Charity Registration No. 518850
Company Registration No. 02115913 (England and Wales)
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND INDEPENDENTLY EXAMINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2023
31 March 2023
PAGES FOR FILING WITH REGISTRAR
PM+M Solutions for Business LLP
Chartered Accountants
New Century House
Greenbank Technology Park
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5QB
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Dr Jennifer Clucas
Ms Stephanie Davies
Mr Howard Hopwood
Dr Diana Leitch MBE
Mrs Melissa Lord
Dr Michael Pitts
Dr Donald Westwood
Mr Noel Hutchinson
Mrs Jennifer Wilson Hart
(Appointed 8 November 2022)
Dr Julian Hought
(Appointed 8 November 2022)
Mr Jay Wiegand
(Appointed 2 February 2023)
Ms Serra Cinar
(Appointed 2 February 2023)
Mr Kevan Wainwright
(Appointed 2 February 2023)
Mr Hugh Dowding
(Appointed 25 April 2023)
Chair of Trustees
Mr Hugh Dowding
Charity number
518850
Company number
02115913
Registered office
Gossage Building
Mersey Road
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 0DF
Independent examiner
PM+M Solutions for Business LLP
New Century House
Greenbank Technology Park
Challenge Way
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5QB
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 8
Independent examiner's report
9
Statement of financial activities
10
Balance sheet
11
Statement of cash flows
12
Notes to the financial statements
13 - 22
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 1 -

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the trust'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).

 

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited, Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 0DF, “Catalyst”, is a registered charity (No: 518850) and company (No: 2115913) limited by guarantee. Its registered office is shown on the company information sheet. The Company changed its name from Halton Chemical Industry Museum Trust Limited on 16th June 2008. The present trustees who served during the year are listed on page 6 and details of any external advisers are noted on the company information sheet.

The Company was governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association adopted on 2nd June 2008. Updated Articles of Association were adopted by the Company on 26th April 2022.

Objectives and activities

The Charity’s Objects in the 2022 Articles are specifically restricted only for “the public benefit to raise awareness of and increase public knowledge of biochemistry and the chemical sciences and other related sciences and their materials, processes and products with a particular emphasis on education of young people through the development and maintenance of a science centre/​museum – placed within a historical context and with particular reference to the locality”. Therefore, the principal activity of Catalyst is to inform, educate and inspire the widest audience about the relevance of chemistry and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) in general with a particular emphasis on education of young people.

Catalyst also holds extensive archives in various media for the UK Chemical Industry (including ICI, Brunner Mond and Peter Spence) and offers a heritage experience around its buildings but especially through its ‘Birth of an Industry Gallery’, and the ‘Baker Gallery’ which celebrates the history and modern-day uses of chlorine produced in the Halton area.

Our vision is to be a premier visitor attraction, recognized as the best science discovery centre dedicated to chemistry and a unique museum of the chemical heritage of NW England.

Our strategic objectives are; ensuring financial sustainability, maintaining Catalyst as a visitor attraction, delivering an exciting programme for Education and schools incorporating new themes, developing access to our heritage offer and providing an enhanced enquiry service, and broadening our audience appeal to attract a wider range of visitors.

 

Public benefit, aims and intended impact

In meeting our objectives, the Charity’s public benefit aim is to increase the public knowledge of chemical sciences and the chemical industry through the centre/​museum and workshops. In setting our objectives and planning our activities, the Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

 

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 2 -
Achievements and performance

 

This report outlines the major achievements, challenges, events and developments within Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited during the past 12 months (April 2022 to March 2023).

In the financial year 2022 – 2023 Catalyst saw a significant rise in visitor numbers to over 40,000, an increase of 60% on pre-pandemic figures.

Covid restrictions (social distancing, mask wearing, contact tracing, restricting visitor numbers, on-line booking only etc) were removed in July 2022 and although there was no legal requirement for people contracting Covid to self-isolate, Catalyst advised staff to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.

Planning permission and listed building consent was granted from Halton Borough Council and a second array of solar panels were installed on the roof above the new building.

 

Rising gas prices saw the Catalyst gas quote rise by over 500% to £54,000 pa. With the help and advice of industry friends this was reduced to £44,000, but was still a significant proportion of the operating budget.

 

The newly appointed Community Engagement Coordinator attended a number of outreach events in the local community, has co-ordinated exhibitions for the temporary exhibition area, has continued the award-winning MindLab Programme, and has introduced a monthly Dementia Café.

Exhibitions


A temporary exhibition installed in March told the story of the ‘Space Sapling’ and how Tim Peake took seeds into space (on the International Space Station) from Isaac Newton's apple tree. The seeds were germinated in Kew Gardens in London and Catalyst in partnership with Halton Borough Council were presented with our own Space Sapling from Tim Peake following a competitive bidding process. This tree was planted in a specially designed Space Garden outside Catalyst in October 2022 as a lasting legacy of this project. We are grateful to Heather Wark (a previous Education Officer at Catalyst) and Barker Langham for their skill and dedication in creating this exhibition with us. This exhibition is now displayed in our Education Lunchroom.

Earlier this year Catalyst opened an exhibition of artwork from Level 3 Creative Practice students studying art and design, fashion and graphic design at Cronton 6th Form College.

Education Programme


Post pandemic, school visits were a little slow to resume, however in the financial year 2022–23 they exceeded pre-pandemic numbers with over 220 schools attending.

The number of sleepovers also exceeded post pandemic levels, and saw Catalyst welcome 55 groups on overnight stays.

A programme of activities for Toddlers and their parents was developed and trialled during 2022, which allowed young scientists to investigate and explore at their own pace.

The programme of workshops for schools and families was updated, the Maths Kit was refreshed, and new workshops created included Is Air Really There, DNA Detectives, a Summer Planetarium Show, Bridges and a hands-on workshop all about Celebrations.

In addition to delivering a packed programme of events at Catalyst, the education team delivered 30 outreach sessions in schools in the local area.

Catalyst welcomed two external presenters this year for weekend events, Dr Chris Aris presented three different workshops about Forensic Anthropology and Dan Heath ran a Coding event where visitors built an electric guitar with craft, wires, a micro computer and code! Both sessions proved very popular with visitors young and old.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 3 -

Funded Projects


Catalyst has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to implement the Synergy Project to make their heritage offer accessible to new and under-represented audiences in an exciting and meaningful way. This initial development fund will help Catalyst progress plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant in May 2024.

Catalyst was successful with an application for funding from the Royal Society of Chemistry and a grant from Lanxess to run Chemistry at Work Week in January. This event was a great success with all school places fully booked and representatives from 17 different industry partners over the 4 days.

People


Former CEO Martin Pearson left Catalyst in 2022 and was replaced by Dr Lee Juby. Staff numbers fluctuated throughout the year with the retirement of two long serving staff members and one member of staff on long term sick leave. Staff were appointed into the vacant roles, Catalyst appointed a Community Engagement Coordinator, a Maintenance Technician and the team of casual staff has also been increased. Catalyst is currently recruiting for an additional teaching assistant to meet the increased demand from school bookings.

Catalyst welcomed six new trustees throughout the year, following the resignation of six long serving trustees. Mr Hugh Dowding was appointed as the new Chair of Trustees.

Catalyst announced the appointment of two new Patrons in November; George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, son of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Dr Helen Czerski, a British physicist, oceanographer, writer and broadcaster.

Our Volunteers, who so ably support our Education team, Archive work, and Maintenance activity, has continued to grow through the year. We are indebted to this dedicated group of people who support our operational activity so well.

 

Heritage / Archive


In October, Catalyst was delighted to announce the acquisition of a portrait of Dr Neil George Marr, Chief Medical Officer of the Metals Division of ICI, painted in 1945. This painting was one of a collection of 56 portraits, commissioned by ICI and painted by prominent British artists. This painting joins another two in our collection, and are on display in our 1st floor gallery.

