Charity registration number 1128358
Company registration number 06771370 (England and Wales)
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
PAGES FOR FILING WITH REGISTRAR
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
TrusteesDirectors and trustees
A De Courcy
N Clee
Charity number
1128358
Company number
06771370
Registered office
Studio 4
224 Shoreditch High Street
London
E1 6PJ
Independent examiner
Cottons Accountants LLP
Studio 4
224 Shoreditch High Street
London
UK
E1 6PJ
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees report
1
Independent examiner's report
2
Statement of financial activities
3
Balance sheet
4
Notes to the financial statements
5 - 8
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 1 -

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

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are the promotion of the literary arts for the public benefit, in particular the art of writing, researching or otherwise studying biography.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance
Financial review

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and its principal activity is that of a membership organisation.

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:

E Buccleuch
(Deceased 30 April 2023)
A De Courcy
N Clee

The board of Directors and Trustees comprises Appointed Directors and Elected Trustee. The appointment of Andrew Lownie as president for life is to honour him as Founder of The Biographers' Club.

 

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

 

The company's governing document is its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

N Clee
Trustees
28 September 2023
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
- 2 -

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Biographers' Club Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2

the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3

the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Cottons Accountants LLP
Studio 4
224 Shoreditch High Street
London
E1 6PJ
UK
Dated: 28 September 2023
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 3 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
5,750
6,270
Charitable activities
4
6,753
5,470
Total income
12,503
11,740
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
11,613
10,902
Net income for the year/
Net movement in funds
890
838
Fund balances at 1 April 2022
5,500
4,662
Fund balances at 31 March 2023
6,390
5,500

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.
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2023
31 March 2023
- 4 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
7,350
6,460
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
10
(960)
(960)
Net current assets
6,390
5,500
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
6,390
5,500
6,390
5,500

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

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

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

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

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 28 September 2023
N Clee
Trustee
Company registration number 06771370
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 5 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

The Biographers' Club Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Studio 4, 224 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6PJ.

1.1
Accounting convention

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

 

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities 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, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

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

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4
Income
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.
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 6 -
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 is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. 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 are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6
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.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.7
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 7 -
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.

3
Donations and legacies
2023
2022
£
£
Donations, gifts and sponsorship
5,750
6,270
4
Charitable activities

 

 

2023
2022
£
£

Members fees

5,802
4,925

Meetings and events

951
545
6,753
5,470
5
Charitable activities
2023
2022
£
£

Charitable activities - activities undertaken directly

7,102
6,391

Governance costs

2,850
3,000
9,952
9,391
Share of governance costs (see note 6)
1,661
1,511
11,613
10,902
THE BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 8 -
6
Governance costs
2023
2022
£
£
Legal and professional
1,276
1,002

Administration

385
509
1,661
1,511
Analysed between
Charitable activities
1,661
1,511
7
Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
8
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2023
2022
Number
Number
3
3
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
9
Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

10
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
£
£
Accruals and deferred income
960
960
11
Analysis of net assets between funds
2023
2022
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:
Current assets/(liabilities)
6,390
5,500
6,390
5,500
2023-03-312022-04-01falseCCH SoftwareiXBRL Review & Tag 2022.2067713702022-04-012023-03-3106771370bus:Director22022-04-012023-03-3106771370bus:Director32022-04-012023-03-3106771370bus:Director12022-04-012023-03-31067713702023-03-31067713702022-03-31067713702021-04-012022-03-3106771370bus:FRS1022022-04-012023-03-3106771370bus:SmallCompaniesRegimeForAccounts2022-04-012023-03-3106771370bus:IndependentExaminationCharity2022-04-012023-03-3106771370bus:FullAccounts2022-04-012023-03-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP