 30 outreach sessions in schools in the local area.

Catalyst welcomed two external presenters this year for weekend events, Dr Chris Aris presented three different workshops about Forensic Anthropology and Dan Heath ran a Coding event where visitors built an electric guitar with craft, wires, a micro computer and code! Both sessions proved very popular with visitors young and old.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Funded Projects

Catalyst has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to implement the Synergy Project to make their heritage offer accessible to new and under-represented audiences in an exciting and meaningful way. This initial development fund will help Catalyst progress plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant in May 2024.

Catalyst was successful with an application for funding from the Royal Society of Chemistry and a grant from Lanxess to run Chemistry at Work Week in January. This event was a great success with all school places fully booked and representatives from 17 different industry partners over the 4 days.

People

Former CEO Martin Pearson left Catalyst in 2022 and was replaced by Dr Lee Juby. Staff numbers fluctuated throughout the year with the retirement of two long serving staff members and one member of staff on long term sick leave. Staff were appointed into the vacant roles, Catalyst appointed a Community Engagement Coordinator, a Maintenance Technician and the team of casual staff has also been increased. Catalyst is currently recruiting for an additional teaching assistant to meet the increased demand from school bookings.

Catalyst welcomed six new trustees throughout the year, following the resignation of six long serving trustees. Mr Hugh Dowding was appointed as the new Chair of Trustees.

Catalyst announced the appointment of two new Patrons in November; George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, son of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Dr Helen Czerski, a British physicist, oceanographer, writer and broadcaster.

Our Volunteers, who so ably support our Education team, Archive work, and Maintenance activity, has continued to grow through the year. We are indebted to this dedicated group of people who support our operational activity so well.

Heritage / Archive

In October, Catalyst was delighted to announce the acquisition of a portrait of Dr Neil George Marr, Chief Medical Officer of the Metals Division of ICI, painted in 1945. This painting was one of a collection of 56 portraits, commissioned by ICI and painted by prominent British artists. This painting joins another two in our collection, and are on display in our 1st floor gallery.

The Arts Council Accreditation tracker showed Catalyst originally being asked to be ready for the ReAccreditation process in 2022. This has been delayed due to the pandemic, and as the last award was in 2017, it is unlikely that Catalyst will be invited to submit a return in 2024.

Our digitized archive currently totals 75464 items consisting of: 3776 company magazines/booklets, 9362 reports, 43605 photos/films/audio and 18721 workers records.

VIP Visits

In November we were delighted to welcome Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Redmond MBE who formally opened the refurbished interactive gallery, funded by the Wellcome Trust and UKRI Inspiring Science Fund. Additional guests included Sir Phil Redmond, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Halton Councillor Mark Dennett, representatives of funding bodies, industry partners, supporters and education providers.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Donations, grants and sponsorship

Industrial and personal sponsorship has continued during the period with major support from Ineos Inovyn, Chemical Industries Association, NW Hydrogen Alliance plus personal donations from Mr John Blewett, the Brunner family, and the Gossage family.

The trust remains grateful for the continued support of all its sponsors and donors.

Financial/Trading position

Throughout the year, strong trading continued across all areas with school visits and sleepovers (for schools and uniformed groups) in our glass walled Observatory proving extremely popular.

Catalyst Education Programme was back to pre-pandemic levels and during science week in March welcomed 48 different schools, teaching 99 workshops.

At the end of March general admissions were up 25% on budget, schools 19% above, sleepovers were 101% above, and gift shop income was 192% above budget.

Financial review

A summary of the year’s results can be found on page 10 of the attached accounts.

During the year, the total incoming resources were £570,964 as compared to £529,563 in the previous year.

Total resources expended in the year were £711,270 as compared to £604,610 in the previous year. The free reserves of the charity at 31 March 2023 were £275,288 as compared to £295,528 the previous year.

Free reserves are the charity's unrestricted funds that are freely available to spend on the charity's purposes. Free reserves exclude restricted income funds of £42,836 (2022: £139) and tangible fixed assets with a specific net book value of £728,728 (2022: £848,792).

Reserves policy

It is the general policy of the charity that the free reserves of the charity, which have not been designated for a specific use, should be working towards a level equivalent to six months’ expenditure. In real terms this equates to approximately £300,000.

The free reserves of the charity were £275,288 at the year end.

Most of the charity's reserves are held in fixed assets being the museum building improvements and exhibitions. The museum will continue to review the reserves policy on an annual basis.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Risk Management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. A comprehensive Risk Register is maintained by the Finance & Risk sub-group, who provide detailed oversight, and reviewed at every Board meeting.

Catalyst's Trustees are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the charity. A formal review of the charity’s risk management processes is undertaken on an annual basis, and at every meeting of the Board of Trustees via the financial data and the Risk Register.