The Arts Council Accreditation tracker showed Catalyst originally being asked to be ready for the Re-Accreditation process in 2022. This has been delayed due to the pandemic, and as the last award was in 2017, it is unlikely that Catalyst will be invited to submit a return in 2024.

 

Our digitized archive currently totals 75464 items consisting of: 3776 company magazines/​booklets, 9362 reports, 43605 photos/​films/​audio and 18721 workers records.

VIP Visits

In November we were delighted to welcome Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Redmond MBE who formally opened the refurbished interactive gallery, funded by the Wellcome Trust and UKRI Inspiring Science Fund. Additional guests included Sir Phil Redmond, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Halton Councillor Mark Dennett, representatives of funding bodies, industry partners, supporters and education providers.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 4 -

Donations, grants and sponsorship


Industrial and personal sponsorship has continued during the period with major support from Ineos Inovyn, Chemical Industries Association, NW Hydrogen Alliance plus personal donations from Mr John Blewett, the Brunner family, and the Gossage family.

The trust remains grateful for the continued support of all its sponsors and donors.

 

Financial/Trading position
Throughout the year, strong trading continued across all areas with school visits and sleepovers (for schools and uniformed groups) in our glass walled Observatory proving extremely popular.
Catalyst Education Programme was back to pre-pandemic levels and during science week in March welcomed 48 different schools, teaching 99 workshops.
At the end of March general admissions were up 25% on budget, schools 19% above, sleepovers were 101% above, and gift shop income was 192% above budget.
Financial review

 

A summary of the year’s results can be found on page 10 of the attached accounts.

 

During the year, the total incoming resources were £570,964 as compared to £529,563 in the previous year.

 

Total resources expended in the year were £711,270 as compared to £604,610 in the previous year.

The free reserves of the charity at 31 March 2023 were £275,288 as compared to £295,528 the previous year.

 

Free reserves are the charity's unrestricted funds that are freely available to spend on the charity's purposes. Free reserves exclude restricted income funds of £42,836 (2022: £139) and tangible fixed assets with a specific net book value of £728,728 (2022: £848,792).

Reserves policy

 

It is the general policy of the charity that the free reserves of the charity, which have not been designated for a specific use, should be working towards a level equivalent to six months’ expenditure. In real terms this equates to approximately £300,000.

 

The free reserves of the charity were £275,288 at the year end.

 

Most of the charity's reserves are held in fixed assets being the museum building improvements and exhibitions. The museum will continue to review the reserves policy on an annual basis.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 5 -

Risk Management

 

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. A comprehensive Risk Register is maintained by the Finance & Risk sub-group, who provide detailed oversight, and reviewed at every Board meeting.

 

Catalyst's Trustees are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the charity. A formal review of the charity’s risk management processes is undertaken on an annual basis, and at every meeting of the Board of Trustees via the financial data and the Risk Register.

 

The key controls used by the charity include:

 

Through the risk management processes established for the charity, the Trustees are satisfied that adequate mitigation measures have been identified for the major risks. It is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed.

Industrial sponsorship has remained challenging with the chemical industry. However, work is continuing to maximise funding opportunities and particularly related to future development plans for Catalyst. The initial response from the public to our new offer has been fantastic enabling the Trustees to take a positive view on Catalyst's future.

Plans for the future

The Trustees and Operational Team remain committed to maintaining/​increasing revenue and sponsorship and applying for grants and awards that can positively contribute towards Catalyst’s sustained financial stability. Future plans include:

NLHF SYNERGY PROJECT

Catalyst plans to submit the full bid to NLHF in May 2024 and if successful, the first floor Birth of an Industry Gallery and the Observatory Gallery will be refurbished and engagement activities will be designed to make the heritage offer accessible to a wider audience.

 

Temporary Exhibition Gallery
A temporary exhibition entitled Images of West Bank Comes Home will be installed in September. It is envisaged that this will engage the local community and feed into the Synergy project.

A second art exhibition by Cronton College sixth form students is planned for later in the year. It is hoped that this will become an annual event building on the success of the previous exhibition.

