Registered number: NI 12066 Charity number: NIC 103565
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the charitable company, its Directors and | 1 |
| advisers | |
| Chairman's statement | 3 - 6 |
| Directors' report | 7 - 11 |
| Independent auditors' report on the financial statements | 12 - 16 |
| Consolidated statement of financial activities | 17 |
| Consolidated income and expenditure account | 18 |
| Consolidated balance sheet | 19 - 20 |
| Charitable company balance sheet | 21 - 22 |
| Consolidated statement of cash flows | 23 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 24 - 55 |
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITABLE COMPANY, ITS DIRECTORS AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
| Directors | J G Brown FRCS, Chairman |
|---|---|
| T Diamond FRCS | |
| D E Graham RGN | |
| G Briggs FRCR | |
| K Khosraviani FRCS | |
| M Berry MBA, FInstLM (resigned 1 August 2025) | |
| M H Pitt FCA | |
| I Mainie FRCP | |
| C McKay LLB (appointed 1 February 2025) | |
| I Harley FRCOG (appointed 4 February 2025) | |
| Company registered number NI 12066 Charity registered number NIC 103565 Registered office 245 Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5JH Company secretary Mrs N C McGregor Chief executive officer Miss D E Graham Independent auditors UHY Hacker Young Fitch Limited Suite 2.06, Custom House Custom House Square Belfast BT1 3ET Bankers Northern Bank Limited T/A Danske Bank Donegall Square West Belfast BT1 6JS Solicitors Carson McDowell Murray House Murray Street Belfast BT1 6DN |
Page 1
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
The Directors present their strategic report for the group for the year ended 30 April 2025. As a charity registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (NIC 103565), the Directors are committed to proper governance and probity in all its activities. Work continues at The Ulster Independent Clinic "The Clinic" to ensure the delivery of its founding principles of advancement of health and saving of lives.
Charitable Objective
The Clinic exists to help the general public through the provision of medical and healthcare services for the prevention, relief and curing of sickness. The key charitable objectives are the diagnosis of illness and physical injury and the relief of pain and suffering as the result of receiving medical treatment. It provides the following facilities and services to achieve its charitable goals:
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In and day patient rooms
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Operating theatres
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Recovery wards
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Outpatient Department
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Physiotherapy Department
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X-ray Department
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Pharmacy
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Laboratory
Public Benefit Requirement
Public benefit is a legal requirement of every organisation established with charitable objectives and the Directors confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit reporting on the Clinic's benefits and achievements. The Directors are confident of the benefits that flow from our charitable objectives to our patients and that any private benefit received is purely incidental
to the purposes of our work.
The direct benefits that flow from The Clinic's charitable purpose are:
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The diagnosis of illness and physical injury;
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The relief of pain and suffering as a result of receiving medical treatment; and
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The delivery of improved health outcomes amongst those using our services.
The Clinic helps members of the general public and the beneficiaries continue to be those patients who require diagnosis and treatment of illness. Fees totalling £42,581,898 were paid by private individuals, healthcare charities and insurance companies. All such fees, net of the costs of providing the services, are re-invested in the facilities of The Clinic to expand or enhance the quality of services to patients. The Clinic continues to provide services to beneficiaries through a pro bono scheme.
The indirect benefits that flow from The Clinic's purpose continue to be:
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Provision of training for student nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists who are able to diagnose illness and physical injury and relieve pain and suffering as a result of providing medical treatment.
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Provision of meeting and training facilities for several Northern Ireland Healthcare Groups who are able to diagnose illness and physical injury and relieve pain and suffering as a result of providing medical treatment.
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More healthcare facilities being available to the public as the members of the general public, who use the organisation's services, relieve pressure on the public sector healthcare services.
The wider benefits that flow from The Clinic's charitable purpose continue to include the financial contribution to the public healthcare sector through the purchase of services and the acquisition of medical supplies at market value.
In providing medical treatment for patients, the benefits are evidenced through feedback from patients, regular independent evaluation of our services by Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) and accreditation by Caspe Healthcare Knowledge Systems (CHKS). In providing these services, there is a risk of unintended clinical harm, however this is rare and the benefit outweighs the harm in providing treatment. If incidents occur, they are independently reviewed, to ensure lessons are learnt and policies, protocols and procedures updated to reflect best practice.
Page 3
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The health and well-being of our employees, patients, and consultant users of service continues to be of paramount concern and arrangements have been put in place to ensure that The Clinic's premises remain a safe environment. The situation is kept under review and the Directors will take any necessary measures to maintain the viability of the services provided.
Regulatory and Key Performance Indicators
The provision of high quality services to patients is at the heart of The Clinic's activities. It is registered with RQIA and has CHKS accreditation, which is an independent standards based quality assessment programme. Additionally, the HDSU (Hospital Decontamination and Sterilisation Unit) has ISO13485MDD accreditation and the CPL (Cellular Pathology Laboratory) has IS015189:2012 Medical Laboratories accreditation. All quality and assurance processes and procedures are in accordance with the requirements of RQIA and CHKS.
Within The Clinic, there is a comprehensive programme of internal clinical audit mechanisms and analysis. This data is used to quantify the performance of the organisation on an ongoing basis. The Clinical Governance Committee monitors the outcomes and analysis of this clinical data. The Clinic also submits information from its comprehensive analysis to the National Joint Registry (NJR) and Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN).
As part of our strategic planning and monitoring process, The Clinic has developed a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tailored to reflect our priorities and measure progress against our core objectives. These KPIs provide a clear framework for evaluating performance. By regularly monitoring these indicators, we aim to foster accountability, drive continuous improvement, and support informed decision-making at all levels. Among the KPI's The Clinc regularly measures are:
Net Income from patient fees growth 3.87% (2024 : 11.84%)
Net movement in total funds 6.8% (2024 : 9.02%)
Debtor days 18 (2023 : 21)
Review of Activities
The key stakeholders of The Clinic are our patients, staff, consultants, suppliers and regulators. In assessing performance, the Directors focus on two key metrics:
Firstly, the quality of service provided to ensure the optimal outcome for all users of our facilities. The Clinic remains in the top quartile of providers for quality of service in all independent evaluations undertaken and patient feedback is positive with over 98% of patients being satisfied with the service. The Clinic continues to seek to ensure all patients have an excellent experience in each individual contact and opportunities to improve our service are identified from any comments or complaints received, either formally or informally. The Board monitor the implementation of any resulting action plan and ensure standards remain in line with best practice.
Secondly, the level of activity across our services including inpatient, day case and outpatient activity is critical in meeting our charitable goals. During the twelve months to 30 April 2025, there were over 120,000 patient interactions.
Financial Results
The results for the year are set out in the attached financial statements. The total funds held at the end of the year are shown in Note 24 to the accounts. The operating surplus achieved during the year reflects the increasing demand for surgical services.
Income from charitable activities during the year amounted to £42,581,898 representing an increase of 3.9% on the previous year. Expenditure on charitable activities increased by 8.8% on the previous year. The Board is pleased that its strategy to increase activity is beginning to fulfil its purpose. Going forward, the Board of Directors will seek to build The Clinic's reserves to enable continued investment in both staff and facilities as set out in our reserves policy.
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ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
The net incoming resources before other recognised gains and losses for the year amounted to £2,813,012 (2024: net incoming resources of £4,596,549). The overall surplus for the year including pension impact is £4.5m (2024: surplus £5.5m). The Directors are committed to continuing to fund investment in staff and facilities within affordable limits.
