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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 802510

Company registration number 2296103 (England and Wales)

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Kay Taylor (Chair) Laurence Culhane (Vice chair) Kevin Traynor (Treasurer) Melanie Hawman (Secretary) Susan Napper Jean-Pierre Brown Alex Scott Elizabeth Toogood Maggie Marshall Nick Widdowson (Resigned January 2023) Huseyin Huseyin (appointed June 2023)

Secretary

Melanie Hawman

Charity number 802510 Company number 2296103 Principal address Bradbury House 155 Barkers Lane Bedford England MK41 9RX Independent examiner Samir Shah Ramon Lee Ltd Chartered Accountants 93 Tabernacle Street London EC2A 4BA

Bankers HSBC 12 Allhallows Bedford MK40 1LJ

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

CONTENTS

Page
report 1 - 11
Independent examiner's report 12
Statement of financial activities 13
Balance sheet 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 25

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charitable company'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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The principal activity and charitable object is to provide facilities to improve the condition of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). There has been no material change in the policies adopted since the last report.

Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited co-operates with other MS charities in the pursuit of its charitable objective.

Established in 1983, and successfully providing services for 39 years, our vision is Providing professional specialist therapies and support for people living with MS, their carers, friends and families, throughout their illness, in a friendly, self-help environment.

The charitable company offers a range of therapies in order to further its objectives. The therapies provided are wide-ranging, and include:

Our beneficiaries are able to access these services for as long as they need them, with short waiting times, and all under one roof. All therapies offered have good benefit, and would otherwise be costly or unavailable to the individual

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

The difference that our services make to people living with MS is great:

Benefits to society as a whole include reduced costs to NHS and Local Authorities in terms of medical and social care provision, since people are able to live independently for longer, and do not access hospital services as much as those who do not have the benefit of attending the MS Therapy Centre.

A knock-on benefit of people maintaining their mobility is that they remain in employment for longer and pay taxes.

The cost of benefits is reduced - initially lower PIP claims are made, and then going forward, the time to being dependent on ESA/UC is delayed.

Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.

Our therapies and treatments are provided to anyone with MS, mostly living in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and also to people living within a reasonable distance. MS Therapy Centres are present in other counties to serve those living elsewhere. We signpost people to other MS Therapy Centres and to statutory services as appropriate.

Our therapies are provided free of charge to any individual accessing the MS Therapy Centre. We request donations from service users towards running costs, or ask that they help with events and fundraising activities. We raise further funds from charitable trusts, companies, local groups and other individuals.

The therapies and treatments are provided for individuals with MS to help themselves - we are a self-help charity. This means that any individual with MS can decide for themselves which therapies they would like to access, if thought appropriate by the relevant therapist. Any therapy is undertaken with advice from the professional offering that therapy. The Trustees do not envisage any detriment or harm to anyone undertaking therapies as long as they are taken in accordance with the guidelines laid out by the MS Therapy Centre.

Achievements and performance

2023 was a particularly successful year for the Bedford MS Therapy Centre

Typically, we maintain contact with over 700 people living with MS, up to 276 of whom attended the Centre over the year. Around 200 people attend regularly most months. Around 65% of our service users live in Bedfordshire, with 30% living in Northamptonshire, and around 4% in surrounding counties.

People attending for therapies : During 2023, the number of people returning to the MS Therapy Centre has continued to increase from the time immediately post-pandemic when numbers were low.

By December 2023, we had a total of 276 service users compared with 241 the previous year, and 218 in 2021.

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

Figure 1 : the numbers attending in 2023 compared with the numbers in 2022 and 2021.

The number of people attending in any one month was greater in 2023 than in 2022, and the total number of people returning over the year increased by 14%. The increase from 2021 to 2022 was 11%. The trend is that this increase in membership will continue over the coming year.

We maintained contact with our service users through monthly online newsletters and social media activity. Regular service users are contacted by email to keep them informed of any new developments, and by email for appointment reminders.

Supporting newcomers : We were able to provide assessments to, and had 71 new starters in 2023, 54 MS, 15 Parkinson’s, 1 FND and 1 NMOSD. This is larger than the number pre-pandemic (figure 2), and reflects our close ties with local community MS nurses, and other publicity to raise awareness, along with the trial for people with Parkinson’s.

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

Figure 2 . The number of people seen for the first time by year.

Service provision : We offered over 8,800 sessions of therapy – almost 1,400 more than in 2022. The greatest numbers delivered were in physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, gym and oxygen.