 

Events
Catalyst has successfully applied to livestream one of this year’s Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.

 

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 6 -
Structure, governance and management

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the charity. The affairs of the charity are administered by a Board of Trustees, the members of which occupy the positions of directors for the purposes of the Companies Act.

The Trust has a board of trustees comprising industry executives, senior education specialists, representatives of chemical industry organisations, local historians and representatives from Halton Borough Council.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:

Cllr Sandra Baker (resigned 2 December 2022)

Ms Serra Cinar (appointed 2 February 2023)

Dr Jennifer Clucas

Mr Roy Coldwell (resigned 18 July 2023)

Mr Bryan Davies (resigned 18 July 2023)

Ms Stephanie Davies

Mrs Jennifer Wilson Hart (appointed 8 November 2022)

Mr Howard Hopwood

Dr Julian Hought (appointed 8 November 2022)

Cllr Noel Hutchinson

Dr Diana Leitch MBE

Mrs Melissa Lord

Dr Michael Pitts

Mr Andrew Ritchie (resigned 8 November 2022)

Mr Robert Roach (resigned 26 April 2022)

Cllr Kevan Wainwright (appointed 2 February 2023)

Dr Donald Westwood

Mr Jay Wiegand (appointed 2 February 2023)

Ms Rachel Wilkinson (resigned 2 February 2023)

The Trustees are responsible for the appointment of new Trustees. New Trustees will only be appointed after due consideration is given to eligibility, personal competence and specialist skills. New Trustees, when appointed, are inducted into the working of the charity by the existing Trustees.

 

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.

 

 

Friends of Catalyst

Friends of Catalyst is a separate charity, which exists to support and further the work of the Trust. The ‘Friends of Catalyst’ have continued to provide both financial and other support during the year.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 7 -
Other matters

The Trustees would like to express their grateful thanks to the following organisations and individuals who have supported the Trust during the past year:

2M Holdings
Ames Goldsmith/​Ceimig
Andrew Warren
Arts Council England (Culture Recovery Fund 1 and 2)
Association of Science Discovery Centres (ASDC)
Barker Langham
BASF
Bitrez Ltd
Brunner Family
Bryan Davies
BYK
Dr N Carey
Chemical Industries Association
Mr Roy Coldwell
CPS Ltd
David Yaxley
Dr Diana Leitch
Dr Ingeborg Buschmann
Dr Jenny Clucas
Dr Katie Yaxley
Dr Nick D Carey
Friends of Catalyst
Gossage Family
Halton Borough Council
Howard Hopwood
Ingevity
Innopec
INEOS Inovyn
Lanxess
Livent
Meade King Robinson
Merey Gateway
Mind Halton
Mr John Blewett
National Lottery Heritage Fund
North West Hydrogen Alliance
Royal Society of Chemistry
RS Clare
Univar
Victrex
Whitefire Ltd


In addition, they are grateful for companies’ support to Catalyst in kind in various ways from installations of major exhibits to materials used in workshops: Innospec, Stephenson Personal Care, ICE, Ingevity, Univar Solutions and Barker Langham.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 8 -
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees, who are also the directors of Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust 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 Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the trust 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 Trustees are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

 

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the trust will continue in operation.

 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the trust 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 trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr Hugh Dowding
Chair of Trustees
Dated: 24 October 2023
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
- 9 -

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited (the trust) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the trust (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 trust 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 trust’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

Since the trust’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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 trust 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.