The key controls used by the charity include:

Through the risk management processes established for the charity, the Trustees are satisfied that adequate mitigation measures have been identified for the major risks. It is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed.

Industrial sponsorship has remained challenging with the chemical industry. However, work is continuing to maximise funding opportunities and particularly related to future development plans for Catalyst. The initial response from the public to our new offer has been fantastic enabling the Trustees to take a positive view on Catalyst's future.

Plans for the future

The Trustees and Operational Team remain committed to maintaining/increasing revenue and sponsorship and applying for grants and awards that can positively contribute towards Catalyst’s sustained financial stability. Future plans include:

NLHF SYNERGY PROJECT

Catalyst plans to submit the full bid to NLHF in May 2024 and if successful, the first floor Birth of an Industry Gallery and the Observatory Gallery will be refurbished and engagement activities will be designed to make the heritage offer accessible to a wider audience.

Temporary Exhibition Gallery

A temporary exhibition entitled Images of West Bank Comes Home will be installed in September. It is envisaged that this will engage the local community and feed into the Synergy project.

A second art exhibition by Cronton College sixth form students is planned for later in the year. It is hoped that this will become an annual event building on the success of the previous exhibition.

Events

Catalyst has successfully applied to livestream one of this year’s Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Structure, governance and management

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the charity. The affairs of the charity are administered by a Board of Trustees, the members of which occupy the positions of directors for the purposes of the Companies Act.

The Trust has a board of trustees comprising industry executives, senior education specialists, representatives of chemical industry organisations, local historians and representatives from Halton Borough Council.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:

Cllr Sandra Baker (resigned 2 December 2022) Ms Serra Cinar (appointed 2 February 2023) Dr Jennifer Clucas Mr Roy Coldwell (resigned 18 July 2023) Mr Bryan Davies (resigned 18 July 2023) Ms Stephanie Davies Mrs Jennifer Wilson Hart (appointed 8 November 2022) Mr Howard Hopwood Dr Julian Hought (appointed 8 November 2022) Cllr Noel Hutchinson Dr Diana Leitch MBE Mrs Melissa Lord Dr Michael Pitts Mr Andrew Ritchie (resigned 8 November 2022) Mr Robert Roach (resigned 26 April 2022) Cllr Kevan Wainwright (appointed 2 February 2023) Dr Donald Westwood Mr Jay Wiegand (appointed 2 February 2023) Ms Rachel Wilkinson (resigned 2 February 2023)

The Trustees are responsible for the appointment of new Trustees. New Trustees will only be appointed after due consideration is given to eligibility, personal competence and specialist skills. New Trustees, when appointed, are inducted into the working of the charity by the existing Trustees.

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.

Friends of Catalyst

Friends of Catalyst is a separate charity, which exists to support and further the work of the Trust. The ‘Friends of Catalyst’ have continued to provide both financial and other support during the year.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Other matters

The Trustees would like to express their grateful thanks to the following organisations and individuals who have supported the Trust during the past year:

2M Holdings Ames Goldsmith/Ceimig Andrew Warren Arts Council England (Culture Recovery Fund 1 and 2) Association of Science Discovery Centres (ASDC) Barker Langham BASF Bitrez Ltd Brunner Family Bryan Davies BYK Dr N Carey Chemical Industries Association Mr Roy Coldwell CPS Ltd David Yaxley Dr Diana Leitch Dr Ingeborg Buschmann Dr Jenny Clucas Dr Katie Yaxley Dr Nick D Carey Friends of Catalyst Gossage Family Halton Borough Council Howard Hopwood Ingevity Innopec INEOS Inovyn Lanxess Livent Meade King Robinson Merey Gateway Mind Halton Mr John Blewett National Lottery Heritage Fund North West Hydrogen Alliance Royal Society of Chemistry RS Clare Univar Victrex Whitefire Ltd

In addition, they are grateful for companies’ support to Catalyst in kind in various ways from installations of major exhibits to materials used in workshops: Innospec, Stephenson Personal Care, ICE, Ingevity, Univar Solutions and Barker Langham.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORTI ICONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Statement of Trustees. responsibilities The Trustees, who are also the direclois of Catalyst Seience Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited for the purpose ol company law. are responsible for preparing the Trustees. Report and the financial statements in 8ccordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Slandaids Iuniled Kingdorn Geneially A¢￿ pled Accounting Praclicel. Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial siatements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the trust and ol the incoming resources and application ol resources. including the income 2nd expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required lo.. sèlect 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 pmdenl., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained In the financial statements., and prepare the financial staternenls on the going coneern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the trust will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting record$ that dis¢losè with reasonable accuracy at ally time the financial position of the trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements coTrply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also ie5ponsible lor safeguarding the assets of the trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fr8ud and other irregularities. es, report was approved by the Board ol Trustees. MrH owding Chair of Trustees

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited (the trust) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the trust (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the trust are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the trust’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the trust’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Ceri Dixon BSc (Hons) ACA PM+M Solutions for Business LLP New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challenge Way Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5QB

24 Oct 2023

Dated: .........................

