OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-03-31-accounts

Registered number: NI021368 Charity number: NIC107046

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Directors' Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Contents

Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Directors and Advisers 1
Directors' Report 2 - 5
Independent Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements 6 - 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Statement of Cash Flows 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 12 - 22
The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements:
Charity Detailed Income and Expenditure Account and Summaries

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Directors and Advisers For the year ended 31 March 2025

Directors D Edmont, Chairman
A McCullagh, Treasurer
J Barnes, Secretary
W Montgomery
C Murray
A Watson
M McLaughlin (resigned on 26 November 2024)
N McClelland
P Dunlop
Company registered
number
NI021368
Charity registered
number
NIC107046
Registered office
Unit 41 Antrim Business Park
Enkalon Industrial Estate
25 Randalstown Road
Antrim
BT41 4LD
Joint Managing
Directors
Mrs J Barnes and Mr D Edmont
Auditors
Sumer AuditCo NI Limited
Statutory Auditors
4th Floor
Glendinning House
6 Murray Street
Belfast
BT1 6DN
Bankers
AIB
78 Wellington Street
Ballymena
BT43 6AF
Solicitors
Donnelly & Kinder Solicitors
22 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT28GD

Page 1

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Directors' Report For the year ended 31 March 2025

The Directors present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the Company for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The Directors confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable Company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable Company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

Since the Company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.

Objectives and activities

a. Policies and objectives

We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.

Through the wide range of occupational training programmes carried out by the Company, The Bridge Association endeavours to provide relief and rehabilitation for Learning Disabilities for mentally and physically disabled persons.

Achievements and Performance

a. Review of activities

The Bridge Association has continued to raise levels of confidence, basic social/living skills, numeracy, literacy and IT skills for each trainee. In the year 2024/25 the total number of trainees reached 43 (2023/24: 41) all of whom gained a number of units within the City & Guilds/NVQ structures. The Association has developed a Social Programme which covers rights and equality, online safety around digital services and social media, antisocial behaviour and person centred care planning for each trainee.

Our programme of activities and courses for both trainees and staff, assisted by funding from ARC (Association for Real Change), includes first aid training, epilepsy and dementia awareness, food hygiene, manual handling, mental health awareness, stress management, mindset and movement and health and well being.

The Association has continued to be a provider stakeholder within the Learning Disability strategy, benchmarked as forward thinking, innovative and meeting best practice with all Health and Social Care Trusts.

Northern Health & Social Care Trust (NHSCT) have fully implemented all Direct Payment agreements at the correct hourly rate and they will not restrict the number of placements that they could request on a year to year basis.

The Association continued to directly ring fence the equivalent of 3 full-time and 3 two-day Direct Payment places for the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) during 2024/25 and we are on target to fill the remaining ring fenced placements in 2025/26.

The Association has continued to develop, with Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (BHSCT), the three strands of funding within the SDS programme i.e. Direct payments from Trainees, Care Management payments on behalf of trainees and Direct Patient Bank Trust payments for placements. The Association has directly ring fenced for BHSCT the equivalent of 2 full-time and 3 two-day Direct Payment places for 2025/26.

The Association has been working closely with the Education Authority and other Health & Social Care Trusts to highlight that the training unit is open to all clients with a Learning Disability to purchase a place directly using Direct Payments. We have also developed a six week taster programme for all pupils within the transition period at school (16-18 years of age). This programme is currently being operated with Riverside School, Parkview School, Castle Tower School and Fleming Fulton School.

Page 2

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Directors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Achievements and Performance (continued)

During the year the Association has continued to develop and enhance the Bridge Quirky Emporium Social Enterprise in order to promote and provide up-cycling, crafting and retail training in a real setting for all trainees. This has gone from strength to strength with the retail side moving into a larger shop unit in Castle Mall, Antrim.

The dedicated What’s App groups, where we share all relevant training unit and government information, is working well. We maintained full GDPR compliance in relation to these. Our Facebook/Instagram pages for Bridge and Quirky are updated on a weekly basis to inform the community about the Association and what we do. The trainees issue a monthly news letter (The Bridge Beat) to highlight both activities that have taken place and upcoming events.