The Clinic recognises that its most valuable asset is its staff and The Clinic continues to invest in this critical resource. In appreciation of the continued commitment of staff, the Board of Directors provide competitive salaries, private medical insurance and a number of other benefits. The defined benefit pension scheme closed to new members on 30 April 2016 and a defined contribution scheme was introduced and The Clinic contributes to the scheme as an employer. The total staff costs for the organisation increased by 13.0% on the previous year, as set out in note 12. The net incoming or outgoing resources set out in the Statement of Financial Activities is a key financial performance measure for the Board of Directors and represents the focus for management attention in the next financial year as it supports future investment in both staff and facilities. The property and equipment of The Clinic (its facilities) are represented by the designated reserves and is the second key financial performance measure. The Board of Directors will continue to maintain the facilities at the current high standard through the capital development and replacement programme as noted above.
Fixed Assets
Information relating to changes in fixed assets is given in Note 15 to the financial statements.
Reserves Policy and Reserves
The Directors believe that The Clinic needs general unrestricted reserves equivalent to six months outgoing resources together with annual capital replacement costs of £4.2m for specific capital project costs when required. Additionally, amounts attributable to land and buildings less any related borrowings will be held as designated reserves as these assets are held for the long term and are not readily disposable. In the financial year ended 30 April 2025 the Directors have allocated an amount of £30.3m as designated funds in respect of land and buildings, and a further £21.8m in respect of a pension asset.
The recommended level of general unrestricted reserves at 30 April 2025 is £24.2m, comprising £20.0m for working capital and £4.2m for equipment replacement capital development. The general unrestricted reserves at 30 April 2025 were £18.8m. At this level, the Directors feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the organisation and have developed an action plan to increase reserves to meet future capital development. The unrestricted reserves of £18.8m comprise net current assets of £11.7m which are readily available to fund working capital requirements and the immediate capital needs of the Clinic. The remaining unrestricted and designated reserves comprise a pension asset and plant and equipment which may take time to realise to support the reserves policy.
Currently, the Clinic has no borrowings, has a strong asset base, which underpins its activities, and continues to be cash generative, however the Directors recognise that it is imperative that the organisation works towards the target reserves level contained in our 2020-2025 strategy document. The board of Directors will therefore seek to build reserves towards the target level set out in our reserves policy by the delivery of a surplus over the coming years in order to fund the required capital development and maintenance programmes for The Clinic.
At 30 April 2025, capital commitments amounting to £4,225,654 had been authorised but not contracted for (Note 29).
The Reserves Policy is monitored and reviewed at least annually. The Board actively considers the reserves target, in light of capital development and maintenance plans.
Page 5
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
Section 172 (1) Statement
The Directors have acted in a way that they consider, in good faith, to be most likely to promote the success of the Clinic for the benefit of its members as a whole and, in doing so, to have regard to:
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The likely consequences of its decisions in the long term
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The interests of the Clinic's employees
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The need to foster the Clinic's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others
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The impact of the Clinic's operations on the community and the environment
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The desirability of the Clinic maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct
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The need to act fairly as between members of the Clinic
The Clinic ensures that future development plans are designed to have a long-term beneficial impact for the organisation and will assist in the continued delivery of high quality services.
The Clinic recognises that its most valuable asset is its staff, they are fundamental to the success of the organisation. The Clinic is a responsible employer and places the health, safety and well-being of its staff at the forefront of all decisions.
The Clinic recognises the relationship it has with patients, consultants and suppliers as being the key to successful future developments. The organisation meets regularly with consultant users of service and suppliers and continuously monitors the experience and feedback of patients. The Clinic recognises the need to take action where necessary to prevent involvement in modern slavery, corruption, bribery and breaches of competition laws.
All managers and representatives of the Clinic engage with all stakeholders professionally ensuring high standards of conduct, good corporate governance and that they act fairly at all times. The Clinic recognises that this approach will help to enhance the organisations reputation.
The Clinic gives the highest regard to the impact of the organisation on the community and the environment. It has successfully complied with the requirements of ESOS (Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme) and is committed to reaching a target of Net Zero by 2050.
Plans for the Future
The need to develop services remains at the forefront of our strategy..
The Clinic's focus for 2025/2026 is the refurbishment of ancillary areas of the hospital, replacement of the mammography unit and development of a staff training suite.
Improving our charitable activities including facilities for patients, visitors and consultant users of service is at the forefront of all expenditure.
In terms of performance, the target for the Clinic is to maintain quality standards in the top quartile of providers and increase our activity levels across all specialities by providing access to the facilities required as and when needed.
................................................ M H Pitt FCA (Director) Date: 29 October 2025
Page 6
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
The Directors have pleasure in submitting their report and financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2025. The Directors have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of The Clinic.
Statement of Directors' responsibilities for preparing the financial statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business; and
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Constitution
The Clinic is incorporated under the Companies Act 2006, being a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital.
The Clinic is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association since its incorporation on 15th June 1977 and by the Companies Act 2006.
The Clinic has been formally admitted as a charity for income tax purposes. The statutory reliefs under S.505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 are admissible on income from 15 June 1977 subject to compliance with the terms of S.505 of the Act.
Company registration number: NI 12066
Registered with the Charity Commission Northern Ireland: NIC 103565
Registered office: 245 Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5JH
Directors - Supervisory Board
Each of the Directors set out below has held office during the period from 1 May 2024 to the date of this report unless otherwise stated. J G Brown FRCS (Chairman) M Berry MBA, FInstLM (resigned 01/08/2025) T Diamond FRCS I Mainie FRCP) D E Graham RGN M H Pitt FCA G Briggs FRCR C McKay LLB (appointed 01/02/2025) K Khosraviani FRCS I Harley FRCOG (appointed 04/02/2025)
Mr J G Brown (as Chair), Mr T Diamond and Mr K Khosraviani will retire at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, will offer themselves for re-election.
Page 7
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
Principal Officers - Executives
Chief Executive Miss D E Graham Director of Finance/Company Secretary Mrs N C McGregor Theatre Manager (Acting) Mrs K Stanley Operations Manager Mrs J Scott Estates Manager Mr S Dunlop
Management Structure
The Directors are responsible for the review of all activities, approval of budgets and implementation of future strategy. The Board meet at least ten times per annum. There are five Board Sub-Committees including Nominations, Clinical Governance, Financial Audit & Risk, Development and Remuneration; each meet on a regular basis and report to the Board of Directors.
The Financial Audit and Risk Committee comprises three members of the Board of Directors. It meets on a regular basis and reports to the Board of Directors. It is responsible for financial probity and considering the risk associated with the market within which the Clinic operates.
The Clinical Governance Committee comprises four members of the Board of Directors, the current Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee, Matron, Theatre Manager and the Quality and Education Sister. The Committee meets monthly and reports to the Board of Directors.
The Remuneration Committee comprises four members of the Board of Directors. It is responsible for setting the salaries of all staff and managers of the organisation, including key management personnel. The Committee meets regularly and reports to the Board of Directors.
The Development Committee comprises four members of the Board of Directors. The Committee meets regularly and reports to the Board of Directors.
The Nominations Committee comprises four members of the Board of Directors. The Committee meets twice yearly and reports to the Board of Directors.
The Senior Management Group is made up of the Principal Officers and is responsible for all operational and day to day matters. It also recommends fixed asset expenditure for approval by the Board. The Group meets regularly.
Four departmental user groups report to the Operational Management Group as do the committees responsible for risk, health and safety and finance resources. This information is reviewed by the relevant Board Sub-Committees.
The Medical Advisory Committee operates separately from the Clinic. It has its own constitution and is responsible for approving and reviewing each consultant's practicing privileges at the Clinic. This process is overseen by the Clinical Governance Committee to ensure regulatory compliance, in the interest of patient safety and wellbeing.
Page 8
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
Appointment of Directors
New Directors are appointed by the Board as required. Each year one third (or a number nearest to one third) of the Directors, for the time being, retires from office. A retiring Director is eligible for re-election. The maximum term of office is normally nine years but can be extended.
Director training
Prior to joining the Board of Directors each prospective member meets with the Chairman. This meeting provides an overview of the organisation and the role and responsibilities of each member of the Board. A Directors Pack for the Ulster Independent Clinic is given to each new member of the Board when they join. In addition, on-going training is provided in specific areas.
Principal Activities and Objectives
The Clinic's principal activity is to prevent, relieve and cure sickness and ill health of every kind and to promote health. The objectives of the organisation are to:
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provide quality healthcare,
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sustain and increase surplus by developing new services/procedures in conjunction with the users of service,
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ensure effective communication throughout the organisation and externally,
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encourage consultants holding substantive posts in healthcare to use the facilities,
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meet all legislative requirements,
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ensure the safety of all users and staff,
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effectively manage human resources.
The Clinic's strategy reflects the aims and objectives of the organisation and is reviewed triennially.
Employees
All departments within The Clinic have regular staff meetings whereby information is disseminated to and obtained from staff by each department head. There are monthly meetings with each head of department to facilitate the exchange of information with senior management. Also on the agenda for discussion at these monthly meetings is the current statistical and budgetary information for the organisation.
Equal Opportunities
The Board of Directors, the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team are committed to providing equality of opportunity in employment to all persons. Our Equal Opportunities Policy applies to all those who work for or apply to work for The Clinic. The Clinic is an equal opportunities employer, that promotes a good and harmonious working environment in which its employees are treated with dignity and respect. The Clinic does not discriminate unlawfully against any person on the grounds of gender including gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, religious belief or political opinion, disability, age, race, sexual orientation or trade union membership/non-membership.
The Clinic is opposed to all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination. Decisions made about recruitment and selection, training, promotion, transfers, pay awards or any other benefits, are made objectively and without unlawful discrimination. The Clinic endeavours to ensure that its workplace and employment policies/practices do not unreasonably exclude or disadvantage those of our job applicants and employees who have disabilities. To this end the Clinic complies with the duty to make reasonable adjustments in relation to such persons.
The Board of Directors recognises that the provision of equal opportunities in the workplace is not only good management practice it also makes sound business sense. Our equal opportunities policy will help all those who work for the Clinic to develop their full potential, and the talents and resources of the workforce will be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation.
The Board of Directors, the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team are committed to providing equality of opportunity in employment to all persons. Our Equal Opportunities Policy applies to all those who work for or apply to work for the Ulster Independent Clinic. The Clinic is an equal opportunities employer, that promotes a good and harmonious working environment in which its employees are treated with dignity and respect. The Clinic does not discriminate unlawfully against any person on the grounds of gender including gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, religious belief or political opinion, disability, age,
Page 9
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
race, sexual orientation or trade union membership/non-membership.
The Clinic is opposed to all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination. Decisions made about recruitment and selection, training, promotion, transfers, pay awards or any other benefits, are made objectively and without unlawful discrimination. The Clinic endeavours to ensure that its workplace and employment policies/practices do not unreasonably exclude or disadvantage those of our job applicants and employees who have disabilities. To this end The Clinic complies with the duty to make reasonable adjustments in relation to such persons.
Risk Review
The Directors have assessed the major risks to which The Clinic is exposed. Risks identified have been categorised into eight areas - strategic, financial, clinical, operational, human resources and personnel, pension, governance and emerging. Major risks are assessed on an ongoing basis. The following systems are in place to mitigate exposure to risk:
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Ongoing review of the Strategic Plan and continued analysis of the Northern Ireland Market.
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Monitoring of financial information on a monthly basis with adequate planning processes and financial controls in place.
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Extensive range of policies and procedures to cover all aspects of the organisational service.
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Organisational structure which includes provision for deputies for key roles and an effective succession planning process.
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Close monitoring of the pension fund with actuarial advice.
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Robust governance controls with sufficient management and reporting structures in place.
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Frequent assessment of risk to ensure all possible consequences are considered and controls implemented.
Clinical governance is an important element of assessing risks and ensures patient safety in every aspect of the services provided. The Clinical Governance Committee works together with the Medical Advisory Committee regarding all aspects of consultant practicing privileges and patient care. In addition, the Committee regularly review accidents, incidents, care quality indicators, audit results, patient feedback and complaints to ensure learning outcomes are shared and changes in practice introduced.
Environmental Matters
The Clinic has successfully complied with the requirements of ESOS (Energy Saving Opportunity Scheme) and is committed to reaching a target of Net Zero by 2050.
In accordance with the Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018, The Clinic has assessed and disclosed its energy usage and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the financial year ending 2025.
Methodology
The Clinic has quantified its organisational GHG emissions in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Energy consumption data has been converted into carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) using the latest UK Government Conversion Factors for Company Reporting (2024) and the HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines (March 2019). A Fixed Base Year approach has been adopted, consistent with prior reporting periods, and the operational control boundary has been applied.
| Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions | Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope |
Source | FY2023 (tCO2e) | FY2025 (tCO2e) | Change (%) | |
| Scope 1 | Direct Fossil Fuels | 499.45 | 584.86 | +17% |
|
| Scope 1 | Fugitive Emissions | 52.22 |
18.66 | -64% |
|
| Scope 1 | Transport | 4.53 |
2.78 | -39% | |
| Total Scope 1 | 556.20 | **606.30 ** | +9% | ||
| Scope 2 | Electricity (Location-based) | 379.68 | 425.23 | +12% | |
| Scope 2 | Electricity (Market-based) | 0.00 | 0.00 |
— | |
| Total Scope 2 | 379.68 | **425.23 ** | +12% | ||
| Combined Scope | **1 & 2 ** | 935.88 | **1,031.53 ** | +10% |
Page 10
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
| Total Energy Consumption | Total Energy Consumption | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Energy Source Unit |
Unit FY2023 FY2025 |
FY2025 Change (%) |
||
| Fossil Fuels | Fossil Fuels kWh |
kWh 2,725,977 |
3,197,713 +17% |
+17% | |
| Electricity (Grid) | kWh | kWh 1,963,397 |
2,053,277 | +5% | |
| Transport | Transport kWh 16,476 |
16,476 11,655 |
11,655 | 11,655 | -29% |
| Total Energy Use | tal Energy Use kWh |
kWh 4,705,850 |
5,262,645 +12% |
+12% | |
| (Scope 1 & 2) | |||||
| Scope 3 Business Travel | Scope 3 Business Travel | ||||
| Scope Source |
Source | Source FY2023 (tCO2e) |
FY2025 (tCO2e) | Change (%) | |
| Scope 3 Business travel (land/air/hotel) 2.94 8.27 181% | Scope 3 Business travel (land/air/hotel) 2.94 8.27 181% | Scope 3 Business travel (land/air/hotel) 2.94 8.27 181% | Scope 3 Business travel (land/air/hotel) 2.94 8.27 181% | Scope 3 Business travel (land/air/hotel) 2.94 8.27 181% | |
| Intensity Ratio | |||||
| The company has selected turnover-based intensity metrics: | The company has selected turnover-based intensity metrics: | ||||
| Scope tCO2e per £m turnover FY2023 | Scope tCO2e per £m turnover FY2023 | FY2025 | |||
| Scope 1 & 2 | Scope 1 & 2 tCO2e per £m turnover 26.81 |
24.23 |
Commentary on Changes
The increase in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and energy use is primarily attributed to the expansion of facilities and installation of new equipment, including advanced medical and IT infrastructure. These developments have increased operational demands for heating, cooling, and lighting. The Clinic is actively implementing energy efficiency measures, including LED lighting upgrades, HVAC optimisation, and smart metering systems to mitigate these impacts.
Future Commitments
The Clinic is committed to achieving Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, and to become a net-zero carbon company by 2050. Initiatives underway include transitioning to renewable electricity sources, conducting regular energy audits, and exploring low-carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps and solar PV.
Public Benefit
The direct benefits that flow from The Clinic's charitable purpose are set out on page 1 of the Strategic Report.
Disclosure of information to auditors
The Directors have confirmed that there is no information which they are aware of which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditors are aware of such information.
Auditors
A resolution to re-appoint UHY Hacker Young Fitch Limited will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and to authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors for the year ended 30 April 2026.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Directors on 29 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
................................................
J G Brown FRCS Director
Page 11
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Ulster Independent Clinic Limited (the 'parent charitable company') and its subsidiary (the 'Group') for the year ended 30 April 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the income and expenditure account, the summary income and expenditure account, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows, the consolidated statement of financial activities, the consolidated income and expenditure account, the consolidated balance sheet, the charitable company balance sheet, the consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and The Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP (FRS102) second edition -January 2019).
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and of the parent charitable company's affairs as at 30 April 2025 and of the Group's incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's or the parent charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Page 12
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditors' report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
-
the information given in the Directors' report including the Strategic report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.
-
the Directors' report and the Strategic report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Directors' report including the Strategic report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
the parent charitable company has not kept adequate and sufficient accounting records, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
-
the parent charitable company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
certain disclosures of Directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Page 13
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the Directors (who are also the trustees of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group's and the parent charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Page 14
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
The engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As part of the audit in accordance with ISAs (UK) we exercised professional judgement and maintained professional scepticism throughout the audit. We identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the sector and we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, taxation legislation and data protection, anti-bribery, employment, environmental and health and safety legislation.
We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud and considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. We obtained an understanding of internal controls relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that were appropriate in the circumstances but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships; tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions; evaluated the appropriateness of accounting policies used, including managements’ use of the going concern basis of accounting, and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management; and investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included but were not limited to agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation; reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; and enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial
Page 15
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors' report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Michael Fitch FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of
UHY Hacker Young Fitch Limited
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Suite 2.06, Custom House
Custom House Square
Belfast
BT1 3ET
29 October 2025
UHY Hacker Young Fitch Limited are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 16
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
| Note Income from: Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net movement in funds before other recognised gains/(losses) Other recognised gains/(losses): Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension schemes Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 42,581,898 66,995 224,229 42,873,122 181,837 39,878,273 40,060,110 2,813,012 1,715,000 4,528,012 66,540,856 4,528,012 71,068,868 |
Total funds 2025 £ 42,581,898 66,995 224,229 42,873,122 181,837 39,878,273 40,060,110 2,813,012 1,715,000 4,528,012 66,540,856 4,528,012 71,068,868 |
Total funds 2024 £ 40,995,362 200,377 173,737 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41,369,476 | |||
| 259,772 36,513,155 |
|||
| 36,772,927 | |||
| 4,596,549 908,000 |
|||
| 5,504,549 | |||
| 61,036,307 5,504,549 |
|||
| 66,540,856 |
The Consolidated statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 24 to 55 form part of these financial statements.
Page 17
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
| Note Income Net other recognised gains and losses Gross income in the reporting period Less: Total expenditure Net income for the reporting period The notes on pages 24 to 55 form part of these financial statements. |
Total funds 2025 £ 42,873,122 1,715,000 44,588,122 (40,060,110) 4,528,012 |
Total funds 2024 £ 41,369,476 908,000 42,277,476 (36,772,927) 5,504,549 |
|---|---|---|
Page 18
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: NI 12066
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 APRIL 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 16 Investment property 17 Current assets Stocks 19 Debtors 20 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 21 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 23 Net assets excluding pension asset Defined benefit pension scheme asset 33 Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 26 Unrestricted funds Designated funds 26 Land & buildings 26 Pension asset 26 General funds 26 Total unrestricted funds 26 Total funds |
630,904 5,127,141 9,944,643 15,702,688 (3,917,656) - 30,327,864 21,860,902 18,880,101 |
2025 £ 34,541,813 4,000,000 38,541,813 11,785,032 50,326,845 (1,118,880) 49,207,965 21,860,902 71,068,867 - 71,068,867 71,068,867 |
380,908 5,485,233 8,655,980 14,522,121 (5,050,434) 1,160,000 30,847,612 18,914,902 15,618,342 |
2024 £ 36,657,420 2,840,000 39,497,420 9,471,687 48,969,107 (1,343,153) 47,625,954 18,914,902 66,540,856 - 66,540,856 66,540,856 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
Page 19
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: NI 12066
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 30 APRIL 2025
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Directors on 29 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ ................................................ J G Brown FRCS T Diamond FRCS Director Director
The notes on pages 24 to 55 form part of these financial statements.
Page 20
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: NI 12066
CHARITABLE COMPANY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 APRIL 2025
| AS AT 30 APRIL 2025 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Note | £ | £ | |||||
| Fixed assets | |||||||
| Tangible assets | 16 | 34,540,564 | 35,493,377 | ||||
| Investments | 18 | 295,968 | 573,565 | ||||
| 34,836,532 | 36,066,942 | ||||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Stocks | 19 | 630,906 | 380,910 | ||||
| Debtors | 20 | 8,804,886 | 8,934,592 | ||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 9,869,003 | 8,497,429 | |||||
| 19,304,795 | 17,812,931 | ||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one | |||||||
| year | 21 | (3,815,770) | (4,910,766) | ||||
| Net current assets | 15,489,025 | 12,902,165 | |||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 50,325,557 | 48,969,107 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due after more | |||||||
| than one year | 23 | (1,118,880) | (1,343,153) | ||||
| Net assets excluding pension asset | 49,206,677 | 47,625,954 | |||||
| Defined benefit pension scheme asset | 33 | 21,860,902 | 18,914,902 | ||||
| Total net assets | 71,067,579 | 66,540,856 | |||||
| Charity funds | |||||||
| Restricted funds | 26 | - | - | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | 26 | 71,067,579 | 66,540,856 | ||||
| Total funds | 71,067,579 | 66,540,856 |
The charitable company's net movement in funds for the year was £ 4,526,723 (2024 - £5,574,515) .
The Directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Directors on 29 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ J G Brown FRCS Director
................................................ T Diamond FRCS Director
Page 21
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: NI 12066
CHARITABLE COMPANY BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 30 APRIL 2025
The notes on pages 24 to 55 form part of these financial statements.
Page 22
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
| Cash flows from operating activities Net cash generated from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Dividends, interests and rents from investments Purchase of tangible fixed assets Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Net cash provided by financing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year The notes on pages 24 to 55 form part of these financial statements |
2025 £ 2,716,516 224,229 (1,652,082) (1,427,853) - 1,288,663 8,655,980 9,944,643 |
2024 £ 7,390,654 173,737 (5,937,300) (5,763,563) - 1,627,091 7,028,889 8,655,980 |
|---|---|---|
Page 23
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
1. General information
Ulster Independent Clinic Limited is a private company limited by guarantee and is incorporated and registered in Northern Ireland under Company Registration Number NI 12066. The Clinic is also registered with the Charity Commission under Registration Number NIC 103565 and HMRC Charity Number XN 48770. Ulster Independent Clinic Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102.
The Clinic's registered office is situated at 245 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5JH.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective March 2019) - (Charities SORP FRS102), and the Companies Act 2006.
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards in the United Kingdom. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. The Financial Statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of The Clinic. A summary of the more important accounting policies, which have been applied consistently, is set out below.
The consolidated statement of financial activities (SOFA) and consolidated balance sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Group, incorporating The Clinic and its subsidiary undertaking. The results of the subsidiary are consolidated on a line by line basis.
The Group has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own statement of financial activities in these financial statements.
2.2 Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Directors do not believe that there are any factors or material uncertainties which would impact on their assessment of their ability to continue as a going concern.
Page 24
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once The Clinic has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Patient fees receivable represents the total amount, after deduction of discount, receivable by The Clinic in the ordinary course of its activities for services provided and goods supplied as a principal. The receipts from hospital services and all expenditure not of a capital nature are accounted for through the Statement of Financial Activities. All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when The Clinic is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.
Revenue in the subsidiary is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:
Rendering of services
Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
-
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
-
it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the contract;
-
the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
-
the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.
Interest receivable is recognised when The Clinic is entitled to it.
Page 25
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity.
Expenditure on buildings alterations, which increases neither the open market value nor the earning capacity of the property, is considered to be revenue expenditure. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
The Statement of Financial Activities provides an analysis of the resources expended by The Clinic which are necessary in order to provide the ongoing activities in The Clinic and its subsidiary.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category, except for the following:
-
1) Marketing and public relations costs are allocated to costs of generating funds, and
-
2) Governance costs which include:
-
costs associated with constitutional and statutory requirements
-
cost of legal advice
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Group's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets excluding land and buildings are capitalised at cost. The cost of tangible fixed assets is their purchase cost together with any incidental costs of acquisition.
The cost of all Freehold Properties owned and occupied by The Clinic on 1 May 2017 are included in the financial statements on a deemed cost basis net of depreciation. From 1 May 2017 all freehold property additions are capitalised at cost.
Assets in the course of construction are included at costs incurred to date. Depreciation on these assets is not charged until they are brought into use.
Page 26
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets less their estimated residual values, on a straight-line basis over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned.
The principal annual rates used for this purpose are:
| Buildings | - | 3% |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicles | - | 25% |
| Fixtures and fittings | - | 20% |
| Computer equipment | - | 33% |
At each reporting date the Directors assess whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
2.6 Investment property
Investment property is carried at fair value whether it is rented within or externally from the group, determined annually and arrived at by the director on an open market value basis by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties and advice from external valuers for comparable real estate, adjusted if necessary for any difference in the nature, location or condition of the specific asset. No depreciation is provided. Changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
2.7 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the company statement of financial activities.
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.
2.8 Stocks
Stocks have been valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. In general, cost is determined on a first in first out basis and includes transport and handling costs. Where necessary, provision is made for obsolete, slow moving and defective stocks.
2.9 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Page 27
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.10 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.11 Liabilities
Liabilities and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that The Clinic anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the consolidated statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
2.12 Financial instruments
The Clinic only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
2.13 Finance leases and operating leases
Costs in respect of operating leases are charged on a straight line basis over the lease term. Leasing agreements which transfer to The Clinic substantially all the benefits and risks of ownership of an asset are treated as if the asset had been purchased outright. The assets are included in fixed assets and the capital element of the leasing commitments is shown as obligations under finance leases. The lease rentals are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The capital element is applied to reduce the outstanding obligations and the interest element is charged against Charitable Activities in the Statement of Financial Activities in proportion to the reducing capital element outstanding. Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the lease terms and the useful lives of equivalent owned assets.
2.14 Pensions
The Clinic operates a defined benefit pension scheme which closed to new members on 30 April 2016. The fund is valued every year by a professionally qualified independent actuary, the rates of contribution payable being determined by the trustees of the scheme based on the advice of the actuary. In the intervening years the continuing appropriateness of the rates are reviewed. Pension costs are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a systematic basis based on the actuary's calculations. The Clinic commenced a defined contribution scheme from 1 May 2016 and pension costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided.
Page 28
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.15 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Directors in furtherance of the general objectives of the Clinic and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Directors for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
Page 29
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that effect the amounts reported. Critical accounting estimates are namely the useful lives of tangible fixed assets used to determine the depreciation policies, and the valuation of the investment property. The estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are considered to be reasonable under the circumstances and the use of third party experts where appropriate.
Useful lives of tangible fixed assets
Long-lived assets comprising of property, fixtures and fittings and motor vehicles represents a significant portion of The Clinic's total assets. The annual depreciation charge depends primarily on the estimated useful lives of each type of asset and, in certain circumstances, estimates of residual values. The directors regularly review these useful lives and change them if necessary to reflect current conditions. In determining these useful lives management consider technological change, patterns of consumptions, physical condition and expected useful economic utilisation of the assets. Changes in the useful lives can have a significant impact on the depreciation charges for the financial year.
Establishing fair value of investment properties and investment in subsidiary
Investment properties are initially measured at cost, comprising the purchase price and any directly attributable expenditure, and are subsequently remeasured to fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognised in the statement of financial activities. When the fair value of investment properties cannot be measured based on the price of a recent transaction for an identical asset or liability, their fair value is measured using valuation techniques and models. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgement is required in establishing fair values. Judgements include considerations of inputs such as market rent, vacancy rate, yield requirement and inflation. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of investment properties and investments in subsidiaries.
Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
The surplus or liability recognised in the statement of financial position in respect of the defined benefit pension scheme is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date, less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries.
The valuation of the pension obligation involves several critical assumptions, including:
Discount Rate, which reflects the duration of the pension liabilities; Inflation Rate, which is used to project future salary increases and pension indexation; Salary Growth, which is based on expected future increases in employee compensation; Mortality Rates, which are based on published mortality tables and adjusted for expected future improvements in longevity; and Plan Asset Returns: Based on long-term expected rates of return, considering the asset mix and market conditions. Due to the complexity of the valuation and the long-term nature of the obligation, the defined benefit surplus or liability is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. A sensitivity analysis is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements to illustrate the impact of reasonably possible changes in key assumptions and management reviews the actuarial assumptions annually in consultation with the scheme actuary.
Page 30
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
4. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Patients' fees receivable 42,581,898 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Patients' fees receivable 40,995,362 |
Total funds 2025 £ 42,581,898 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 40,995,362 |
The income and surplus on ordinary activities are attributable to the principal activity of management of a medical/surgical hospital.
In the year to 30 April 2025 100% (2024 100%) of The Clinic's turnover was inside the United Kingdom.