The range of therapies offered was increased to include balance classes, cardio-vascular sessions, additional group exercise classes and specific Parkinson’s group sessions.

Figure 3 . Therapy sessions delivered in 2023

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

Therapy usage : Some service users access several therapies each week. Some therapy slots are taken up by different service users in a 2 or 3 weekly cycle in order to maximise the number of people who are able to access each therapy (Table 1).

Therapy Number of individual users
Acupuncture 30
Action Potential Simulation 36
Balance Class 42
Benefits Support 9
Bladder Chat 10
Bowen 85
Cardio Session 1-2-1 10(newlyoffered in December)
Counsellor 35
Event/Workshop 49
Gym(self – managed) 62
Gym(Supported) 97
Holistic Massage 49
Hydrotherapy 82
Love to Move 12
Pilates 65
Mindfulness 15
Oxygen Therapy 83
Physio 118
Reflexology 38
Tai Chi 22
UTI diptest 21
Wellbeing 39

Table 1 . The number of unique individuals accessing each therapy

What our service users say about us : A small selection of the many expressions of benefits received from attending the MS Therapy Centre (data from bi-annual survey November 2023):

How has the MS Therapy Centre supported you?

“The MS Therapy Centre has helped me focus on what I can achieve, rather than what I can no longer do.”

"It has helped me regain confidence and it’s a fantastic place to meet wonderful people.”

“The help with getting my walking back on track has allowed me to keep working and maintain my independence.”

“The support from this amazing place has helped after being diagnosed.”

“The MS Therapy Centre offers a wide variety of therapies and it's is a family environment and I always feel welcomed.”

“Since joining the MS Therapy Centre I feel my MS has improved with my mobility and mental health, all the treatments I have attended have benefited me and the trainers are highly qualified and advise me of other treatments I might want to access. The main treatments that provide support are hydrotherapy, Bowen, acupuncture and massage to support the pain my body is suffering with.”

“I came to the MS Therapy Centre about a year after diagnosis with MS, and have benefitted from a number of the services offered for a number of years. In a sense, the real benefit of attending the Centre for me was that it was instrumental in allowing me to help myself learn to live with MS and manage the symptoms, enough to be able to improve my health with my own research and natural aids.”

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

Service Development in 2023

Hydrotherapy pool : A significant development, completed during 2023, has been the replacement of our hydrotherapy pool with a larger, more energy-efficient and more accessible design. This has been a significant project costing over £100,000, but we are confident that this offers a significant benefit to our service users since other local facilities, including the NHS pool at Bedford Hospital, have closed. The pool was officially opened in the presence of the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and Deputy Mayor on 16th October 2023.

Parkinson’s trial : We commenced a trial enabling 15 people living with Parkinson’s to attend the MS Therapy Centre. Therapies that are beneficial for the symptoms of people with MS are also beneficial to people with Parkinson’s. In Bedford, the local Parkinson’s support group met in a Garden Centre, and only provided one session per week of swimming pool-based exercise. The trial has been a great success, and funding is being sought in order to increase the number of people attending.

Benefits Advice : We now have a member of staff who is trained in benefits advice, and has helped a number of people to access the benefits that they are entitled to.

Exercise Therapist : We have employed a new member of staff who is overseeing cardio-vascular exercise sessions, either in one-to-one or small group sessions.

Balance classes : Classes targeting the specific symptom of poor balance have been set up this year. The small group classes are split by ability, enabling people to focus on their particular need. Improvement in balance can lead to more independence, and can help to prevent falls, which can be common amongst people living with MS and Parkinson’s.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) testing : A UTI can seriously affect the health of a person living with MS, and can even mimic the symptoms of a relapse or promote one. Being able to test urine quickly and then use the information gained to access GP treatment with antibiotics can help to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.

Regular informative talks : Getting to Grips (with MS), Research & treatments and Lifestyle & Nutrition for MS by Floriana de Angelis, Consultant Neurologist, Bladder chats, Bowel nurses and more.

MS pathway for hospitals : A pathway developed by the local MS nurse and our wellbeing coach to help hospitals effectively manage hospital stays for people with MS.

Social area : Volunteers have been organised to make drinks; games and puzzles are provided to encourage interaction.

Counselling service : We increased our ability to deliver counselling sessions by partnering with student counsellors. We have subsequently employed a counselling supervisor to coordinate a team of 4 trainees and qualified counsellors delivering Integrative Counselling Therapy.

Wellbeing star : We have rolled out this product, managed by our health and wellbeing coach, that supports people to identify and undertake activities that will help them reach their goals.

Therapeutic Arts Workshops : Starting with a Painting Workshop in November 2023, a full programme of therapeutic workshops has been established including poetry, photography and a book group, as well as various art workshops. Most of these are run by service users, and have had enthusiastic reception, with attendees stating that they have improved wellbeing as a result.

Saturday opening : During 2023, we opened one Saturday per month to provide access to services to people who cannot attend during the week, due to work or other commitments. Physiotherapy, gym, Pilates (seated and mat) were offered, along with socialising opportunities. The numbers attending were low, so we have paused this service in order to find a better day or time to cater for this group of people.

Working more closely with local charities : MS Society, Carers in Bedfordshire, Parkinson’s UK - national, regional and local branch. Also Bishop of Bedfordshire (disability), Grassroots in Luton (diversity).

Profile and awareness : We aim to remain well known in the community in order to make sure that as many people as need our services know about us:

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

During 2023 we employed:
(Based on 1 FTE equal to 37.5 hours )
1 manager
0.93 FTE
1 part time assistant manager
0.40 FTE
1 part time events and community FR
0.40 FTE
1 part time receptionist
0.53 TFE
2 part time physiotherapists
0.78 FTE (combined)
1 part time physio assistant 0.40 FTE
1 part time therapy assistant 0.43 FTE
1 part time exercise therapist
0.69 (started Dec 2023)
1 part time health and wellbeing coach
0.19 FTE
1 part time trust fundraiser
0.67 FTE
1 part time minibus driver
0.64 FTE
1 part time bookkeeper
0.21 FTE
1 part time cleaner
0.24 FTE

Please note that our fundraisers are employed by the charity, and we do not use any external fundraising companies.

We contract sessions with a self-employed counsellor and other complementary therapists who provide Massage, Bowen Technique, Reflexology, Pilates, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, Bach Flower Remedies and HeartMath.

Volunteers

Our services are supported by 69 committed volunteers who run the oxygen therapy service, carry out various regular admin tasks, do gardening, odd jobs, act as Trustees and organize a large number of fundraising activities, from running our charity shops to organising monthly sales and other annual events. Additional volunteers are heavily involved in representing us at the local Bedford Park Concerts (100+) and our Pop-Up Art Exhibition and Sale (50+).

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

Financial review

We receive no statutory funding and rely entirely on the generosity of our donors and the efforts of our volunteers and staff to sustain and develop the wide range of services and therapies we have been providing for the benefit of people living with MS in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and surrounding areas.

2023 was our 40th anniversary year, and proved to be much better financially than we had budgeted for. Total costs of £376,000 were in line with budget, but total revenue of £513,000 was £225,000 higher than budget. £109,000 of this income was raised specifically for the hydrotherapy pool refurbishment project. This resulted in a surplus of £138,000 as opposed to a budget deficit of £88,000 as can be seen by the increase in restricted reserves which rose from £78,311 to £121,147 and which had been fully expended on fixed assets.

We are very grateful for the support of our donors. Trust fund income totalled £209,000. This allowed us to meet the full costs of the new hydro pool which was operational from July.

Member donations totalled £85,000 which, along with other donations, allowed the charity to claim Gift Aid of £23,000. We also were in receipt of a legacy of £24,000.

In December it was confirmed that our application for National Lottery funding had been successful. We have been awarded £420,000 spread over the next five years 2024-2028.

Funding restricted for specific purposes:

Panacea Charitable Trust: £10k restricted to the project 'A Holistic Approach to MS' St John's Hospital Trust: £5k restricted to members from Bedford Borough Wixamtree Trust: £10k restricted to the cost of the 'Physiotherapy Service' Strangward Trust: £3k towards members from Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire only Northampton Municipal Trust Charities: restricted to the members from the Borough of Northampton Dorothy Boyd Discretionary Will Trust: £10k restricted to members from Bedfordshire Amateurs Trust: restricted to the full cost service of the Exercise Therapist

For 2024, the organisation has budgeted for a deficit of £88,000, based on total income of £433,000. Wage costs are set to increase as we extend the number of therapy hours available and add more staff as we plan for the future.