The Trainee Committee works closely with the Senior Management Team on the trainees’ aspirations, requirements for training provision, social activities and fundraising for the new unit.

The Learning Disability Football Team has been developed in conjunction with Hillsborough Boys Football Club and has successfully competed in the annual George Best Community Cup and in the IFA Foundation Disability League.

A trainee choir (The Quirky Choir) has been established and takes part in a range of activities to promote the Association in the community. Their success has been recognised and they will be performing in several local care homes, the Castle Mall Shopping Centre and at the Mayor’s service.

Our Hug A Mug Ability Café, based in Castle Mall, Antrim, opened in July 2024. It promotes and develops catering skills in a real setting for all trainees attending and has been signed up as a ‘Safe’ space, a befriender/information finder through the Loneliness Network and also as a safe space for promoting breast feeding.

Financial review

a. Going concern

Given the continuing support of the Health & Social Care Trusts and their acknowledgement of the valuable work by the charity in providing high quality training and rehabilitation, the directors are confident in the future of the Association and consider the going concern basis suitable for the preparation of accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.

b. Reserves policy

It is the Association’s policy to try to maintain unrestricted reserves equivalent to 3 months revenue expenditure in order to a) cover short term fluctuations in funding and b) to ensure an orderly rundown of the organisation should future funding be unobtainable. At the year end the investment of cash resources in commencing our new building project meant that available unrestricted reserves were curtailed, however the directors will be keeping this under constant review.

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

The Bridge Association is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (charity no. NIC107046).

Page 3

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Directors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Structure, governance and management (continued)

b. Methods of appointment or election of Directors

The management of the Company is the responsibility of the Directors who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Memorandum of Association.

c. Pay policy for senior staff

The Joint Managing Directors, who are also Trustees, receive remuneration at a level set by the Board. This remuneration is fully disclosed in these financial statements.

d. Organisational structure and decision making

Day to day decision making is undertaken by the Executive Directors, Mrs J Barnes and Mr D Edmont, with regular reporting to the Board. Decisions on strategy, policy and material capital expenditure are taken by the full Board.

Plans for future periods

An Open Week will continue to be held each year to showcase the work of the Association and with the aim of achieving a placement level of 51 and with a further 5 on a waiting list in order to ensure the future stability of the organisation.

Having secured loan and overdraft facilities from our bankers it is anticipated that Phase 2 of the construction of our new Training Unit/Community Hub project will commence in early 2026.

We will continue developing our working relationships with all the funding bodies in order to access the necessary grants/funding aid to complete the above project.

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

The Directors (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Directors' 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 . Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

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

Page 4

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Directors' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are Directors at the time when this Directors' Report is approved has confirmed that:

Auditors

The auditors, Sumer AuditCo NI Limited, have indicated their willingness to continue in office and a motion to propose their re-appointment will be put to the AGM.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Directors and signed on their behalf by:

_________ D Edmont Chariman/Joint Managing Director

_________ J Barnes Joint Managing Director

Date: 22 October 2025

Page 5

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of The Bridge Association

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Bridge Association (the 'Charitable Company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, 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).

In our opinion the financial statements:

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 charitable company 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 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 6

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of The Bridge Association (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:

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..

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:

Responsibilities of Directors

As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement, the Directors (who are also the directors 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 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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 7

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of The Bridge Association (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:

We considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas: posting of unusual journals along with complex transactions and revenue recognition. We discussed both these risks with client management. In regards to journals, we tested a sample of journals to confirm they were appropriate and reviewed areas of judgement for indicators of management bias. To address the revenue recognition risk, we also discussed these with management and considered the risk as part of our sample size within revenue testing.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial 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.