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
153,895
79,851
Charitable activities
4
226,413
-
Other trading activities
5
110,805
-
Total income
491,113
79,851
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
94,537
-
Charitable activities
7
596,802
19,931
Total resources
expended
691,339
19,931
Net
(outgoing)/incoming
resources before
transfers
(200,226)
59,920
Gross transfers between
funds
17,223
(17,223)
Net (expenditure)/income for
the year/
Net movement in funds
(183,003)
42,697
Fund balances at 1 April
2022
1,144,183
139
Fund balances at 31
March 2023
961,180
42,836		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
2023
2022
£
£
233,746
176,233
226,413
145,435
110,805
74,335
570,964
396,003
94,537
41,120
616,733
453,760
711,270
494,880
(140,306)
(98,877)
-
206,633
(140,306)
107,756
1,144,322
1,036,425
1,004,016
1,144,181		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
133,560
-
-
133,560
-
109,730
109,730
23,830
(206,633)
(182,803)
182,942
139		 Total
2022
£
309,793
145,435
74,335
529,563
41,120
563,490
604,610
(75,047)
-
(75,047)
1,219,367
1,144,320

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

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2023 2023 2022 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets Stocks Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 12 728.728 848.792 13 14 9,183 86.910 241.240 4,709 28.164 297.483 337,333 330,356 Crèditors= amounts falling due within one year 15 162,0451 134,8281 Net current assets 275,288 295.528 Total assets less Current liabilities 1,004,016 1,144,320 Income funds Restricted funds Unreslricled funds 16 42.836 961,180 139 1.144,181 1,004.016 1.144,320 The company Is entitled to the ex&mption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of Ihe Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2023. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with iespeol lo accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of ils financial slalemenls for the year in question in accordance wtth section 476. These finanual statements have been prepared in accordance with the provision5 applicable to oompanie5 subject to the small companies regime. ncial statements were approved by the TrLJStees on . 12 10 13 Mr Hug Dowding Chair of Tntstèes Company Registration No. 02115913

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from
operations
20
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Financing activities
Payment of obligations under finance leases
Net cash used in financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2023
£
(51,409)
-		 £
(4,834)
(51,409)
-
(56,243)
297,483
241,240		 2022
£
(39,425)
(14,207)		 £
120,573
(39,425)
(14,207)
66,941
230,542
297,483

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Gossage Building, Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the trust's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

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

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

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

In the case of the grant, evidence of entitlement will usually exist when the formal offer of funding is communicated in writing to the charity. However some grants contain terms or conditions that must be met before the charity as entitlement to the resources.

In the case of a donation, entitlement usually rises immediately on its receipt. However, some gifts may include terms or conditions which must be met before the charity is entitled to the resource is.

When terms and conditions have not been met or uncertainty exists as to whether the recipient charity can meet the terms or conditions otherwise within its control, the income should not be recognised but deferred as a liability until it's probable that the terms or conditions imposed can be met.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

A grant that is subject to performance related conditions received in advance of delivering the goods and services required by that condition, or is subject to unmet conditions wholly outside the control of the recipient charity, is accounted for the liability insured on the balance sheet as deferred income. Deferred income is released to income in the reporting period in which the performance related or other condition that is limited recognition are met.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the trust 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.

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities, and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

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

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings 4% Straight line Exhibition and plant Between 8% & 20% straight line Fixtures and fittings 20% straight line

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

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

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

1.8 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.10 Financial instruments

The trust has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the trust's balance sheet when the trust 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.

Basic financial assets

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

Basic financial liabilities

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

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate 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 current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the trust’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Employee benefits

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

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

1.12 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the trust’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
153,895
26,601
Grants received
-
53,250
153,895
79,851
Grants receivable for
core activities
Coronavirus Job
Retention Scheme
-
-
Arts Council England
-
-
National heritage lottery
-
47,250
RSC- Chemistry At Work
Week
-
6,000
Other
-
-
-
53,250		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
180,496
154,033
11,079
53,250
22,200
122,481
233,746
176,233
133,560
-
-
41,460
-
-
97,221
47,250
-
-
6,000
-
-
-
22,200
(16,200)
53,250
22,200
122,481		 Total
2022
£
165,112
144,681
309,793
41,460
97,221
-
-
6,000
144,681

