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← The Falkirk Braes Grange Centre

2025-08-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report

For the year ended 31[st] August 2005

The trustees have pleasure in presenting their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] August 2025.

Reference and administrative information

Charity name

The Falkirk Braes Grange Centre SCIO

Charity number

SC053512

Address

Redding Road, Brightons, FK2 0AA

Current trustees

Structure, Governance and Management

Constitution

The Charity is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). It was registered in its current legal form on 18 July 2024. The charity was previously an unincorporated association but changed its legal form to a SCIO. The assets of the unincorporated association were transferred to the SCIO.

Appointment of trustees

The management board, which normally meets monthly, are the charity’s trustees. Membership is open to all interested attendees of the centre and to interested members of the community. Trustees are elected at the annual general meeting which is held in October. There must be a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve trustees.

Objectives and activities

The Organisation has been formed to benefit the people of the Lower and Upper Braes local council (Ward 8 and 9), Falkirk (the “Community”), with the following purposes (the “Purposes”):

a) in the interests of social welfare.

b) made with the object of improving the conditions of the life of the members of the community in the area of benefit & for the purposes to associate with voluntary organisations and inhabitants in the area of benefit.

Falkirk Braes Grange SCIO – SC053512 Redding Road, Brightons FK2 0AA

Financial review

This has been a successful first year of operation for Falkirk Braes Grange Centre, during which the charity established a stable financial footing and began to develop a clear understanding of the costs associated with running the community facility.

During the year, the charity secured £65,000 in grant funding from Falkirk Council, Firstport, DTA Scotland, M&G and the National Lottery. This funding has been essential in supporting the initial operation of the centre, enabling necessary building improvements and the purchase of essential equipment. In addition, a balance of £36,000 was transferred from the former Grange CEA charity following its merger with the new organisation, strengthening the charity’s financial position and providing a solid starting point for operations.

Total expenditure for the year primarily related to the operation and maintenance of the building. Electricity costs amounted to £25,000, which was higher than anticipated due to heating systems previously operating inefficiently and requiring maintenance. These issues are currently in the process of being resolved, and the trustees expect to see a reduction in energy costs in the forthcoming year. Cleaning costs totalled £1,100, reflecting that services were only required for part of the year due to ongoing building works; a full year of cleaning provision is expected going forward. Insurance and rent costs totalled £3,400. Accountancy and bookkeeping costs were £1,000; these functions have since been brought in-house, which is expected to reduce future expenditure. Other minor operational costs totalled approximately £600.

The charity has developed a five-year cashflow forecast, which indicates that the organisation is expected to remain financially sustainable. Trustees are actively monitoring expenditure and have begun reviewing contracts and service arrangements to ensure costs are proportionate to building usage.

Overall, the charity ended the year in a stable financial position, with expenditure largely supported by grant income. The outlook for the coming year is positive, with anticipated reductions in key costs and continued focus on improving efficiency and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the centre for community use.

Trustees’ Annual Report

The first year of operation for Falkirk Braes Grange Centre has been one of learning and development, as the trustees have worked to understand and manage the full range of costs associated with operating the community facility. Despite a number of unknown and initially unpredictable expenses, the charity has successfully navigated its first year and established a stable foundation for future growth.

This achievement has been made possible through the collective efforts of many individuals and organisations. Trustees would like to formally acknowledge those who supported grant applications, whether successful or not, as well as local businesses and employers who contributed resources and support as part of their community benefit commitments. In addition, the contribution of volunteers who assisted with building access, events, cleaning, and general operational support has been invaluable. These combined efforts have enabled the charity to minimise costs and maximise the impact of available resources.

Financial performance for the year showed a deficit of £6,800 against an anticipated deficit of £4,200 outlined in the 2024/25 business plan. This variance was primarily due to higher-than-expected energy costs, challenges in achieving effective control of the building’s heating systems, and delays in the commencement of the gym lease. Electricity expenditure for the period October 2024 to September 2025 totalled £25,011, reflecting both increased unit rates and standing charges compared to previous arrangements under Falkirk Council.

Income for the year included significant unrestricted grant funding of £64,570 from Falkirk Council and £4,500 from M&G. These funds were critical in supporting operational costs, addressing unforeseen maintenance

Falkirk Braes Grange SCIO – SC053512 Redding Road, Brightons FK2 0AA

issues such as plumbing and electrical works, and maintaining sufficient working capital. Full details of income and expenditure will be provided within the independently reviewed accounts.

The charity’s reserves position has been supported by the transfer of funds from the former Grange Community Education Association, alongside grant income received during the year. Approximately £10,000 of these reserves has been utilised to offset the operating deficit. The trustees consider it essential to maintain an appropriate level of free reserves to provide a financial buffer against future uncertainties, including building maintenance and fluctuations in income. A formal reserves policy has been drafted and will be kept under regular review to ensure compliance with OSCR guidance and alignment with the charity’s long-term sustainability.

The charity currently holds no external debt as part of its financial strategy. Instead, the trustees will continue to focus on careful financial planning and the pursuit of grant funding to support development and capital projects. The financial position remains stable, although continued attention is required in managing energy costs and improving operational efficiency.

During the year, progress has been made in developing income-generating activities, including the establishment of a lease agreement with Iron House Gym, with refurbishment works now underway. The trustees continue to review pricing structures and usage patterns to ensure the centre remains accessible while moving towards financial sustainability. Consideration is being given to the introduction of revised room hire rates and simplified pricing structures from 2026, alongside ongoing discussions regarding community and commercial usage.

Looking ahead, a key priority for the coming year will be the effective utilisation of the Falkirk Council Enablement Fund, with a focus on delivering projects that will reduce long-term operating costs and improve the sustainability of the building. These projects are expected to be completed by March 2027.

The activities of the charity continue to deliver clear public benefit in line with its charitable purposes. The centre provides accessible facilities for sports, health and wellbeing activities across the Upper and Lower Braes communities. This includes support for initiatives such as programmes for New Scots, refurbishment of activity spaces to enhance wellbeing provision, and the development of a gym facility to promote physical health. The charity also continues to work in partnership with neighbouring organisations, including the local playgroup, to strengthen community provision.

The trustees would like to extend their sincere thanks to all volunteers, partners and supporters who have contributed to the success of the first year. With a strong foundation now in place, the charity looks forward to building on this progress and delivering a sustainable and impactful second year of operation.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Jamie Mackenzie Chairperson Falkirk Braes Grange Centre

Date:

Signed:

Falkirk Braes Grange SCIO – SC053512 Redding Road, Brightons FK2 0AA

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Falkirk Braes Grange Centre Year ended 31 August 2025

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st August 2025 which are set out on pages 5 to 6.

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).

The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (a) to (c) of the Accounts Regulations do not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations

2006 (as amended). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

• to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations (as amended), and

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations (as amended) have not been met, or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Name: Alan Ross

Date: Signed:

Professional Qualification. - Retired Corporate Banker (MCIBS qualified)

Falkirk Braes Grange SCIO – SC053512 Redding Road, Brightons FK2 0AA

Falkirk Braes Grange SCIO – SC053512 Redding Road, Brightons FK2 0AA

Falkirk Braes Grange SCIO – SC053512 Redding Road, Brightons FK2 0AA