Brian Clerkin (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of

Sumer AuditCo NI Limited

Statutory Auditors 4th Floor Glendinning House 6 Murray Street Belfast BT1 6DN 22 October 2025

Sumer AuditCo NI Limited are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 8

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
306,472
-
306,472
-
-
306,472
20,000
326,472		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
10,819
874,116
884,935
929,409
929,409
(44,474)
542,832
498,358		 Total
funds
2025
£
317,291
874,116
1,191,407
929,409
929,409
261,998
562,832
824,830		 Total
funds
2024
£
52,678
770,851
823,529
696,474
696,474
127,055
435,777
562,832

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee) Registered number: NI021368

Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
9
Current assets
Stocks
10
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
12
Net current liabilities / assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more
than one year
13
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
14
Designated funds
14
General funds
14
Total funds		 76,007
32,435
105,353
213,795
(284,940)
326,472
38,557
459,801		 2025
£
1,064,276
(71,145)
993,131
(168,301)
824,830
824,830		 66,304
31,434
137,170
234,908
(60,003)
20,000
27,738
515,094		 2024
£
534,126
174,905
709,031
(146,199)
562,832
562,832

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 have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Directors and signed on their behalf by:

_____ _______ D Edmont J Barnes Chairman/Joint Managing Director Joint Managing Director

Date: 22 October 2025

The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash inflows from new borrowing
Repayments of borrowing
New finance leases
Repayments of finance leases
Net cash provided by/(used in) 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 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements		 2025
£
362,730
(571,649)
(571,649)
155,000
(6,984)
53,874
(24,788)
177,102
(31,817)
137,170
105,353		 2024
£
146,366
(29,729)
(29,729)
-
(5,783)
-
(8,398)
(14,181)
102,456
34,714
137,170

Page 11

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies

1.1 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 (FRS 102) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Bridge Association meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

1.2 Company Status

The company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Directors named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company.

1.3 Going concern

The Directors of The Bridge Association have reviewed the resources available and believe that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

Accordingly, The Bridge Association continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

1.4 Income

All income is recognised once the Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

1.5 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 on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Page 12

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed asset may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the carrying value of fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recognised as impairments. Impairment losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating Income and Expenditure Account.

1.7 Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.

1.8 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.

1.9 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.

1.10 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities 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 company 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 within interest payable and similar charges.

1.11 Financial instruments

The Company 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.

Page 13

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.12 Leasing and hire purchase

Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts and finance leases are capitalised as tangible fixed assets. Assets acquired by finance lease are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Assets acquired by hire purchase are depreciated over their useful lives. Finance leases are those where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership are assumed by the company. Obligations under such agreements are included in creditors net of the finance charge allocated to future periods. The finance element of the rental payment is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating Income and Expenditure Account so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge on the net obligation outstanding in each period.

1.13 Pensions

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the company to the fund in respect of the year.

1.14 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 Company 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.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in note 14 in the financial statements.

2. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Grants		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
-
306,472
306,472		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
10,819
-
10,819		 Total
funds
2025
£
10,819
306,472
317,291		 Total
funds
2024
£
12,428
40,250
52,678

Restricted funds relate to grants which must be used for specific purposes.

Included within the grants are four grants amounting to £245,005 funding the capital expense of the new training centre.

Page 14

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

3. Income from charitable activities

Direct payment fees
Other income from charitable activities
Canteen income		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
670,087
193,826
10,203
874,116		 Total
funds
2025
£
670,087
193,826
10,203
874,116		 Total
funds
2024
£
644,220
116,752
9,879
770,851

4. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Support costs - wages and salaries
Trainee costs
Other support costs
Other costs
Staff costs - wages and salaries
Cost of sales
Total 2025		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2025
£
-
140,941
58,462
390
380,000
72,445
652,238		 Support
costs
2025
£
59,974
-
195,010
22,187
-
-
277,171		 Total
funds
2025
£
59,974
140,941
253,472
22,577
380,000
72,445
929,409		 Total
funds
2024
£
57,303
128,810
167,241
5,299
286,174
51,647
696,474

5. Net income/(expenditure)

This is stated after charging:

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets

2025 2024
£ £
- owned by the charity 1,915 2,095
- held under finance leases 39,583 24,624

Page 15

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Auditors' remuneration

The auditors' remuneration amounts to an auditor fee of £5,800 (2024 - £5,500).

7. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2025
£
417,650
22,324
439,974		 2024
£
322,959
20,518
343,477

Included in the wages and salaries figures above is £24,934 in relation to employer social security costs. The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year was as follows:

2025 2024
18 15

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

8. Directors' remuneration and expenses

During the year retirement benefits were accruing to 2 Directors (2024: 2) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.

Remuneration paid to key personnel, being the two Joint Managing Directors amounted to £118,000 (2024: £112,744). No other Directors received any remuneration or expenses. Remuneration of key management personnel includes employer pension contributions and National Insurance contributions as defined under FRS 102.

During the year ended 31 March 2025, no Director expenses have been incurred (2024: £NIL).

Page 16

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

9. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024		 Freehold
property
£
625,908
509,626
-
1,135,534
182,264
-
-
182,264
953,270
443,644		 Plant and
machinery
£
121,451
62,023
-
183,474
115,626
10,894
-
126,520
56,954
5,825		 Motor
vehicles
£
142,206
-
(19,794)
122,412
57,550
30,604
(19,794)
68,360
54,052
84,656		 Total
£
889,565
571,649
(19,794)
1,441,420
355,440
41,498
(19,794)
377,144
1,064,276
534,125

Included within the NBV of Land and Buildings is £953,270 in relation to an asset under construction, the new training center.

10. Stocks

Finished goods and goods for resale
Debtors
Due within one year
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
£
76,007
2025
£
4,449
27,986
32,435		 2024
£
66,304
2024
£
-
31,434
31,434

11. Debtors

Page 17

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Bank loans
Other loans
Social Security and other taxes
Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
Bank loans
Net obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
Included within the above are amounts falling due as follows:
Between one and two years
Bank loans
Between two and five years
Bank loans
Over five years
Bank loans
Hire Purchase
Between one and five years		 2025
£
147,323
30,000
-
18,061
14,203
75,353
284,940
2025
£
100,659
67,642
168,301
2025
£
17,950
53,850
28,859
2025
£
67,643
67,643		 2024
£
17,950
-
5,857
8,397
8,021
19,778
60,003
2024
£
107,643
38,556
146,199
2024
£
17,950
53,850
35,843
2024
£
46,954
46,954

13. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Page 18

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Designated Funds - all funds
General funds
General Funds - all funds
Total Unrestricted funds		 Balance at 1
April 2024
£
27,738
515,094
542,832		 Income
£
10,819
874,116
884,935		 Expenditure
£
-
(929,409)
(929,409)		 Balance at
31 March
2025
£
38,557
459,801
498,358

Designated funds represent monies allocated by the Trustees to fund the new building project.

Restricted funds
Restricted Funds - all funds
Total of funds		 20,000
562,832		 306,472
1,191,407		 -
(929,409)		 326,472
824,830

Restricted funds relate to grants which must be used for specific purposes.

Page 19

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Balance at
1 April 2023
£
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Designated Funds - all funds
15,310
General funds
General Funds - all funds
420,467
Total Unrestricted funds
435,777
Restricted funds
Restricted Funds - all funds
-
Total of funds
435,777
15.
Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Creditors due in more than one year
Total		 Income
£
12,428
770,851
783,279
40,250
823,529
Restricted
funds
2025
£
326,472
-
-
-
326,472		 Expenditure
£
-
(676,224)
(676,224)
(20,250)
(696,474)
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
737,804
213,795
(284,940)
(168,301)
498,358		 Balance at
31 March
2024
£
27,738
515,094
542,832
20,000
562,832
Total
funds
2025
£
1,064,276
213,795
(284,940)
(168,301)
824,830

Page 20

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
534,126
Current assets
20,000
214,908
Creditors due within one year
-
(60,003)
Creditors due in more than one year
-
(146,199)
Total
20,000
542,832
16.
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
2025
£
Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
261,998
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
41,498
Increase in stocks
(9,703)
Increase in debtors
(1,000)
Increase in creditors
69,937
Net cash provided by operating activities
362,730
17.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2025
£
Cash in hand
105,353
Total cash and cash equivalents
105,353		 Total
funds
2024
£
534,126
234,908
(60,003)
(146,199)
562,832
2024
£
127,055
26,719
(25,097)
2,584
15,105
146,366
2024
£
137,170
137,170

