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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number NIC106654

Company registration number NI000152 (Northern Ireland)

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr S Glasgow Mr R Millar Mr D Nicholl Mr J McCluskey Mr P Smyth Pastor E Ewart Pastor S Curry (Appointed 10 May 2025) Secretary Mr D Ramsey Charity number NIC106654 Company number NI000152 Registered office The Baptist Centre 19 Hillsborough Road Moira BT67 0HG Auditor GMcG BELFAST Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor Alfred House 19 Alfred Street Belfast BT2 8EQ Bankers Danske Bank Donegall Square West Belfast BT1 6JS Solicitors Johnsons Johnson House 50/56 Wellington Place Belfast BT1 6GF

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Independent auditor's report 5 - 10
Statement of financial activities 11
Balance sheet 12
Notes to the financial statements 13 - 26

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of Northern Baptist Corporation Limited ('the Corporation') for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Objectives and activities

The Trustees have taken cognisance of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit as defined in the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

Northern Baptist Corporation Limited is established to advance the Christian faith for the public benefit by promoting the interests of Baptist Churches in Ireland. This benefit extends to the public through the member churches of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland (Association) and through the work they do together as an Association by making known the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and through the provision of premises for public worship, the provision of opportunity for education of those entering ministry, engagement in Christian mission and delivery of a variety of Christian ministries.

Achievements and performance

Throughout the year the Corporation continued its work on behalf of the churches in the Association, providing trustee, financial and legal services.

Trustee Services

Northern Baptist Corporation Limited continues to operate as property holding trustee for Baptist Churches. One property sale took place during the year.

Guarantees

The Corporation continues to assist seven churches by way of guarantee over debt. No new guarantees were issued during the year.

Church Loans

The Corporation has provided loans to eight churches to assist with the purchase or renovation of buildings. One new loan was issued during the year.

Retired Ministers Housing Scheme

Six properties continue to be employed in the Scheme providing housing to retired ministers. No property disposals were made during the year. The Corporation purchased a 50% share of a property previously held by a retired minister.

Investment

Interest rates improved significantly during the year, allowing the Corporation to resume earning investment income for churches and departments of the Association. During the year the Corporation placed funds in deposit accounts on behalf of seven churches.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

Support to Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland

The Corporation continued to promote the interests of Baptist Churches in Ireland through supporting the work they do together as an Association in a variety of ways during the year. Financial support was given to the Insight Magazine and to assist with administration costs associated to the ABCI 2013 Retirement Benefits Scheme. The Corporation continues to allow the Association the use of the Baptist Centre as a facility in which to undertake its work.

Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland Ministry Support

During the year the Corporation provided financial support to sustain the work of the Association Ministry Support. Throughout the year this vital function has provided counsel and guidance to over 50 individuals involved in Pastoral Ministry and also support of churches that are without a pastor. This Scheme has proven to be a great help as assistance and advice is given for a variety of settings.

Income Protection Scheme

This valuable Scheme continued to operate on behalf of the churches. This Scheme provides an insurance for churches whose pastor experiences a period of long term illness. There are currently no ongoing claims under this Scheme.

ABCI 2013 Retirement Benefits Scheme (“the Scheme”)

The Corporation continues to provide a guarantee in favour of the Trustee of the Scheme over the Deficit Reduction Contributions to the Scheme as detailed in the schedule of contributions dated 2 December 2022. The Corporation remains in Contingent Assets agreements with the Trustee of the Scheme under which there will be a charge over two properties owned by Northern Baptist Corporation with carrying value of £332,000 and a charge over £175,000 of funds held in escrow.

Financial review

The results for the year are set out in detail on pages 11 to 26. The Corporation recorded net income for the year of £21,705 (2023 – £244,788).

At the year end cash at bank and in hand was £4,014,725 (2023 - £3,780,028). It should be noted that the majority of this balance is represented by deposits held on behalf of Churches, Trusts and Association Departments.

Unrestricted funds are considered to be essential to support the work of the Corporation in promoting the interests of Baptist churches in Ireland, which includes providing financial support to the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland as required. Unrestricted funds are also essential to provide sufficient funds to cover any unforeseen costs which may arise and to fulfil the legal obligations of the Corporation. The free reserves of the charity at 31 December 2024 are represented by unrestricted and undesignated net current assets and amount to £901,783 (2023 - £867,148).