5. Income from other trading activities
Income from non charitable trading activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Rent receivable 46,975 Fees receivable 17,561 Other income 2,459 66,995 |
Total funds 2025 £ 46,975 17,561 2,459 |
|---|---|
| 66,995 |
Page 31
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
5. Income from other trading activities (continued)
Income from non charitable trading activities (continued)
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Rent receivable 123,875 Fees receivable 72,725 Other income 3,777 200,377 Investment income Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Interest received 224,229 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Interest received 173,737 |
Total funds 2024 £ 123,875 72,725 3,777 |
|---|---|
| 200,377 | |
| Total funds 2025 £ 224,229 |
|
| Total funds 2024 £ 173,737 |
6. Investment income
Page 32
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
7. Expenditure on raising funds
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Marketing and public relations costs 33,792 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Marketing and public relations costs 38,034 Other trading expenses Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Administration expenses 145,251 Administration depreciation 2,794 Total 2025 148,045 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Administration expenses 218,944 Administration depreciation 2,794 Total 2024 221,738 |
Total funds 2025 £ 33,792 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 38,034 |
|
| Total funds 2025 £ 145,251 2,794 |
|
| 148,045 | |
| Total funds 2024 £ 218,944 2,794 |
|
| 221,738 |
Page 33
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ The advancement of health 39,878,273 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ The advancement of health 36,513,155 |
Total 2025 £ 39,878,273 |
|---|---|
| Total 2024 £ 36,513,155 |
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Direct charitable costs for the advancement of health Direct charitable costs for the advancement of health |
Activities undertaken directly 2025 £ 39,502,845 Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 35,976,142 |
Governance costs 2025 £ 375,428 Governance costs 2024 £ 537,013 |
Total funds 2025 £ 39,878,273 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 36,513,155 |
Page 34
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
10. Governance costs
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Legal and professional fees 345,428 Audit and accountancy 34,049 Staff costs 188,181 567,658 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Legal and professional fees 305,614 Audit and accountancy 30,620 Staff costs 200,779 537,013 |
Total funds 2025 £ 345,428 34,049 188,181 |
|---|---|
| 567,658 | |
| Total funds 2024 £ 305,614 30,620 200,779 |
|
| 537,013 |
Page 35
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
11. Net income for the year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Net income for the year is stated after charging: Depreciation on tangible fixed assets 2,607,689 Defined Benefit Pension Costs (499,000) Defined Contribution Pension Costs 900,526 Operating lease rentals - equipment 3,836 3,013,051 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Depreciation on tangible fixed assets 2,341,159 Defined Benefit Pension Costs (273,000) Defined Contribution Pension Costs 808,299 Profit on disposal of tangible fixed asset 1,104 Operating lease rentals - equipment 3,726 2,881,288 12. Auditors' remuneration 2025 £ Fees payable to The Clinic's auditor and its subsidiary for the audit of the charitable company's annual accounts 17,195 Fees payable to The Clinic's auditor and its subsidiary in respect of: The audit of the subsidiary company 3,570 Taxation compliance services 530 Other non-audit services 12,754 |
Total funds 2025 £ 2,607,689 (499,000) 900,526 3,836 3,013,051 Total funds 2024 £ 2,341,159 (273,000) 808,299 1,104 3,726 2,881,288 2024 £ 16,349 3,421 610 10,240 |
|---|---|
Page 36
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
13. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension net costs Life assurance |
Group 2025 £ 14,316,423 1,450,261 401,526 135,204 16,303,414 |
Group 2024 £ 12,522,537 1,255,911 535,299 114,320 14,428,067 |
Company 2025 £ 14,316,423 1,450,261 401,526 - 16,168,210 |
Company 2024 £ 12,522,537 1,255,911 535,299 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14,313,747 |
The average number of persons employed by the charitable company during the year was as follows:
| Nursing Administration Other On-call and ancillary Staff |
Group 2025 No. 249 87 78 94 508 |
Group 2024 No. 225 78 72 88 |
|---|---|---|
| 463 |
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
| Group | Group | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| No. | No. | |
| In the band £50,000 - £60,000 | - | 18 |
| In the band £60,001 - £70,000 | 1 | 6 |
| In the band £70,001 - £80,000 | 7 | 2 |
| In the band £80,001 - £90,000 | 3 | - |
| In the band £90,001 - £100,000 | - | 1 |
| In the band £100,001 - £110,000 | 1 | - |
| In the band £110,001 - £120,000 | - | 1 |
| In the band £120,001 - £130,000 | 1 | - |
| In the band £140,001 - £150,000 | 1 | - |
The figures for the above employees include retirement benefits accruing for qualifying service.
Key management personnel received total emoluments of £246,229 (2024: £239,940) which includes the retirement benefit accruing for qualifying services to The Clinic during the year.
Page 37
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
14. Directors' remuneration and expenses
One director (the highest paid director) received total emoluments in connection with normal employment of £143,786 (2024: £149,183) this includes the retirement benefit accruing for qualifying services in respect of a defined benefit pension scheme.
No remuneration was paid to any director for acting as a director (2024 : £nil).
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| D E Graham RGN | Remuneration | 122,026 | 113,515 |
| Pension contributions paid | 20,730 | 34,711 | |
| Other benefits | 1,030 | 957 |
During the year ended 30 April 2025, no Director expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL) .
15. Taxation
The Clinic is recognised as a charity by HM Revenue and Customs and all income falls within the tax exemption.
Page 38
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
16. Tangible fixed assets
Group
| Cost or deemed cost At 1 May 2024 Additions Transfer to investment property Disposals At 30 April 2025 Depreciation At 1 May 2024 Charge for the year On disposals At 30 April 2025 Net book value At 30 April 2025 At 30 April 2024 |
Freehold property £ 50,438,636 845,519 (1,160,000) - 50,124,155 18,431,024 1,365,267 - 19,796,291 30,327,864 32,007,612 |
Motor vehicles £ 48,371 - - - 48,371 29,874 7,399 - 37,273 11,098 18,498 |
Equipment, Fixtures and fittings £ 15,526,299 806,564 - (28,020) 16,304,843 10,899,032 1,232,229 (28,020) 12,103,241 4,201,602 4,627,267 |
Computer equipment £ 8,467 - - - 8,467 4,424 2,794 - 7,218 1,249 4,043 |
Total £ 66,021,773 1,652,083 (1,160,000) (28,020) 66,485,836 29,364,354 2,607,689 (28,020) 31,944,023 34,541,813 36,657,420 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
From 1 May 2017 Freehold Properties are held at deemed cost with all subsequent additions capitalised at cost.
Company
| Cost or valuation At 1 May 2024 Additions Disposals At 30 April 2025 |
Freehold property £ 49,278,636 845,519 - 50,124,155 |
Motor vehicles £ 48,371 - - 48,371 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 15,526,299 806,564 (28,020) 16,304,843 |
Total £ 64,853,306 1,652,083 (28,020) 66,477,369 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 39
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
16. Tangible fixed assets (continued)
Company (continued)
| Depreciation At 1 May 2024 Charge for the year On disposals At 30 April 2025 Net book value At 30 April 2025 At 30 April 2024 |
Freehold property £ 18,431,024 1,365,267 - 19,796,291 30,327,864 30,847,612 |
Motor vehicles £ 29,874 7,399 - 37,273 11,098 18,498 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 10,899,032 1,232,229 (28,020) 12,103,241 4,201,602 4,627,267 |
Total £ 29,359,930 2,604,895 (28,020) 31,936,805 34,540,564 35,493,377 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Included in the net book value of property displayed above are the following amounts ascribable to land:
| Group | Group | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Freehold land | 3,769,483 | 3,769,483 |
Included in equipment, fixtures & fittings of the company are assets held under non-cancelable finance leases. The net book value of these assets is £1,367,000 at 30th April 2025.