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

Reserves policy

At the end of the year, restricted reserves totalled £121,000, long term investments £223,000 and the refurbishment fund £100,000. In addition, the charity had general reserves of £386,000, sufficient to meet the ongoing costs and is in line with our reserves policy, a copy of which may be found on our website.

We raise income in a number of ways, including:

We are immensely grateful to all those organisations and individuals who supported our work, not just in the past year, but often over many years. In 2023, we were especially thankful to receive generous support from:

The Gale Family Trust Harpur Trust Roger & Jean Jefcoate Trust Wixamtree Trust Clifton Ibbett Discretionary Fund Postcode Places Trust Panacea Charitable Trust Amateurs Trust Persimmons Community Champions February Foundation Strangward Trust St John's Hospital Trust Bedfordshire Charitable Trust

National Lottery Community Fund: We are immensely grateful for support from the National Lottery Community Fund for part-supporting our services for 5 years commencing in 2024.

Risk Management

The MS Therapy Centre is very aware of managing risk in order to provide safe and consistent therapies to our service users. The charity Trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and satisfied themselves that systems or procedures are established in order to manage those risks.

We carry out continuous monitoring and immediate response to potential risks, in particular in the areas of financial risk, risk to safety of people attending the MS Therapy Centre, and risk to our reputation. All identified risks are logged on our risk register and are reported by the Centre Manager to the Trustees who ensure that immediate action is taken to implement measures to reduce risk to acceptable levels.

The Trustees meet every six weeks but are also available at all times to assist the manager in assessing all risks and mitigating those risks before they evolve into serious issues.

Plans for future periods

In 2024 we will embark on the implementation of our new strategic imperatives for the next 5 years, with a view to ensuring the future of the MS Therapy Centre for the next 25 years.

There are 5 areas of focus for the next 5 years

· Better Outcomes for our Service Users

We will empower people to manage their symptoms holistically, providing an increased range of therapies and other support services, thus enabling informed choice and sustained changes where desired by the individual. This will include developing a suitable service for those people who are still working .

We will continue to provide information and advice to our service users such that they become experts by experience in their condition and can self-manage their illness .

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

· Better Outcomes for More People

We Will

We will continue to develop partnerships with sympathetic organisations so that we can provide as wide range of services and resources as possible.

We will continue to be involved with the activities of the Neuro Therapy Network (NTN) and support their aims to raise national awareness of MS, and excellence in service provision for people living with MS.

Structure, governance and management

The charitable company is managed by the Executive Committee, which meets on a six to eight weekly basis. They are responsible for setting policies and procedures, deciding on budgets, salaries, therapies and services to be provided. The Executive Committee members, who are also Trustees of the company, are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

Statement of responsibilities

The trustees, who are also the directors of Bedfordshire And Northamptonshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (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 state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Each of the persons who is a Trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that:

The auditor is deemed to have been re-appointed in accordance with section 487 of the Companies Act 2006.

Small Company Provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption . The Trustees' annual report was approved on 17 June 2024 and signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees by:

Melanie Hawman Charity Secretary

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Bedfordshire And Northamptonshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable company (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 charitable company 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 charitable company’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 charitable company’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 the ICAEW, 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.

Samir Shah FCA, ATII

Ramon Lee Ltd Chartered Accountants 93 Tabernacle Street London EC2A 4BA

Dated: 18 June 2024

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
169,997
136,814
Charitable activities
4
174,380
-
Investments
5
9,157
-
Other income
6
22,871
-
Total income
376,405
136,814
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
46,702
-
Charitable activities
8
320,978
16,650
Total expenditure
367,680
16,650
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
8,042
-
Net income/(expenditure)
16,767
120,164
Transfers between funds
77,328
(77,328)
Net movement in funds
9
94,095
42,836
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2023
640,861
78,311
Fund balances at 31 December 2023
734,956
121,147		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
306,811
103,938
30,477
174,380
143,157
-
9,157
6,737
-
22,871
8,841
-
513,219
262,673
30,477
46,702
42,114
341
337,628
250,623
6,478
384,330
292,737
6,819
8,042
(28,132)
-
136,931
(58,196)
23,658
-
15,152
(15,152)
136,931
(43,044)
8,506
719,172
683,905
69,805
856,103
640,861
78,311		 Total
2022
£
134,415
143,157
6,737
8,841
293,150
42,455
257,101
299,556
(28,132)
(34,538)
-
(34,538)
753,710
719,172