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Structure, governance and management

Northern Baptist Corporation Limited is a company limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, which were most recently updated in February 2018. The liability of each member of the company is limited to an amount not exceeding £1. The Corporation is controlled by the Executive Committee of the Churches' Council of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. Directors are sought according to the needs of the Corporation. New directors are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision making process and recent financial performance of the charity.

Responsibility for the day to day running of the charity is delegated to the company secretary, Mr D Ramsey.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr S Glasgow Mr R Millar Mr D Nicholl Mr J McCluskey Mr P Smyth Mr I Grant (Resigned 11 May 2024) Pastor E Ewart Pastor N Watson (Appointed 20 May 2024 and resigned 10 May 2025) Pastor S Curry (Appointed 10 May 2025)

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The directors, who are also the trustees of Northern Baptist Corporation Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

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

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

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORTI (CONTINUED) FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Audltor In accordanc8 wlth the company$ articles, a resolution proposing that GMCG BELFAST be reappointed as audrtor of tho company will be put at a General Meetlng. Small C¢)mpanle8 Ex•mpllon In preparing this report, the directors have taken advantage of the Small, compani8s exemptions provkled by section 415A of the Companles Act 2006. Dl8cIo8ur• of Inlornmtlon to audltor Each of the Trusto•s has confirmed thal Ihere Is no information of which they are awar8 which is relevant to the audlt. bul of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed Ihal they have taken appropriate step8 to identlfy such relevant infwmalion and to estsblish Ihat the auditor is aware of such Information. The Trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Ll (Jr Mr D Ml¢holl Trusl•g L•7J

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED Oplnlon W8 have audtted the finanual slatem8nts ol Norlh8m Baptist Corporatlon LSmited (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 Dec8mber 2024 which compfiS8 th8 Statement of financial actlvilies, the balance sheet and the noles lo the financial statements, Includlng a summary of significant accounting polici&$. The financial reporting framework that has been applied In their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounling Standards. Including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Unrted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accountlng Practice). In ¢)ur opinion, the financial statements.. give a Irue and fair view of Ihe slate of Ihe charitable Company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of fesoufces, for the year Ihen ended., have been Pfoperly prepared in accA)rdance with United Klngdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practlce., and have been prepared in accordance with the requirem•n(s of the Companles Act 2006. Ba•1$ for opinion hle conducted our audll In accordance wlth Internalional Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UKI) and applicable law. Our responslbilities under those standards are further described in the Audilofs responslbllllles for Ihe audit ol the financial slatements seclion of our report. We are independent of the charity in accofdance with the elhlcal requirements that are relevant lo our audit of the a¢￿untS in the UK, induding the FRC'S Elhical Standard, and we hava fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with Ihese requirements. INe belleve that Ihe audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriale to provide a basis for our oplnlon. Conclu8lon$ r•latlng to golng concom In auditing th8 financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees, use of Ihe going concern basis of accounting in the preparatlon of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any malerial unc8rtainlies relatlng to events or conditions thal, individually or collectivety. may cast significant doubl on the charily's ablllty to continue as a golng concem for a perlod of at least twelve months from when Iho financial slalements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the TTU5tees wllh respect to going concern are de$crlbed In the relevant secllons of Ihls report. Alfred House 19 Alfred Street BELFAST BT2 8EQ DX39Ao NR Belfast so Cciitury House 40 Crescei)t Business Park i.ISllURN BI'28 2GN 17 Mandeville Sircet PORTADOWN Craigavon B'f62 3PB Tel: +44 (0)28 9031 1113 Fax: +44 (0)28 9031 07n Tel: +44 (0)28 926() 7355 Fox: +44 (0)28 9260 1656 Tel.- +4410)28 2801 '.IX-. +4410)28 3835 a293 GM¢CistAdwrtirthÈolCMeGGrwUmW. kryNwNI(6966ts. Ij￿OrD￿￿￿o￿￿V￿l1blt￿ire￿￿ey￿d Re&￿te￿o toc4rth¢IaudkM¥)Tktythelmthute￿O￿er¢dAtc0ufflInIsITr1[tI1￿J A MembEr¢fllAC AWvrlaMwloAlianc4ollThlepethThtAttounlJ￿￿ln￿5