4 Charitable activities

Museum Museum
admissions admissions
2023 2022
£ £
Sales within charitable activities 226,413 145,435

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

5 Other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Café and catering 87,713 65,162
Shop income 23,092 9,173
Other trading activities 110,805 74,335

6 Cafe, catering and shop expenditure

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Trading costs
Operating trading company undertaking non-charitable trading activity 38,792 25,358
Other trading activities 14,167 5,342
Staff costs 41,578 10,420
Trading costs 94,537 41,120
94,537 41,120

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7 Charitable activities

Museum
Museum and
and exhibits exhibits
2023 2022
£ £
Staff costs 294,217 230,106
Other staff costs 2,361 1,796
Depreciation and impairment 171,473 172,905
Office administration 11,446 18,637
Insurance 6,532 6,637
Advertising 8,469 14,818
Bank charges 58 326
Motor and travel 2,075 87
Sundry 7,446 12,909
Project expenditure 8,490 8,771
IT 21,132 18,571
Equipment lease 1,620 2,016
Heat, light and rates 51,737 30,860
Repairs and maintenance 22,834 23,102
Finance lease interest - 2,382
Training 2,135 1,760
612,025 545,683
Share of governance costs (see note 8) 4,708 17,807
616,733 563,490
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 596,802 453,760
Restricted funds 19,931 109,730
616,733 563,490

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8 Support costs

Support costs
Independant Examination
Legal and professional
Analysed between
Charitable activities		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
-
3,750
-
958
-
4,708
-
4,708		 2023Support costs Governance
costs
£
£
£
3,750
-
6,750
958
-
11,057
4,708
-
17,807
4,708
-
17,807		 2022
£
6,750
11,057
17,807
17,807

Governance costs includes payments of £3,750 (2022 - £5,000) for independent examination and accountancy fees.

9 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the trust during the year.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2023
Number
25
2023
£
315,553
16,331
3,911
335,795		 2022
Number
20
2022
£
231,012
7,542
1,972
240,526

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

11 Taxation

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

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

12
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land
and buildings
Exhibition and
plant
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2022
221,741
2,002,162
468,814
Additions
4,352
8,788
38,269
At 31 March 2023
226,093
2,010,950
507,083
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2022
58,249
1,505,991
279,685
Depreciation charged in the year
9,029
88,681
73,763
At 31 March 2023
67,278
1,594,672
353,448
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023
158,815
416,278
153,635
At 31 March 2022
163,492
496,171
189,129		 Total
£
2,692,717
51,409
2,744,126
1,843,925
171,473
2,015,398
728,728
848,792
The land and buildings are leased to the charity for a peppercorn rent by Halton Borough Council on a 99 year The land and buildings are leased to the charity for a peppercorn rent by Halton Borough Council on a 99 year The land and buildings are leased to the charity for a peppercorn rent by Halton Borough Council on a 99 year
lease from 1 January 1989.
13 Stocks
2023 2022
£ £
Finished goods and goods for resale 9,183 4,709
14 Debtors
2023 2022
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Trade debtors 78,167 14,370
Other debtors 5 3,857
Prepayments and accrued income 8,738 9,937
86,910 28,164

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
19,168
14,275
16,247
12,355
62,045		 2022
£
3,166
8,440
14,554
8,668
34,828

16 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Movement in funds Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Balance at
1 April 2022 resources expended 31 March 2023
£ £ £ £ £
The ASDC 139 - - - 139
National Lottery Heritage Fund - 47,250 (15,835) (737) 30,678
Friends of Catalyst - 1,000 (794) - 206
Bitrez - 12,000 - (8,788) 3,212
CPS - 3,000 - - 3,000
RSC - Chemistry at Work - 11,000 (3,302) (7,698) -
Gossage family - 5,601 - - 5,601
139 79,851 (19,931) (17,223) 42,836
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
£ £ £ £ £ £
Fund balances at 31
March 2023 are
represented by:
Tangible assets 728,728 - 728,728 848,792 - 848,792
Current assets/(liabilities) 232,452 42,836 275,288 295,389 139 295,528
961,180 42,836 1,004,016 1,144,181 139 1,144,320

17 Analysis of net assets between funds

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

18 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the trust had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2023
£
432
216
648		 2022
£
432
648
1,080

19 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).

20
Cash generated from operations
2023
£
Deficit for the year
(140,306)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
171,473
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in stocks
(4,474)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(58,744)
Increase in creditors
27,217
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
(4,834)		 2022
£
(75,047)
172,905
(1,166)
12,141
11,740
120,573

21 Analysis of changes in net funds

The trust had no debt during the year.