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

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Investments
13
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets excluding pension liability
The funds of the charitable company
Restricted income funds
17
Unrestricted funds		 2023
£
16,941
496,061
513,002
(22,739)		 £
143,319
222,521
365,840
490,263
856,103
856,103
121,147
734,956
856,103		 2022
£
6,528
404,419
410,947
(11,695)		 £
109,111
210,809
319,920
399,252
719,172
719,172
78,311
640,861
719,172

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 17 June 2024

Kay Taylor (Chair) Trustee

Company registration number 2296103 (England and Wales)

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

1 Accounting policies

Bedfordshire And Northamptonshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Bradbury House, 155 Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9RX.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's [governing document], 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 charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

1.2 Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Disclosure exemptions

The entity satisfies the criteria of being a qualifying entity as defined in FRS 102. As such, advantage has been taken of the following disclosure exemptions available under paragraph 1.12 of FRS 102:

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-dasses: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

1.4 Income

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement offinancial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Leasehold improvements 20% reducing balance Fixtures and fittings 20% reducing balance Hydropool 20% reducing balance Minibus 20% reducing balance

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Unlisted equity investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently measured at fair value. If fair value cannot be reliably measured, assets are measured at cost less impairment.

Listed investments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in income or expenditure.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Stocks

Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.

1.11 Financial instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment.

Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Other financial instrurnents are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship.

Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised.

For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics.

Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised.

Defined contribution plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.12 Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the charity will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.

Where the grant does not impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Where the grant does impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it isrecognised in income only when the performance-related conditions have been met. Where grants received are prior to satisfying the revenue recognition criteria, they are recognised as a liability.

1.13 Limited by guarantee

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in 1988 and is governed by memorandum and articles of association as renewed and dated 9th January 2008.

2 Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainity

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
168,496
136,814
Sundry Grants
1,501
-
169,997
136,814		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
305,310
102,780
30,477
1,501
1,158
-
306,811
103,938
30,477		 Total
2022
£
133,257
1,158
134,415

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Charitable activities
Charity shop 27,107 19,010
Art Event 19,475 17,337
Fundraising events 27,650 27,966
40th including Ruby 15,415 -
Members donations 84,733 78,844
174,380 143,157

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Income from listed investments 6,831 4,185
Investment income other UK investments - 1,797
Interest receivable 2,326 755
9,157 6,737

6 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Other income 22,871 8,841
22,871 8,841

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

7
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Light & heat
1,176
-
Insurance
971
-
Telephone and postage
201
-
Printing and stationery
93
-
Legal and professional fees
-
-
Repairs & maintenance
-
-
Other office costs
-
-
Rates & water
-
-
Wages nd salaries
40,303
-
Employer's NIC
1,535
-
Pension Costs
735
-
Depreciation and impairment
-
-
Bank Charges
-
-
Audit fee
1,068
-
Investment management
620
-
Total costs
46,702
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
1,176
251
-
971
575
-
201
137
-
93
-
-
575
-
-
462
-
-
402
-
-
264
-
40,303
29,594
-
1,535
995
-
735
540
-
-
364
341
-
41
-
1,068
6,717
-
620
1,197
-
46,702
42,114
341		 Total
2022
£
251
575
137
-
575
462
402
264
29,594
995
540
705
41
6,717
1,197
42,455

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Therapies
Fundraising
and publicity
2023
2023
£
£
Staff costs
161,206
-
Oxygen Treatment and Day
care cost
27,678
-
Therapists
36,481
-
40th including Ruby
-
4,296
Rates & water
6,597
-
Light & heat
11,962
-
Repairs & maintenance
17,794
-
Insurance
7,069
1,000
Motor vehicle expenses
6,702
-
Legal and professional
15,818
400
Telephone & postage
2,438
-
Printing and stationery
331
-
Depreciation
22,193
-
Miscellaneous
3,902
11,369
Bank charges
392
-
320,563
17,065
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
303,913
17,065
Restricted funds
16,650
-
320,563
17,065
9
Net (expenditure/ (income)
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets		 Total
Therapies
Fundraising
and publicity
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
161,206
96,507
23,194
27,678
17,196
-
36,481
34,444
-
4,296
-
-
6,597
4,743
264
11,962
4,514
251
17,794
8,319
462
8,069
10,343
575
6,702
7,099
-
16,218
10,349
575
2,438
2,463
137
331
386
-
22,193
12,697
705
15,271
8,904
12,199
392
734
41
337,628
218,698
38,403
320,978
212,220
38,403
16,650
6,478
-
337,628
218,698
38,403
2023
£
22,193		 Total
2022
£
119,701
17,196
34,444
-
5,007
4,765
8,781
10,918
7,099
10,924
2,600
386
13,402
21,103
775
257,101
250,623
6,478
257,101
2022
£
14,107

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charitable company during the year.