Page 21

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

18. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand
Debt due within 1 year
Debt due after 1 year
Finance leases		 At 1 April
2024
£
137,170
(17,950)
(107,643)
(46,953)
(35,376)		 Cash flows
New finance
leases
£
£
(31,817)
-
(159,373)
-
6,984
-
(18,061)
(20,689)
(202,267)
(20,689)		 At 31 March
2025
£
105,353
(177,323)
(100,659)
(85,703)
(258,332)

19. Contingent liabilities

At the balance sheet date, the charity has identified potential obligations relating to donations and grants received. These contingent liabilities arise as follows:

Grants Subject to Repayment Conditions

Certain grants received during the year include conditions requiring the charity to meet specified milestones or maintain the funds for designated purposes. If these conditions are not met, there is a risk the funds may be subject to repayment. The total value of grants which may become repayable is £281,213.

As at 31 March 2025, the charity has no indication that the conditions will not be fulfilled, therefore no provision has been made in these financial statements.

Donor Restrictions

Donations may be restricted by donors for specific purposes. While the charity actively manages its activities to comply with these restrictions, failure to adhere to donor requests could result in a liability to repay unutilised funds.

20. Related party transactions

Remuneration of £31,506 (2024: £29,714) was paid to a family member connected to one of the Directors, remuneration of £20,184 (2024: £16,455) was paid to two family members of another Director. Furthermore, a loan under the terms of interest free and repayable on demand has been given to the charity by one of the Directors.

Page 22

The Bridge Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Income and expenditure account For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charity Income
Canteen Income
Direct Payment Fees
Quirky Emporium
Grant Income
Cafe Income
Donations
Less:
Cost of Sales
Opening Stock
Purchases
Closing Stock
Support Costs
Support Staff Salary
Pension Costs Support
Postage and Stationery
Telephone
Insurances
Light & Heat
Rent
Water Charges
Staff Travel
Bank Charges
Audit/Accountancy
Bank Interest and Charges
Credit Card Charges
HP Interest
Leasing
Depreciation
Loan Interest
Miscellaneous
Professional Fees
Profit on disposal of fixed assets
Advertising and Promotion
Charitable Donations
Computer Software
Printing		 2025
2025
£
£
10,203
670,087
116,997
306,472
76,829
10,819
1,191,407
66,304
82,148
(76,007)
72,445
54,513
5,461
523
5,335
23,638
10,768
52,971
8,599
928
1,893
9,427
9,282
2,009
7,583
3,616
41,498
30,184
334
16,402
(16,800)
3,473
1,107
3,305
-		 2024
2024
£
£
9,879
644,219
116,752
40,250
-
12,429
823,529
41,207
76,744
(66,304)
51,647
51,717
5,586
1,560
2,652
22,827
17,060
39,530
560
804
245
6,510
2,164
2,604
4,294
3,151
26,719
12,168
1,231
13,500
-
1,826
500
3,462
998
Page 23

The Bridge Association (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Income and expenditure account (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

2025
£
Subscriptions
1,122
Entertainment
-
Charitable Activities
Trainee Travel
18,939
Trainee Food
26,003
Trainee Training
26,812
Training Materials
16,861
Staff Training
80
Waste Disposals
1,150
Kitchen and Cleaning Consumables
10,577
Repairs and Maintenance
13,427
Trainee Allowances
24,535
Wages and Salaries
360,004
Pension Costs
16,863
Life Cover
3,133
Clothing and uniform
85
Light & Heat
20,607
Staff Travel
390
Cafe Food
40,327
Total expenditure
The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.		 2025
£
277,171
579,793
929,409		 2024
£
240
450
13,322
26,975
10,085
18,687
4,860
1,170
10,239
5,822
25,315
268,332
14,932
2,910
5,810
8,711
5,299
-		 2024
£
222,358
422,469
696,474

Page 24