Ceri Dixon BSc (Hons) ACA

PM+M Solutions for Business LLP

New Century House
Greenbank Technology Park
Challenge Way
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5QB
Dated: 24 October 2023
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 10 -
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
2022
2022
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
153,895
79,851
233,746
176,233
133,560
309,793
Charitable activities
4
226,413
-
226,413
145,435
-
145,435
Other trading activities
5
110,805
-
110,805
74,335
-
74,335
Total income
491,113
79,851
570,964
396,003
133,560
529,563
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
94,537
-
94,537
41,120
-
41,120
Charitable activities
7
596,802
19,931
616,733
453,760
109,730
563,490
Total resources expended
691,339
19,931
711,270
494,880
109,730
604,610
Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before transfers
(200,226)
59,920
(140,306)
(98,877)
23,830
(75,047)
Gross transfers between funds
17,223
(17,223)
-
206,633
(206,633)
-
Net (expenditure)/income for the year/
Net movement in funds
(183,003)
42,697
(140,306)
107,756
(182,803)
(75,047)
Fund balances at 1 April 2022
1,144,183
139
1,144,322
1,036,425
182,942
1,219,367
Fund balances at 31 March 2023
961,180
42,836
1,004,016
1,144,181
139
1,144,320

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.
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2023
31 March 2023
- 11 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
728,728
848,792
Current assets
Stocks
13
9,183
4,709
Debtors
14
86,910
28,164
Cash at bank and in hand
241,240
297,483
337,333
330,356
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(62,045)
(34,828)
Net current assets
275,288
295,528
Total assets less current liabilities
1,004,016
1,144,320
Income funds
Restricted funds
16
42,836
139
Unrestricted funds
961,180
1,144,181
1,004,016
1,144,320

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 18 October 2023
Mr Hugh Dowding
Chair of Trustees
Company Registration No. 02115913
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 12 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
20
(4,834)
120,573
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(51,409)
(39,425)
Net cash used in investing activities
(51,409)
(39,425)
Financing activities
Payment of obligations under finance leases
-
(14,207)
Net cash used in financing activities
-
(14,207)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(56,243)
66,941
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
297,483
230,542
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
241,240
297,483
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 13 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Gossage Building, Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the trust's Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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 trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the trust. 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

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the trust 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.

1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the trust 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.

In the case of the grant, evidence of entitlement will usually exist when the formal offer of funding is communicated in writing to the charity. However some grants contain terms or conditions that must be met before the charity as entitlement to the resources.

In the case of a donation, entitlement usually rises immediately on its receipt. However, some gifts may include terms or conditions which must be met before the charity is entitled to the resource is.

When terms and conditions have not been met or uncertainty exists as to whether the recipient charity can meet the terms or conditions otherwise within its control, the income should not be recognised but deferred as a liability until it's probable that the terms or conditions imposed can be met.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -

A grant that is subject to performance related conditions received in advance of delivering the goods and services required by that condition, or is subject to unmet conditions wholly outside the control of the recipient charity, is accounted for the liability insured on the balance sheet as deferred income. Deferred income is released to income in the reporting period in which the performance related or other condition that is limited recognition are met.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the trust 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.

1.5
Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

 

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities, and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

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
4% Straight line
Exhibition and plant
Between 8% & 20% straight line
Fixtures and fittings
20% 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.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the trust 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).

1.8
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

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.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
1.10
Financial instruments

The trust 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 trust's balance sheet when the trust 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

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 trust’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11
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 trust is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 16 -
2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the trust’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
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
153,895
26,601
180,496
154,033
11,079
165,112

Grants received

-
53,250
53,250
22,200
122,481
144,681
153,895
79,851
233,746
176,233
133,560
309,793
Grants receivable for core activities
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
-
-
-
-
41,460
41,460
Arts Council England
-
-
-
-
97,221
97,221
National heritage lottery
-
47,250
47,250
-
-
-
RSC- Chemistry At Work Week
-
6,000
6,000
-
-
-
Other
-
-
-
22,200
(16,200)
6,000
-
53,250
53,250
22,200
122,481
144,681
4
Charitable activities

Museum admissions

Museum admissions

2023
2022
£
£
Sales within charitable activities
226,413
145,435
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 17 -
5
Other trading activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£

Café and catering

87,713
65,162
Shop income
23,092
9,173
Other trading activities
110,805
74,335
6
Cafe, catering and shop expenditure
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Trading costs
Operating trading company undertaking non-charitable trading activity
38,792
25,358
Other trading activities
14,167
5,342
Staff costs
41,578
10,420
Trading costs
94,537
41,120
94,537
41,120
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 18 -
7
Charitable activities