17. Investment property
| Group Valuation At 1 May 2024 Transfer from tangible fixed assets At 30 April 2025 |
Freehold investment property £ 2,840,000 1,160,000 4,000,000 |
|---|---|
Investment property comprises Rushmere House, Belfast. The 2025 fair value of the investment property has been arrived at by the directors on an open market value basis by reference to market evidence of transaction prices and for similar properties and advice from Osborne King at 31st January
Page 40
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
17. Investment property (continued)
If the Investment properties had been accounted for under the historic cost accounting rules, the properties would have been measured as follows:
| Group | Group | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Historic cost | 2,719,888 | 2,719,888 |
18. Fixed asset investments
| Company Cost or valuation At 1 May 2024 At 30 April 2025 Impairment At 1 May 2024 Charge for the year At 30 April 2025 Net book value At 30 April 2025 At 30 April 2024 |
Investments in subsidiary companies £ 718,463 |
|---|---|
| 718,463 | |
| 144,898 277,597 |
|
| 422,495 | |
| 295,968 | |
| 573,565 |
Page 41
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
18. Fixed asset investments (continued)
Principal subsidiaries
The following was a subsidiary undertaking of The Clinic :
Name Company Registered office or principal Principal activity number place of business Ulster Independent Clinic NI633472 245 Stranmillis Road, Belfast, Property holding (Rushmere House) Limited Northern Ireland, BT9 5JH Class of Holding shares Ordinary 100%
The financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:
Name Income Expenditure Profit / £ £ (Loss) for the year £ Ulster Independent Clinic 68,007 337,962 (269,955) (Rushmere House) Limited Net assets £ 304,898
| 19. | Stocks | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Group | Company | Company | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Finished goods and goods for resale | 630,904 | 380,908 | 630,906 | 380,910 |
Page 42
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
20. Debtors
| Due after more than one year Amounts owed by group undertakings Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Group 2025 £ - - 3,016,306 2,067,527 43,308 5,127,141 |
Group 2024 £ - - 3,105,661 2,345,532 34,040 5,485,233 |
Company 2025 £ 3,739,371 3,739,371 3,005,980 2,059,535 - 8,804,886 |
Company 2024 £ 3,544,112 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,544,112 3,057,038 2,333,442 - |
||||
| 8,934,592 |
21. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
Group 2025 £ 1,776,856 450,560 248,640 1,412,051 29,549 3,917,656 |
Group 2024 £ 3,217,292 377,211 248,640 1,132,263 75,028 5,050,434 |
Company 2025 £ 1,723,023 440,889 248,640 1,403,218 - 3,815,770 |
Company 2024 £ 3,182,526 362,723 248,640 1,116,877 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,910,766 |
Page 43
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
22. Deferred Income
Other creditors falling due within one year includes deferred income. Deferred income relates to payments made in advance by individuals prior to commencement of their treatment. Due to this, some payments are received prior to the year-end, but the treatment is not carried out until after the year-end.
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Deferred income at 1 May 2024 (624,457) Resources deferred during the year 484,730 Amounts released from previous years 624,457 Deferred income at 30 April 2025 484,730 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Deferred income 624,457 |
Total funds 2025 £ (624,457) 484,730 624,457 484,730 Total funds 2024 £ 624,457 |
|---|---|
23. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
| Group | Group | Company | Company | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Net obligations under finance lease and hire | ||||
| purchase contracts | 1,118,880 | 1,343,153 | 1,118,880 | 1,343,153 |
Page 44
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
24. Financial instruments
| Financial assets Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure Financial assets measured at amortised cost Financial liabilities Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost |
Group 2025 £ 9,944,643 3,005,980 12,950,623 Group 2025 £ 2,972,029 |
Group 2024 £ 8,655,980 3,057,038 11,713,018 Group 2024 £ 4,299,402 |
Company 2025 £ 9,869,003 - 9,869,003 Company 2025 £ - |
Company 2024 £ 8,497,429 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,497,429 | ||||
| Company 2024 £ - |
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure comprise bank and cash.
Financial assets measured at amortised cost include trade debtors.
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost comprise trade creditors and other creditors and accruals.
25. Share Capital and Liability of Members
The Clinic is a company limited by guarantee therefore there is no share capital.
As at 30 April 2025 The Clinic had nine members. The liability of the members is limited to £50 each in the event of The Clinic being wound up.
Page 45
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
26. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at 1 May 2024 £ Unrestricted funds Designated funds Land and buildings 32,007,612 Pension asset 18,914,902 50,922,514 |
Income £ Expenditure £ - (1,365,267) - - - (1,365,267) |
Transfers in/out £ (314,481) 1,231,000 916,519 |
Gains/ (Losses) £ - 1,715,000 1,715,000 |
Balance at 30 April 2025 £ 30,327,864 21,860,902 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52,188,766 |
The Clinic's pension asset is classed as a designated fund and it is recognised that this is not readily convertible to general reserves.
General funds
| General funds | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Funds Total Unrestricted funds |
15,618,342 66,540,856 |
42,873,122 42,873,122 |
(38,694,844) (40,060,111) |
(916,519) - |
- 1,715,000 |
18,880,101 |
| 71,068,867 |
Page 46
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
26. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Designated Funds - all funds Land and buildings Pension asset General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds |
Balance at 1 May 2023 £ - 30,770,810 16,475,901 47,246,711 13,789,596 61,036,307 |
Income £ - - - - 41,369,476 41,369,476 |
Expenditure £ - (1,159,153) - (1,159,153) (35,613,774) (36,772,927) |
Transfers in/out £ - 2,395,955 1,531,001 3,926,956 (3,926,956) - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ Balance at 30 April 2024 £ - - - 32,007,612 908,000 18,914,902 908,000 50,922,514 - 15,618,342 908,000 66,540,856 |
Gains/ (Losses) £ Balance at 30 April 2024 £ - - - 32,007,612 908,000 18,914,902 908,000 50,922,514 - 15,618,342 908,000 66,540,856 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50,922,514 | ||||||
| 15,618,342 | ||||||
| 66,540,856 |
Page 47
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
27. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| Balance at 1 May 2024 £ Designated funds 50,922,514 General funds 15,618,342 66,540,856 |
Income £ Expenditure £ - (1,365,267) 42,873,122 (38,694,844) 42,873,122 (40,060,111) |
Transfers in/out £ 916,519 (916,519) - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ 1,715,000 - 1,715,000 |
Balance at 30 April 2025 £ 52,188,766 18,880,101 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71,068,867 |
The excess of freehold land and buildings of The Clinic over related medium to long term borrowings are held as designated funds. The transfer from general funds to designated funds maintains this figure.
General funds are available as reserves for use in the future work of The Clinic and to minimise working capital borrowings, the need for which varies from time to time.
Summary of funds - prior year
| Designated funds General funds |
Balance at 1 May 2023 £ 47,246,711 13,789,596 61,036,307 |
Income £ - 41,369,476 41,369,476 |
Expenditure £ (1,159,153) (35,613,774) (36,772,927) |
Transfers in/out £ 3,926,956 (3,926,956) - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ Balance at 30 April 2024 £ 908,000 50,922,514 - 15,618,342 908,000 66,540,856 |
Gains/ (Losses) £ Balance at 30 April 2024 £ 908,000 50,922,514 - 15,618,342 908,000 66,540,856 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66,540,856 |
Page 48
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
28. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 34,541,813 4,000,000 15,702,688 (3,917,656) (1,118,880) 21,860,902 Tangible fixed assets Investment property Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year Pension asset Total 71,068,866 Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Tangible fixed assets 36,657,420 Investment property 2,840,000 Current assets 14,522,120 Creditors due within one year (5,050,434) Creditors due in more than one year (1,343,153) Pension asset 18,914,902 Total 66,540,855 |
Total funds 2025 £ 34,541,813 4,000,000 15,702,688 (3,917,656) (1,118,880) 21,860,902 71,068,866 Total funds 2024 £ 36,657,420 2,840,000 14,522,120 (5,050,434) (1,343,153) 18,914,902 66,540,855 |
|---|---|
Page 49
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
29. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
| Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Dividends, interests and rents from investments Loss on the sale of fixed assets Decrease/(increase) in stocks Decrease/(increase) in debtors (Decrease)/Increase in creditors Pension Costs through Scheme Net cash provided by operating activities 30. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents Cash in hand Total cash and cash equivalents 31. Analysis of changes in net debt At 1 May 2024 £ Cash at bank and in hand 8,655,980 Finance leases (1,591,793) 7,064,187 |
Group 2025 £ 2,813,012 2,607,689 (224,229) - (251,283) 357,308 (1,354,981) (1,231,000) 2,716,516 Group 2025 £ 9,944,643 9,944,643 Cash flows £ 1,288,663 224,273 1,512,936 |
Group 2024 £ 4,596,549 2,341,159 (173,737) 1,104 54,580 (33,901) 2,136,375 (1,531,475) 7,390,654 Group 2024 £ 8,655,980 8,655,980 At 30 April 2025 £ 9,944,643 (1,367,520) 8,577,123 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 50
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
32. Capital commitments
| Group | Group | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Contracted for but not provided in these financial statements | ||
| Authorised but not contracted for | 4,225,654 | 2,888,697 |
33. Pension commitments
Defined contribution scheme
The Clinic operates a defined contribution scheme in the UK called the Ulster Independent Clinic Group Personal Pension Plan which is provided by Aviva.