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Number of Therapists, Clinical and Care staff
Number of Fundraisers
Number of Administrative Staff
Number of Management Staff
Number of Other Staff- Cleaner (1), Minibus Driver (1)
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2023
Number
6
2
2
2
2
14
2023
£
192,915
7,346
3,518
203,779		 2022
Number
3
2
3
1
2
11
2022
£
144,641
3,842
2,347
150,830

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

12 Tangible fixed assets

Leasehold
improvements
Fixtures and
fittings
Hydropool
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2023
174,193
201,283
52,692
Additions
-
-
56,401
At 31 December 2023
174,193
201,283
109,093
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
170,983
168,059
-
Depreciation charged in the year
642
6,644
10,910
At 31 December 2023
171,625
174,703
10,910
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
2,568
26,580
98,183
At 31 December 2022
3,210
33,224
52,692		 Minibus
£
41,086
-
41,086
21,101
3,997
25,098
15,988
19,985		 Total
£
469,254
56,401
525,655
360,143
22,193
382,336
143,319
109,111

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

13 Fixed asset investments

Listed
investments
Other
investments
Cash or cash
equivalents
£
£
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
189,179
9,316
12,314
Additions
-
-
5,830
Revaluations
5,215
667
-
At 31 December 2023
194,394
9,983
18,144
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
194,394
9,983
18,144
At 31 December 2022
189,179
9,316
12,314		 Total
£
210,809
5,830
5,882
222,521
222,521
210,809

All investments shown above are held at valuation.

Listed Investments

The aggregate market value of listed investments is £204,377 (2022: £198,495).

Financial assets held at fair value

Investments less cash were originally acquired at a cost value of £xxx (2022: £178,187). The market value of the investments at the year end, amounted to £204,377 (2022: £198,495).

14 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
965
15,976
16,941		 2022
£
-
6,528
6,528

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
-
3,151
726
18,862
22,739		 2022
£
2,398
970
-
8,327
11,695

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

16

Pension and other post retirement benefit schemes
2023 2022
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 3,518 2,347

17 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1
Previous year:
At 1		 January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers At 31 December
2023
£
£
£
£
£
78,311
136,814
(16,650)
(77,328)
121,147
January
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers At 31 December
2022
£
£
£
£
£
69,805
30,477
(6,819)
(15,152)
78,311

18 Unrestricted funds

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. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
Refurbishment fund
General funds
Previous year:
At 1
Refurbishment
Fund
General funds		 January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers Gains and losses At 31 December
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
100,000
-
-
-
-
100,000
540,861
376,405
(367,680)
77,328
8,042
634,956
640,861
376,405
(367,680)
77,328
8,042
734,956
January
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers Gains and losses At 31 December
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
75,000
-
-
25,000
-
100,000
608,905
262,673
(292,737)
(9,848)
(28,132)
540,861
683,905
262,673
(292,737)
15,152
(28,132)
640,861		 January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers Gains and losses At 31 December
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
100,000
-
-
-
-
100,000
540,861
376,405
(367,680)
77,328
8,042
634,956
640,861
376,405
(367,680)
77,328
8,042
734,956
January
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers Gains and losses At 31 December
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
75,000
-
-
25,000
-
100,000
608,905
262,673
(292,737)
(9,848)
(28,132)
540,861
683,905
262,673
(292,737)
15,152
(28,132)
640,861
640,861

BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

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

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
At 31 December 2023:
Tangible assets
22,172
121,147
Investments
222,521
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
490,263
-
734,956
121,147
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
£
£
At 31 December 2022:
Tangible assets
30,800
78,311
Investments
210,809
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
399,252
-
640,861
78,311		 Total
2023
£
143,319
222,521
490,263
856,103
Total
2022
£
109,111
210,809
399,252
719,172

20 Capital commitments

As at 31st December 2023, the charity had a capital commitment amounting to approximately £nil, in relation to contracted completion of the refurbishment of the hydrotherapy pool (2022: £57,000).

21 Related party transactions

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