Museum and exhibits

Museum and exhibits

2023
2022
£
£
Staff costs
294,217
230,106
Other staff costs
2,361
1,796
Depreciation and impairment
171,473
172,905

Office administration

11,446
18,637

Insurance

6,532
6,637

Advertising

8,469
14,818

Bank charges

58
326

Motor and travel

2,075
87

Sundry

7,446
12,909

Project expenditure

8,490
8,771

IT

21,132
18,571

Equipment lease

1,620
2,016

Heat, light and rates

51,737
30,860

Repairs and maintenance

22,834
23,102

Finance lease interest

-
2,382

Training

2,135
1,760
612,025
545,683
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
4,708
17,807
616,733
563,490
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
596,802
453,760
Restricted funds
19,931
109,730
616,733
563,490
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 19 -
8
Support costs
Support costs
Governance costs
2023
Support costs
Governance costs
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
Independant Examination
-
3,750
3,750
-
6,750
6,750
Legal and professional
-
958
958
-
11,057
11,057
-
4,708
4,708
-
17,807
17,807
Analysed between
Charitable activities
-
4,708
4,708
-
17,807
17,807

Governance costs includes payments of £3,750 (2022 - £5,000) for independent examination and accountancy fees.

9
Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the trust during the year.
10
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2023
2022
Number
Number
25
20
Employment costs
2023
2022
£
£
Wages and salaries
315,553
231,012
Social security costs
16,331
7,542
Other pension costs
3,911
1,972
335,795
240,526
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
11
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.

CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 20 -
12
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Exhibition and plant
Fixtures and fittings
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2022
221,741
2,002,162
468,814
2,692,717
Additions
4,352
8,788
38,269
51,409
At 31 March 2023
226,093
2,010,950
507,083
2,744,126
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2022
58,249
1,505,991
279,685
1,843,925
Depreciation charged in the year
9,029
88,681
73,763
171,473
At 31 March 2023
67,278
1,594,672
353,448
2,015,398
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023
158,815
416,278
153,635
728,728
At 31 March 2022
163,492
496,171
189,129
848,792

The land and buildings are leased to the charity for a peppercorn rent by Halton Borough Council on a 99 year lease from 1 January 1989.

13
Stocks
2023
2022
£
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
9,183
4,709
14
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
78,167
14,370
Other debtors
5
3,857
Prepayments and accrued income
8,738
9,937
86,910
28,164
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 21 -
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
£
£
Other taxation and social security
19,168
3,166
Trade creditors
14,275
8,440
Other creditors
16,247
14,554
Accruals and deferred income
12,355
8,668
62,045
34,828
16
Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Movement in funds
Balance at
1 April 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
Balance at
31 March 2023
£
£
£
£
£
The ASDC
139
-
-
-
139
National Lottery Heritage Fund
-
47,250
(15,835)
(737)
30,678
Friends of Catalyst
-
1,000
(794)
-
206
Bitrez
-
12,000
-
(8,788)
3,212
CPS
-
3,000
-
-
3,000
RSC - Chemistry at Work
-
11,000
(3,302)
(7,698)
-
Gossage family
-
5,601
-
-
5,601
139
79,851
(19,931)
(17,223)
42,836
17
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total
2023
2023
2023
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:
Tangible assets
728,728
-
728,728
848,792
-
848,792
Current assets/(liabilities)
232,452
42,836
275,288
295,389
139
295,528
961,180
42,836
1,004,016
1,144,181
139
1,144,320
CATALYST SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTRE AND MUSEUM TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 22 -
18
Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the trust had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2023
2022
£
£
Within one year
432
432
Between two and five years
216
648
648
1,080

 

19
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).

20
Cash generated from operations
2023
2022
£
£
Deficit for the year
(140,306)
(75,047)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
171,473
172,905
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in stocks
(4,474)
(1,166)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(58,744)
12,141
Increase in creditors
27,217
11,740
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
(4,834)
120,573
21
Analysis of changes in net funds

The trust had no debt during the year.

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