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED Other Informatlon The Trustees are responsible for the other infom)alion. The other Informalion comprises the Infomiation Induded in the annual report, olhar than the financial slatemenls and our audltor's report IheTeon. Our opinlon on Ihe financial statements does not COV81 the other Information and, excepl to the extenl otherwise explicitly slated in our report. we do not express any fom of assurance Condu￿On thereon. In connecth'on with our audlt of the financlal Statements, our responsibiltty is lo read tho other informatlon and, in doing so, consider whether Ihe olher Informatson is matenally inconsistent with the financial statemenls or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be maleTially misstaled. If we idenlify such malerial inconsistencies or apparent material mlsstatements. we arè required to d&termin8 vtheth8r there is a malerial ml$slalement in the financial Slalements or a material msstatement of the other infolmalion. 11. based on the work we have perfomied, we conclude that there18 8 material misstatement of Ihis other information, w• are required to report that fact. We have nothing lo report In this iegard. Oplnlon8 on othor matt•r• pr•*crlb•d by th• Companlèa Act 2006 In our opknion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit,. the informal￿n given in the Trustees, report for the fnanclal year for whlch the financial stalemenls are prepared, which ¥icludes the director8. ieport prepared for the purposes of company law, 18 consistent with the financaal statements: and Ihe dlrectors, report Included wlthln the Trusl?e$' report has b8•n pr8par•d In attordance with applicable legal requiremenl8. Mattern on whl¢h w• aro roqulrnd to report by ox¢•ptlon In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and it5 environment obtained In the course of the audit, we have not Identified material misstatements in Ihe (Jirectors, report included wilhln the Trustees, Report. We have nothing lo report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2008 requlre us to weport to you il, in our oplnlon.. adequate accounting records have not been kept, or retums adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visrted by us; or the financial statements are not In agreement with the aceounling records and retums., or certain disclosures of trusteos. remuneration specified by law are not made,. or we have not received all the information and explanatlons we requlre for our audil: or the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with Ihe small companies r8gime and take advantage of the small companles, exemptions In preparing the Trustees, Report and fTorn the requlrement to prepare a strategic report.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT {CONTINUEDI TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED Re8pon8lbllltle8 of Trust•e• A3 8xplained more fully in the statemenl of Trustees, responslbilities. Ihe Twstees. who are also the directors of Ihe ¢harlly for the purpose of company law, ar8 responsible for the prepafalion of the financial slalements and for being satisfied that they give a Irue and fair view. and for such internal control as th8 Truslees determine is necessary to enable the p￿paratIon of financial statemen15 that are frae from materlal misstatement. whether due to fraud or errol. In prèpaiing the financial stat8m8nts, the Trust88s are responsible for assesslng Ihe charity's ability to continue as golng concern. disclosing. as applicable, matters related lo golng concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees éither inténd to liquidate the charitable Company or to cease operalions. or have no reali81ic allernalive but lo do so. Audltorfs Mponslbllltles for tho audlt ol the flnanclal ststements Our objectives ale lo obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial slalaments as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and lo issue an auditor's report that indudes our opinion. Reasonable assurance Is a high level of assurance, bul is not a guarantee Ihal an audit conducted In accordance with ISAS (UK) will always delect a material misstatement when it exists. Misslalements can arlse from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregale, they could reasonably be expeded to influence the economlc dacislons of users laken on the basls of these financlal slalaments. The extent to vA)ich our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including Iraud, is detallad below.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED Extant to whlch th• audtt was ¢on*ldernd capable of dotectlng Irregularftles. In¢ludlng fraud We Identify and assess the risk$ of matèrial misslat8ment of the financial slalem8nts. whether due to fiaud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responslve to those fisks, including obtalning audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriale lo provide a basis for our opinion, In identifying and assessing potential risks of malerial misstatement in respeGt of irregularities, induding fraud and non-compllances with laws and regulatlons, we consider8d the following.. The nature of the Industry and sector, control environment and buslne38 performance, including the company's remuneration polia8s fol directors, bonus levels and performance targets, if any: Results of our enquiries of managernent about their own identification and assessment of the rlsks of Irregularib'es. Any matters we identlfied having obtained and revIev￿d the company's documentatlon of Iheir policies and procedures relatlng to: Idenlifying, evaluallng and complying with laws and regulations and whothor they We￿ aware of any instaneA of non-compliance; Oelecling and respondlng to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual. suspected or alleged fraud., and The internal controls establlshed to mrtlgate rlsks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations., Thé matters discussed among the audlt engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur In the finandal slatemenls and potential indicalors of Iraud. As a result of these procedure3, we considered tho oppt)rtunrties and incentive$ that may exlst wllhln the Company for fraud and idenlffied the grealest potenlial for fraud In Income recognition. In common with all audits under ISAS (UK). we are also requlred lo perform specific procedures lo respond to the risk of management Override. We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the company operales in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a dlrect effect on the delerminatlon of material arnounls and dlsclosuTes in the finandal statements. The key laws and regulats'ons we considered In this context included the Companies Act 2006, and local tax legislalion. In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and ￿gUlationS that do not have a dlrect effect on the financial statements but compllance with which may be fundamental to the company's ability lo operate or to aKild a materlal Penalty.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED Audlt ro8pon8e to rf8ks IdentllSed Our procedures lo respond to the Ilsks identffied Included Ihe following.. Revlewlng the financlal statement disdosures and testing to supporting d¢xumentatlon to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and Tegulalions descrlbed as having a direct effect on the financial statements; Enquiring of management concernlng actual and potential litigation and claims; Performing analylical procedures to Idenlify any unusual or unexpeded relationship5 that may indicate risks of material misslalemenl due to fraud, Reading minules of meetings of those charged wilh gov6rnanc• and rovlewlng correspondence with tax authorlties; and In addr&$slng the rlsk of fraud through management overrlde of controls, lesling the approprlaleness ol journal enlrles and other adjustments,. assessing whether th8 judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias., and avalualing the buslness rats'onale of any signifiwt Iransadions Ihat are unusual or outside tha normal courso of buslness, We also communicated relevanl idenlified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks lo all engagement team members and remalned alert to any indications of fraud or n0￿Compliance with laws and regulations Ihioughout the audit. Owlng to the Inherent limllallons of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may nol have delecled 80me material misstatements in the fin8nclal statements, even though we have property planned and performed our audlt in accordance with auditing slandards. In addition, as with any audit, th8r8 remains a higher risk ol non-delectlon of irregulafilies, as they may Involve ¢ollu8ion. forgery. intentional omissions, misraprgsentations, or tha overrlde of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non4ompliance and cannot be expected to delect non- compllance wlth all law¥ and regulations. A further description of our responslbililies is available on th8 Financial Raporting Council's webslte al.. https:11 www.frc.org.uklaudilorsresponslbilities, This description forms part of our auditor's roport.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED Use of our report Thls report is made solely to the charitable ￿mpanY'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 Ihal we might slate to the charltaLle company's members Ihose matters we are required to state to them In an auditols report and for no other purpose. To Ihe lullesl extent permitted by law, we do nol accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body. for our audit work, for this report, or forthe opinions we have fomied. Igel FCA (S•nlor Ststutory Audltor) for •nd on behalf ol GM¢G BELFAST Chart•r•d Accountants ststutory Audltor Alfred House 19 Alfred Street Belfast BT2 8EQ 10-

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 - 198,740
Charitable activities 4 167,878 184,584
Investments 5 82,137 61,146
Other income 6 20,820 12,547
Total income 270,835 457,017
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 7 249,130 212,229
Net income for the year/
Net movement in funds 21,705 244,788
Fund balances at 1 January 2024 5,681,191 5,436,403
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 5,702,896 5,681,191

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

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

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

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED BALANCE SHEET ASAT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes Flxed assets Tanglble assets Investmenls 13 14 3,835.595 105,952 3,923.549 105,952 3,941,547 4,029,501 Curr•nt ￿sets Debtors falllng due after one year Debtors falling due wilhin one year Cash at bank and in hand 970.656 240,130 4,014.725 863,776 158,429 3,780,028 16 5,225,511 4,802,233 Crodltor•: amounts falllng due wllhln on• yoar {3.464.162) (3,150,543) Net currant assats 1.761.349 1,651,690 Totsl asuts le*• current Ilabllltl 5.702,8 5,681.191 Incom• funds Designated funds General unreslricted funds 17 4.361,073 1.341,823 4,377,66S 1.303,526 5,702,898 5.681.191 5,702.898 5,681.191 These financlal statements have been prepared In accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The financlal statemenls were approved by the Trustees on . OW In&5 Mr Gla Trust•• Mr O I&d￿lI Company Registratlon No. Nll)00162 12-

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Investments
14
Current assets
Debtors falling due after one year
15
970,656
Debtors falling due within one year
15
240,130
Cash at bank and in hand
4,014,725
5,225,511
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
(3,464,162)
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
17
4,361,073
General unrestricted funds
1,341,823
2024
£
£
3,835,595
105,952
3,941,547
863,776
158,429
3,780,028
4,802,233
(3,150,543)
1,761,349
5,702,896
4,377,665
1,303,526
5,702,896
5,702,896
2023
£
3,923,549
105,952
4,029,501
1,651,690
5,681,191
5,681,191
5,681,191

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

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 2 June 2025

Mr S Glasgow Mr D Nicholl
Trustee Trustee
Company Registration No. NI000152

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Northern Baptist Corporation Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is The Baptist Centre, 19 Hillsborough Road, Moira, Co Down, BT67 0HG.

1.1 Accounting convention

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

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

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

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

1.2 Going concern

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The charity has net assets of £5,702,896 at 31 December 2024, including free reserves of £901,783.

The trustees are of the opinion that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for at least the next twelve months and that it is appropriate for the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 to be prepared on a going concern basis.

1.3 Charitable funds

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

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the Trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

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

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Assets for distribution are recognised only when distributed. Assets given for use by the charity are recognised when receivable. Stocks of undistributed donated goods are not valued for balance sheet purposes.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

Where funding is received and subsequently distributed to other organisations in accordance with the donor's instructions it is treated as conduit funding and, therefore, is not recognised in the Statement of financial activities.

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

1.5 Resources expended

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 hared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the company and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the company's operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the company apportioned to charitable activities.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

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

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

Freehold land and buildings 1 - 2% per annum straight line
Leasehold land and buildings Nil
Fixtures and fittings 10% per annum straight line
Computer equipment 33% per annum straight line
Motor vehicles 25% per annum straight line

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

No depreciation is charged on the company's long-term leasehold property. Due to the nature of the company's share in the ownership of the relevant properties the company is guaranteed to recover its cost of acquisition. Any depreciation charge is therefore considered to be immaterial.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

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

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

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

1.10 Financial instruments

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

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1.11 Foreign exchange

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation are included in net income/(expenditure) for the period.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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

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

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

Fixed assets

The annual depreciation charge on fixed assets depends primarily on the estimated lives of each type of asset and estimates of residual values. The directors regularly review these asset lives and change them as necessary to reflect current thinking on remaining lives in light of prospective economic utilisation and physical condition of the assets concerned. Changes in asset lives can have a significant impact on depreciation and amortisation charges for the period. Detail of the useful lives is included in the accounting policies.

Debtors

Debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Impairment of such debtors involves some estimation uncertainty.

3 Donations and legacies

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Donations and gifts - 198,740
Donations and gifts
Orangefield property - 195,000
Other - 3,740
- 198,740

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Charitable income
Promoting the Interests of Baptist Churches in Ireland 167,878 184,584

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Investment income 82,137 61,146

6 Other income

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets 20,420 12,408
Other Income 400 139
20,820 12,547

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7 Charitable activities

Unrestricted
Funds
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
Depreciation and impairment
62,378
58,093
Retired Ministers' Housing Scheme expenses
13,923
2,650
Income protection premium
35,724
39,888
Baptist Centre repairs and maintenance
3,440
15,577
Printing, postage and stationery
341
323
Legal and professional fees
2,976
813
Motor expenses
812
-
Bank charges
417
442
North Belfast Christian Fellowship
16,230
14,900
Management charges
30,000
30,000
Other property expenses
13,519
8,560
Foreign exchange
6,381
3,814
Amounts donated to ABCI
52,787
23,879
Other charitable expenditure
6,939
9,870
245,867
208,809
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
3,263
3,420
249,130
212,229
Unrestricted
Funds
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
Depreciation and impairment
62,378
58,093
Retired Ministers' Housing Scheme expenses
13,923
2,650
Income protection premium
35,724
39,888
Baptist Centre repairs and maintenance
3,440
15,577
Printing, postage and stationery
341
323
Legal and professional fees
2,976
813
Motor expenses
812
-
Bank charges
417
442
North Belfast Christian Fellowship
16,230
14,900
Management charges
30,000
30,000
Other property expenses
13,519
8,560
Foreign exchange
6,381
3,814
Amounts donated to ABCI
52,787
23,879
Other charitable expenditure
6,939
9,870
245,867
208,809
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
3,263
3,420
249,130
212,229
Unrestricted
Funds
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
Depreciation and impairment
62,378
58,093
Retired Ministers' Housing Scheme expenses
13,923
2,650
Income protection premium
35,724
39,888
Baptist Centre repairs and maintenance
3,440
15,577
Printing, postage and stationery
341
323
Legal and professional fees
2,976
813
Motor expenses
812
-
Bank charges
417
442
North Belfast Christian Fellowship
16,230
14,900
Management charges
30,000
30,000
Other property expenses
13,519
8,560
Foreign exchange
6,381
3,814
Amounts donated to ABCI
52,787
23,879
Other charitable expenditure
6,939
9,870
245,867
208,809
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
3,263
3,420
249,130
212,229
2024
£
62,378
13,923
35,724
3,440
341
2,976
812
417
16,230
30,000
13,519
6,381
52,787
6,939
245,867
3,263
249,130
2023
£
58,093
2,650
39,888
15,577
323
813
-
442
14,900
30,000
8,560
3,814
23,879
9,870
208,809
3,420
212,229