The Clinic contributed 13% of pensionable salary into the scheme during the year to 30 April 2025 which equated to £883,960 (2024: £685,701). Employee contribution is voluntary.
Defined benefit scheme
The Clinic also operates a defined benefit scheme in the UK called the Ulster Independent Clinic Pension and Life Assurance Scheme ("the Scheme"). The disclosures below relate to the Scheme. The Clinic also sponsors an AVC Plan.
The Scheme is a funded scheme of the defined benefit type, providing retirement benefits based on career average revalued earnings. The Employer and Trustees have agreed a funding plan to ensure the Scheme is sufficiently funded to meet current and future obligations.
A schedule of contributions was agreed on 17 November 2020 following completion of the actuarial valuation at 30 April 2020. The Employer agreed to pay 29.7% of pensionable salaries to cover accrual of benefits for future service. No deficit contributions were required as the Trustees anticipated that the investment return over the period of recovery plan would be sufficient to remove the shortfall.
The valuation used for FRS 102 disclosures has been based on a full assessment of the liabilities of the Scheme as at 30 April 2020, with the results rolled forward in an approximate manner to 30 April 2025 allowing for benefits paid over this period. The valuation was carried out by Andrew Little (Little & Company Actuaries and Consultants Limited), an independent qualified actuary.
Principal actuarial assumptions at the balance sheet date (expressed as weighted averages):
| Principal actuarial assumptions at the balance sheet date | (expressed as weighted averages) | : |
|---|---|---|
| At 30 April | At 30 April | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| % | % | |
| Discount rate | 5.55 | 5.25 |
| RPI Inflation | 3.3 | 3.45 |
| CPI Inflation | 2.9 | 3.05 |
| Pre 1 May 2007 Pension increases | 3.15 | 3.25 |
| Post 30 April 2017 Pension increases | 2.15 | 2.2 |
Page 51
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
33. Pension commitments (continued)
| At 30 April | At 30 April | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Years | Years | |
| Mortality rates (in years) | ||
| - for a male aged 65 now | 86.1 | 84.8 |
| - at 65 for a male aged 45 now | 87.1 | 86.1 |
| - for a female aged 65 now | 88.6 | 88.4 |
| - at 65 for a female aged 45 now | 89.7 | 89.8 |
The table below provides information on the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation (DBO) to changes to the most significant financial assumptions. The table shows the impact of changes to each assumption in isolation although in practice, changes to assumptions may occur at the same time and can either offset or compound the overall impact on the defined benefit obligation. These sensitivities have been calculated using the same methodology as used for the main calculations and there has been no change since the previous period to the method and assumptions preparing the sensitivity analysis. The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is around 25 years.
Sensitivity of movement in key assumptions
| Sensitivity of movement in key assumptions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Change in | At 30 April | |
| DBO (£,000) | 2024 (£,000) | |
| Discount rate +0.1% | (420) | (440) |
| Discount rate -0.1% | 420 | 440 |
| Mortality assumption - 1 year increase | 780 | 820 |
| Mortality assumption - 1 year decrease | (780) | (820) |
| CPI rate +0.1% | 160 | 140 |
| CPI rate -0.1% | (160) | (140) |
The Clinic's share of the assets in the scheme was:
| Equities Fixed Interest Bonds and LDI's Property Cash and other liquid assets Total fair value of assets |
At 30 April 2025 (£,000) - 52,423 - 2,097 54,520 |
At 30 April 2024 (£,000) 26,907 20,710 1,898 1,654 51,169 |
|---|---|---|
The actual return on scheme assets was £2,673,000 (2024 - £2,319,000) .
Page 52
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
33. Pension commitments (continued)
The Clinic made contributions to the above Scheme during the year totalling £732,000 (2024: £1,258,000).
The amounts recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial activities are as follows:
| Current service cost Past service cost Interest income Administrative expenses Total amount recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial activities |
2025 (£,000) 323 (2,673) 1,674 177 (499) |
2024 (£,000) 348 (2,319) 1,502 196 (273) |
|---|---|---|
Movements in the present value of the defined benefit obligation were as follows:
| Opening defined benefit obligation Interest cost Service Cost Contributions per Employee Benefits Paid out Actuarial gains from experience Closing defined benefit obligation |
2025 (£,000) (32,254) (1,674) (323) (316) 1,369 539 (32,659) |
|---|---|
Movements in the fair value of The Clinic's share of scheme assets were as follows:
| Opening fair value of scheme assets Interest income Administration expense Contributions per Employee Contributions per Employer Benefits paid Asset Remeasurement Closing fair value of scheme assets |
2025 (£,000) 51,169 2,673 (177) 316 732 (1,369) 1,176 54,520 |
|---|---|
Page 53
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
34. Reconciliation of defined benefit pension obligation to balance sheet
| Designated funds 2025 £,000 Total market value of assets 54,520 Present value of scheme liabilities (32,659) Recognised pension asset 21,861 Designated funds 2024 £,000 Total market value of assets 51,169 Present value of scheme liabilities (32,254) Recognised pension asset 18,915 35. Pension amount taken to other comprehensive income Unrestricted funds 2025 £,000 Actual return on Scheme assets 3,849 Less amount already recognised in Net interest on net DB liability (2,673) Other actuarial gains / (losses) 539 Remeasurement gains and (losses) recognised in OCI 1,715 Unrestricted funds 2024 £,000 Actual return on Scheme assets 3,400 Less amount already recognised in Net interest on net DB liability (2,319) Other actuarial gains / (losses) 539 Remeasurement gains and (losses) recognised in OCI 1,620 |
Total funds 2025 £ 54,520 (32,659) 21,861 Total funds 2024 £,000 51,169 (32,254) 18,915 Total funds 2025 £,000 3,849 (2,673) 539 1,715 Total funds 2024 £,000 3,400 (2,319) 539 1,620 |
|---|---|
Page 54
ULSTER INDEPENDENT CLINIC LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
36. Finance lease commitments
At 30 April 2025 the Group and the charitable company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable finance leases as follows:
lease payments under non-cancellable finance leases as follows: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Not later than 1 year Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years Later than 5 years |
Company 2025 £ 248,640 994,560 124,320 1,367,520 |
Company 2024 £ 248,640 994,560 348,593 |
| 1,591,793 |
37. Related party transactions
The Directors and their families use the medical facilities at the Clinic and pay for these services at market rate, this amounted to £5,037 (2024: £3,946).
Three Directors are consultants with practicing privileges at the Clinic. As independent practitioners they operate their private practice at the Clinic under the standard conditions of membership.
During the year The Clinic provided funds to its wholly owned subsidiary, Ulster Independent Clinic (Rushmere House) Limited. At the balance sheet date the amount outstanding was £3,739,371 The loan is repayable on demand following notice of one year and one day and attracts interest at 0.5% per annum above Bank of England base rate.
38. Controlling party
The Clinic is under the control of the Board of Directors, however, there is no ultimate beneficial owner.
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