The nature of the charitable company is such that all expenditure on charitable activities supports the work of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland in promoting the interests of baptist churches in Ireland. There is no clear distinction between costs incurred directly and those incurred in support of charitable activities.

8 Governance costs

Governance costs
Audit fees
Analysed between
Charitable activities
Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
-
3,263
-
3,263
-
3,263
2024
£
3,263
3,263
3,263
2023
£
3,420
3,420
3,420

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9 Net movement in funds 2024 2023
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements 3,263 3,420
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 62,378 58,093
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets (20,420) (12,408)

10 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration, benefits in kind or reimbursement of expenses from the charity during the year.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
Total - -

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

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from income tax and capital gains tax to the extent that its income and gains are applied for charitable purposes. No tax charge has arisen in the year.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land
and buildings
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
3,958,577
Additions
140,088
Disposals
(200,000)
At 31 December 2024
3,898,665
Depreciation and
impairment
At 1 January 2024
378,814
Depreciation charged in the
year
52,904
Eliminated in respect of
disposals
(17,333)
At 31 December 2024
414,385
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
3,484,280
At 31 December 2023
3,579,763
Leasehold
land and
buildings
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
310,417
308,696
-
17,003
-
-
310,417
325,699
-
306,587
-
1,493
-
-
-
308,080
310,417
17,619
310,417
2,109
Computer
equipment
£
159,760
-
-
159,760
159,760
-
-
159,760
-
-
Motor
vehicles
£
31,925
-
-
31,925
665
7,981
-
8,646
23,279
31,260
Total
£
4,769,375
157,091
(200,000
4,726,466
845,826
62,378
(17,333
890,871
3,835,595
3,923,549

14 Fixed asset investments

Other
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024 & 31 December 2024 105,952
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024 105,952
At 31 December 2023 105,952

15 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
2024
£
105,582
134,548
240,130
2023
£
90,862
67,567
158,429

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15
Debtors (Continued)
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Other debtors
Total debtors
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Balances held for Trust funds, Departments and Churches
Accruals and deferred income
2024
£
970,656
1,210,786
2024
£
3,454,329
9,833
3,464,162
2023
£
863,776
1,022,205
2023
£
3,147,968
2,575
3,150,543

Unrestricted funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. At 1 January
Incoming
Resources
Transfers
At 31
2024
resources
expended
December
2024 £
£
£
£
£
Corporation Churches Capital Fund
978,543
20,420
(9,621)
-
989,342
Corporation Baptist Centre Capital Fund
1,393,417
-
(30,996)
25,474
1,387,895
Corporation Baptist Centre Revenue Fund
50,014
8,486
(5,489)
(25,474)
27,537
Corporation Churches Fund
139,125
34,627
(24,483)
-
149,269
Corporation Income Protection Fund
71,766
38,303
(60,724)
-
49,345
Corporation Property Capital Fund
290,477
-
(1,150)
-
289,327
Retired Ministers' Housing Revenue Fund
159,484
22,116
(16,310)
-
165,290
Retired Ministers' Housing Capital Fund
1,149,008
9,856
(9,287)
-
1,149,577
Trust Fund Revenue Fund
123
-
-
-
123
Corporation Churches Loan Fund
145,708
7,660
-
-
153,368
General funds
1,303,526
129,367
(91,070)
-
1,341,823
5,681,191
270,835
(249,130)
-
5,702,896
17

At 31 December 2023 £ 978,543 1,393,417 50,014 139,125 71,766 290,477 159,484 1,149,008 123 145,708 1,303,526 5,681,191
Transfers £ - - - - - - - - - - - -
Resources expended £ (9,338) (30,000) (17,641) (15,351) (49,888) (1,779) (5,468) (8,027) - - (74,737) (212,229)
Incoming resources £ 195,000 - 9,596 6,153 41,809 - 21,423 859 - 3,531 178,646 457,017
At 1 January 2023 £ 792,881 1,423,417 58,059 148,323 79,845 292,256 143,529 1,156,176 123 142,177 1,199,617 5,436,403
Unrestricted funds (Continued) Previous year: Corporation Churches Capital Fund Corporation Baptist Centre Capital Fund Corporation Baptist Centre Revenue Fund Corporation Churches Fund Corporation Income Protection Fund Corporation Property Capital Fund Retired Ministers' Housing Revenue Fund Retired Ministers' Housing Capital Fund Trust Fund Revenue Fund Corporation Churches Loan Fund General funds
17

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

18 Explanatory note to the funds

General funds

This fund is expendable at the discretion of the Directors for the general purposes of the charity. In addition, funds may be held in order to finance capital investment and essential working capital.

Designated Funds

Corporation Churches Capital Fund

This fund enables the Corporation to hold and maintain church property.

Corporation Baptist Centre Capital Fund

This fund relates to the value of the Baptist Centre property.

Corporation Baptist Centre Revenue Fund

Funds designated for the maintenance and repair of the Baptist Centre.

Corporation Churches Fund

This fund represents church funds held by the Corporation that have been designated for use in gospel endeavours.

Corporation Income Protection Fund

This represents funds that are held as part of an Income Protection Scheme to provide cover for Pastors experiencing long term illness.

Corporation Property Capital Fund

This fund represents properties owned and held by the Corporation for Investment.

Retired Ministers' Housing Revenue Fund

The Retired Ministers' Housing Scheme provides housing for retired Pastors who have no accommodation.

Retired Ministers' Housing Capital Fund

The Retired Ministers' Housing Scheme provides housing for retired Pastors who have no accommodation.

Trust Fund Revenue Fund

This fund holds, as separate from the capital, the undisbursed interest and income held for Churches and the Association.

Corporation Churches Loan Fund

This fund represents funds held by the Corporation to provide loans to churches for capital projects.

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

19 Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

The company has given guarantees in relation to bank borrowings of member churches within the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. At 31 December 2024 the total amount of outstanding debt for which guarantees have been given was £1,994,091 (2023 - £2,303,360). The relevant churches have given Resolutions of Indemnity to the company in relation to these guarantees. The total value of the property over which the Resolution of Indemnities have been provided is in excess of the outstanding debt at the year end.

The company is providing the Trustee of the ABCI 2013 Retirement Benefits Scheme with a Guarantee of Contributions to guarantee payment of the contributions required under the schedule of contributions dated 2 December 2022.

In addition NBC has entered into a number of contingent asset agreements with the Trustee of the ABCI 2013 Retirement Benefits Scheme under which there is charge over two properties owned by Northern Baptist Corporation with carrying value of £332,200 and a charge over £175,000 of funds held in escrow.

The value of the guarantee and properties in the contingent asset agreements remain included within Northern Baptist Corporation's tangible fixed assets on the balance sheet.

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets 3,835,595
Investments 105,952
Current assets/(liabilities) 1,761,349
5,702,896
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
At 31 December 2023:
Tangible assets 3,923,549
Investments 105,952
Current assets/(liabilities) 1,651,690
5,681,191

NORTHERN BAPTIST CORPORATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

21 Related party transactions

Trustees

No remuneration was paid to key management personnel in the current or prior year.

Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland

The charitable company is controlled by the Executive Committee of the Churches' Council of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. During the year the company paid management charges, expenses and made - donations totalling £92,073 (2023 £65,952) to the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. The company also received £10,075 (2023 - £11,702) for expenses paid on behalf of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland.

Southern Baptist Corporation Company Limited by Guarantee

The charitable company is under common control with Southern Baptist Corporation Company Limited by Guarantee, a charitable company registered in the Republic of Ireland. During a prior year a loan of £190,020 was advanced to Southern Baptist Corporation Company Limited by Guarantee. At 31 December 2024 a balance of £133,970 (2023 - £141,398) remained due from Southern Baptist Corporation Company Limited by Guarantee. No interest is charged on the outstanding amount.