Caseware UK (AP4) 2023.0.135 2023.0.135 Caseware UK (AP4) 2023.0.135 2023.0.135 2024-03-31501483157572495530513822084false2023-04-01No description of principal activity42024-03-31 08236843 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 08236843 2024-03-31 08236843 2023-03-31 08236843 2023-04-01 08236843 2022-04-01 08236843 c:RegisteredOffice 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 d:ComputerEquipment 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 d:ComputerEquipment 2024-03-31 08236843 d:ComputerEquipment 2023-03-31 08236843 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2024-03-31 08236843 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2023-03-31 08236843 c:FRS102 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 c:IndependentExaminationCharity 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 c:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:Trustee1 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:Trustee5 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:Trustee6 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:Trustee7 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:Trustee8 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:Trustee9 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:Trustee10 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:Trustee11 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:Trustee12 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:UnrestrictedFundsGeneral 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 08236843 b:TotalEndowmentFunds 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 b:TotalEndowmentFunds 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 08236843 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-03-31 08236843 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2023-03-31 08236843 b:TotalEndowmentFunds 2024-03-31 08236843 b:TotalEndowmentFunds 2023-03-31 08236843 c:ChiefExecutive 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 08236843 1 2024-03-31 08236843 3 2024-03-31 08236843 1 2023-03-31 08236843 3 2023-03-31 08236843 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2024-03-31 08236843 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2023-03-31 08236843 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-03-31 08236843 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2023-03-31 08236843 c:FullAccounts 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure

Registered number: 08236843
Charity number: 1151225











HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)








UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 

CONTENTS



Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Trustees and Advisers
1
Chairman's Statement
2
Trustees' Report
3 - 9
Independent Examiner's Report
10
Statement of Financial Activities
11
Income and Expenditure Account
12
Balance Sheet
13 - 14
Notes to the Financial Statements
15 - 28

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


Trustees
Mr S Caraffi, Chairman
Mr J R Kerner
Mr M J Perkins
Mrs S Mosley
Mr A T A Hoppenbrouwers
Mr R N Winterton
Mr T Green
Mr J Holt
Mrs K Clarke

Company registered number
08236843

Charity registered number
1151225

Registered office
c/o The Poppy Factory
20 Petersham Road
Richmond
Greater London
TW10 6UR

Executive Director
Miss A V Baker Cresswell

Accountants
Ryecroft Glenton
Chartered Accountants
32 Portland Terrace
Jesmond
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1QP

Bankers
Lloyds Bank plc
24, Bondgate Within
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 1TD

Investment Manager
Quilter Cheviot
Senator House
85 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 4AB

Page 1

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Chairman presents his statement for the year.

As I assumed the chairmanship of HighGround in April 2023 we were celebrating its 10th anniversary, rightly reflecting on the achievements when the charity grew from an idea of Anna Baker Cresswell to where it finds itself now, a highly regarded deliverer to the Armed Forces community. All those who have contributed to this success over the past 10 years can be proud of what they have helped to create.
It was also felt, however, that the charity had arrived at a watershed moment because while it is a significant achievement for any charity to survive, let alone prosper, for 10 years the Board wanted to set the conditions for future success over the next 10 years. The Board agreed a new 5 Year Strategic Plan which crystallised its intentions for the charity. HighGround has not had the horsepower to develop and expand its services even though there was clear evidence that this was needed and would be valued. It was agreed that a more resilient management structure was required which would also provide the essential extra capacity to allow HighGround to grow. The Board was unanimous in its ambition to grow all areas of delivery and to that end a CEO and Operations Manager were recruited in the latter part of 2023, freeing up Anna Baker Cresswell to become Head of Income Generation.
The impact of these changes is already being felt. With the generous assistance of donors we have now opened a second site for the delivery of Rural Weeks at Askham Bryan College near York. The additional staff have allowed us to put more effort into key lines of activity, including, but not limited to, fundraising, service development and collaboration with other charities. We have also identified the funding for more Occupational Therapist (OT) support at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall which will be provided during FY24/25.
Thus on the back of HighGround’s first very successful 10 years the Board is confident that we now have the plan, structure and capacity to take HighGround with its characteristic enthusiasm and energy into the next 10 years of its life, delivering high quality horticultural therapy and resettlement services to the Armed Forces community. None of this would be possible without the commitment and dedication shown not only by paid staff but also by our volunteers; in particular I wanted to highlight the contribution made by the trustees whose diligence and willingness to give of their time and expertise have been of immense value this past year. My thanks go to all who support HighGround in so many ways, and I look forward to enjoying your continued support.


Simon Caraffi                                                         


Chair of Trustees

 10 July 2024
Page 2

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
  
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charitable Company for the year 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees 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) (effective 1 January 2019). 
 

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
 

l Policies and objectives
 

The Objects as set out in the Charitable Company's Articles of Association are: 
a)  The prevention and relief of poverty, the relief of ill-health (whether mental and/or physical) and the     relief of need amongst:
 - Serving and former serving members of the armed forces of the Crown injured on active service,
 - Other personnel employed in roles, which directly support the United Kingdom's security, international        development and stabilisation and intelligence, who have been injured in the course of their duties 
 by means of the provision of mentoring, services, facilities and equipment to support their treatment,    rehabilitation, resettlement, education, training and employment.
b)  To educate the public about mental health, in particular about mental injury sustained during service to    the public and methods of providing relief and treatment and on the basis that in pursuing the above    aims, the Charity shall operate mainly in England.
 

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
Further detailed information relating to the strategies and undertakings for achieving the charitable objectives, and in furtherance of  the public benefit can be found in the next section, Achievements and performance.
 

Page 3

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
Achievements and performance
 

l Review of activities
 

HighGround continued to achieve some notable milestones in the last 12 months.
HighGround marked its 10th anniversary and launched its 5-year strategy, also welcoming its new CEO, at the Tower of London in November 2023.
HighGround acknowledges and highlights HighGround’s Founder Anna Baker Cresswell’s achievements in its first ten years. With the appointment of the charity’s first CEO, Anna continues to be a huge part of the charity with a new job title of Founder and Head of Income Generation.
HighGround recruited its first CEO in Jamie Crisp in October 2023. Jamie served 24 years in the Infantry from 1986 to 2009, Jamie then transitioned into Landbased education for 14 years with the last 5 years as Head of Duchy College a specialist Cornish Landbased College. HighGround also recruited their first operations manager. Heather Crawford joined the charity in December 2023 to fulfil this new role.
HighGround received its Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver award and continues to be a huge advocate for land-based companies signing the Armed Forces Covenant and supporting their ERS journey in collaboration with HighGround.
HighGround’s two core services, Horticultural Therapy for injured serving personnel at DMRC Stanford Hall and the advice and support delivered to service leavers and veterans about land-based employment, have continued.
At the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall Jane and her Horticultural Therapy team delivered its 2nd year of face-to-face Horticultural Therapy sessions post Covid.
Horticultural Therapy
During FY23/24 our team at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall delivered 857 sessions of Horticultural Therapy to 395 patients from across all 3 services.
We thank ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Albert Hunt Trust, Elizabeth Moore and Star Foundation, the Royal Warrant Holders Association and the Headley Court Charity for their generous support of the Horticultural Therapy service which enables DMRC’s patients to benefit from Mother Nature outdoors. Below are some of their quotes:
“I’ve gone from wheelchair to independent walking. Andy and Jane have challenged me to stand for longer each time whilst giving me plenty of opportunity.”
“It can help movement in all parts of the body”.
“It’s not clinical, gives you a chance to zone out from the constant discussion about physio, physical ability, clinical concerns etc.”
“Horticultural Therapy freshens my mind.”
“Thank-you for your kindness and your time.”
Special thanks to Darlac Tools, Mr Fothergills, Southern Trident, CED Stone and Rutland Willows with their generous gifts in kind of compost, seeds, willow for wreath weaving, stone paving for the Village Green and adapted pruning tools and our profound thanks to the staff at DMRC for their continued support of our service.
The new Defence National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) which is being built at Stanford Hall alongside the NRC is progressing well. The first medical lead has been appointed, and a target date of end 2024 for treating the first patients has been set.
The DNRC’s proximity to the world-class military facility at NRC will support the sharing of best practice in rehabilitation via the transfer and sharing of knowledge which was the late Duke of Westminster’s vision when he
Page 4

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
Achievements and performance (continued)

created his magnificent legacy at Stanford Hall. HighGround hoped to contribute to this with its Horticultural Therapy knowledge and experience.
Resettlement into the land-based sector
HighGround has delivered its first pilot Rural Week at Askham Bryan College evidencing the charity’s ability to strengthen its delivery of residential Rural Weeks at further land-based colleges, supporting service leavers, reservists and veterans into valuable employment within the land-based sector. We continue to deliver our Rural Weeks at Bicton College for Royal Marines Young Recruits who were unable to complete their training on medical grounds.
Thanks to funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust we delivered 2 Rural Experience Weeks at Bicton College to improve the mental health and wellbeing of veterans. Our referral partners for these Rural Experience Weeks were Walking With the Wounded, the Poppy Factory, Supporting Wounded Veterans, Step Together Volunteering, Plymouth Veterans Hub, Forces Employment Charity, On Course Foundation, Woodland Warrior Programme, Armed Forces Equine Charity  and Blind Veterans UK. The activities delivered during this week by Hi-Line, Parmenter Forge, the Outdoors Group, TG Landscapes and Budleigh Riding School all demonstrate that purposeful activity delivered by experts in a safe, peaceful environment can provide tangible and lasting benefits to veterans.
Due to our continued growth through engagement with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) who promote our Virtual Rural Weeks programme to service leavers as part of their resettlement, we are seeing last year’s emerging pathway from Virtual Rural week to Residential Rural bear significant fruit. We are grateful to the Forces Trust for their support of our Virtual Rural Weeks programme, to all the speakers, hosts and presenters who give so freely of their time and knowledge and to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund for their funding via the Sustaining Support programme.
Our land-based sector roadshow completed its 2nd year of attending British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) careers fairs.
Further engagement with new industry champions such as the Grounds Maintenance Association (GLA), Country Land & Business Association (CLA), Vinescapes a Viticulture company, Dartmoor National Park, Agriculture Development and Advisory Service (ADAS) to name but a few continue to expand the Charity’s circle of influence, maintaining its currency and ability to advocate and deliver significant advice and guidance to its beneficiaries. 
HighGround’s CEO now represents HighGround at Cobseo Employment Cluster meetings and continues to develop relationships with land-based organisations and employers, including Historic Houses, Country Land and Business Association, Historic Botanic Gardens Trust, Woodland Heritage, National Gamekeepers Organisation, the National Trust, Grosvenor Estate and Nurture Group, who recognise the skills and experience which military personnel bring to the workplace. Added to this, widening participation with Landex members gives HighGround stronger relationships going forwards with Landbased colleges where further expansion as part of the charity’s 5 year strategy is a consideration. (Landbased colleges’ Aspiring to Excellence is a subscriber organisation with 39 member colleges and universities. 
HighGround’s land-based sector roadshows have continued where we invite land-based employers including Tilhill, BSW Timber, Bartlett Trees, TH White Engineering, BALI Go-Landscape, National Skills Rail Academy, RSK Hi Line and Avove to join us on our stand at BFRS careers fairs across the UK at Catterick, Aldershot, and Tidworth Garrisons. This is also helping to reinforce our message about what military personnel bring to the civilian workplace whilst raising awareness of HighGround within the military community.
Funding 
A huge thank you goes to all grant givers and charities that have supported HighGround’s delivery:
Elizabeth Moore & Star Foundation
Scott Eredine Foundation 
 
Page 5

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
Achievements and performance (continued)

British Sugar 
The Ennismore Charity
Army Benevolent Fund
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
Veterans Foundation
Forces Trust
Greenwich Hospital 
The Royal Marines Charity
We are grateful to everyone who bought our Christmas cards (thanks to Lynne and Robert Crisp for their pictures), Black Orchard for their amazing calendar as well as all those who have run, walked, opened gardens, or made and sold marmalade to raise precious funds for HighGround this financial year and we thank our fantastic Bookkeeper Ruth.
 
 

l Investment policy and performance
 

Our excess cash resources have been invested on a fully discretionary basis during the year for both income and growth. The Trustees are satisfied with the performance over the year which has resulted in an investment return of 14%, and since our initial investment an unrealised capital gain of £23,284 as at 31 March 2024.
 

Financial review
 

l Going concern
 

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charitable Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
 

l Reserves policy
 

It is the policy of the charity to hold reserve funds at a level of at least six months' running costs of the core activity. At 31 March 2024, the charity had total funds of £460,736 comprising unrestricted funds of £142,301 and restricted funds of £318,435. Of the unrestricted funds, £83,734 has been designated to be spent on horticultural therapy courses. This leaves a £58,567 general funds balance at the year end, compared to £26,161 at the beginning of the year.
 

l Investments policy
 

Cash held in excess of immediate needs has been invested to maximise return to the Charitable Company, on a low risk high income strategy.  This is on a full discretionary basis.
 

Structure, governance and management
 

l Constitution
 

The Company is registered as a Charitable Company limited by guarantee and was set up in October 2012.  
The Company is constituted under its Articles of Association and is a registered charity number 1151225.  The latest version of its Articles was agreed on 20 February 2013. During the latter half of the year ended 31 March 2024, a review and revision of these articles was undertaken.
 

Page 6

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
Structure, governance and management (continued)

l Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
 

The management of the Charitable Company is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected under the terms of the Memorandum of Association.
When the need arises, new Trustees are appointed as Directors by existing members of the Company to serve as Trustees of the Charity.
 

l Financial risk management
 

Anna Baker Cresswell is Executive Director with overall responsibility for fundraising and the day-to-day running of the Charitable Company. On 1 November 2023 Jamie Crisp was hired as the new CEO of HighGround. The intention is for Jamie to take over financial responsibilities from Anna and establish a clear and structured business plan. As part of this decision, a finance committee was established in September 2023. The Committee meets monthly to track HighGround's financial reserves against the Charity's business plan. 
 The Trustees are conscious of the fact that the continued success of the Charitable Company is dependent on their ability to continue to attract sufficient funds to finance the charitable activities offered.
John Kerner has taken responsibility for the Risk Register which is a standing item at quarterly Trustees' Meetings, and Ruth Ritson provides quarterly financial updates for the Trustees.
The risk to investment associated losses arising as a result of movement in the financial markets has been mitigated by placing the funds with a respected investment manager with full discretionary investment powers.
 

Page 7

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
Plans for future periods
 

Our principal aims for the coming year are to:
- Continue to deliver the Horticultural Therapy service at NRC Stanford Hall in accordance with the Service Level Agreement between the Charity and DMRC Stanford Hall. We aim to increase OT support with a target number of 500 additional sessions for an additional 150 patients.
- Work with the Academic Department of Military Rehab (ADMR) and clinical team at DMRC Stanford Hall to develop the evidence base supporting Horticultural Therapy as a rehab intervention for injured serving personnel.
- Develop the Rural Weeks programme at other Landex colleges in UK regions using Bicton College as the main operating base and widen the partnership with Askham Bryan College near York with an aim to grow the delivery model to a further 2 Landbased colleges over the next 5 years. In FY24/25 we are aiming for a target number of 8 RW totalling 64 attendees,  4 REW (32 attendees) and 4 Virtual RW (50 attendees).
- Provide ongoing support for HighGround beneficiaries as they continue their journey through transition from military life back into civilian life, and work with other Service charities to meet the needs of our mutual beneficiaries.
- Enhance and improve the role of our Advisory Panel to provide more land-based work experience and employment opportunities and improve communication with the employers offering such opportunities.
- Work with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to ensure serving personnel’s early awareness of HighGround’s services during their resettlement period as they start their transition to civilian life.
- Develop the Friends of HighGround to enhance their fundraising efforts and double the number of Friends by 2025.
- Widen the charity’s relationship with Landbased corporates and Defence companies to support the Charity’s direction of travel.
 

Members' liability
 

The Members of the Company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the Company in the event of winding up. The Members are the directors named as Trustees and the Executive Director, who number 10.
 

Page 8

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
 

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes 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 . Under company law, the Trustees 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 Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.


The Trustees 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.


 

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 10 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
 




Mr S Caraffi
(Chair of Trustees)
Page 9

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Highground Projects Limited ('the Company')
 
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the Trustees of the Company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company 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 Company's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Since the Company'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 ICAEW, 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:

1.
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2.
the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.
the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts to be reached.

This report is made solely to the Company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.




      Dated: 10 July 2024

 
Deborah Graham FCA     

 
Ryecroft Glenton
32 Portland Terrace
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1QP
Page 10

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

 
 
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


Restricted funds
2024
Unrestricted funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Note
        £
        £
        £
        £

Income from:







Donations and legacies

3

246,716

81,072

327,788

313,794
 
Investments

4

-

7,023

7,023

3,301
 
Total income
246,716
88,095
334,811
317,095
Expenditure on:







Charitable activities

5

109,522

181,768

291,290

352,126
 
Total expenditure
109,522
181,768
291,290
352,126

Net income/(expenditure) before net gains/(losses) on investments

  

137,194

(93,673)

43,521

(35,031)
 
Net gains/(losses) on investments

 10 

-

23,284

23,284

(4,020)
 
Net income/(expenditure)

  

137,194

(70,389)

66,805

(39,051)
 
Transfers between funds

 13 

14,080

(14,080)

-

-
 
Net movement in funds
  
151,274
(84,469)
66,805
(39,051)

Reconciliation of funds:

  





Total funds brought forward

  

167,161

226,770

393,931

432,982
 
Net movement in funds

  

151,274

(84,469)

66,805

(39,051)
 
Total funds carried forward
  
318,435
142,301
460,736
393,931

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

The notes on pages 15 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024




Total funds
Total funds
2024
        £
2023
        £
Income

  
 
334,811

317,095

Gains/(losses) on investments

  
 
23,284

(4,020)

Gross income in the reporting period

  
 

358,095


313,075

Less: Total expenditure

  
 
(291,290)

(352,126)

Net expenditure/(income) for the reporting period

  
 

66,805


(39,051)


The notes on pages 15 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 08236843

 
 
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024


2024
2023
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 9 
926
1,347

Investments
 10 
249,588
219,281

  
250,514
220,628

Current assets
  

Debtors
 11 
2,863
2,277

Cash at bank and in hand
  
222,769
178,411

  
225,632
180,688

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 12 
(15,410)
(7,385)

Net current assets 
  
 
 
210,222
 
 
173,303

Total assets less current liabilities
  
460,736
393,931

Total net assets 
  
460,736
393,931


Charity funds
  

Restricted funds
 13 
318,435
167,161

  

Unrestricted funds - designated
 13 
83,734
200,609

Unrestricted funds - general
 13 
58,567
26,161

Total unrestricted funds
 13 
 
 
142,301
 
 
226,770

Total funds
  
460,736
393,931

Page 13

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED
 
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 08236843

 
 
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

The Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees 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 Trustees on 10 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by:




Mr S Caraffi
Chair of Trustees

The notes on pages 15 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1.


General information

Highground Projects Limited is a charitable company, limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales, company number: 08236843, charity number: 1151225. The address of the registered office is Preston Smithy, Chathill, Northumberland, NE67 5DG.


2.Accounting policies

  
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Highground Projects Limited 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.

  
2.2

Going concern

The Trustees have considered the financial position of the Charitable Company at 31 March 2024, and in particular the potential effects of the situation surrounding the recent coronavirus pandemic.  Whilst it is impossible for the charity to operate whilst the practice of social isolation is in place, since the easing of restrictions in 2022, the Charitable Company has been able to operate courses for both Horticultural Therapy and Rural Weeks activities without restriction. The Trustees are confident that they have sufficient funds in hand for operational needs for at least the twelve months following the approval of these financial statements to allow them to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

  
2.3

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.

Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Page 15

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

  
2.4

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.
Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the company and include project management carried out. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the company and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

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

 
2.5

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

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 basis:

Computer equipment
-
25% Straight Line

  
2.6

Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities.

  
2.7

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.

Page 16

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

  
2.8

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees 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 Trustees 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 the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.


3.

Income from donations and legacies




Restricted funds
2024
Unrestricted funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £
 



Donations

21,850

22,672

44,522

Grants

224,866

58,400

283,266



246,716
81,072
327,788




Restricted funds
2023
Unrestricted funds
2023
Total
funds
2023
        £
        £
        £



Donations

-

39,550

39,550

Grants

180,511

93,733

274,244



180,511
133,283
313,794

Page 17

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4.

Investment income



Unrestricted funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £



Income from local listed investments

7,023

7,023




Unrestricted funds
2023
Total
funds
2023
        £
        £



Income from local listed investments

3,301

3,301



5.

Analysis of expenditure by activities




Activities undertaken directly
2024
Support costs
2024
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £




General Funds - Office overheads

6,868

72,105

78,973

Horticultural Therapy Services

102,315

-

102,315

Rural Weeks

65,472

-

65,472

Supporting Wounded Veterans

2,900

-

2,900

Positive Pathways

27,155

395

27,550

Rural Business Improvement Manager

14,080

-

14,080



218,790
72,500
291,290





Page 18

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Activities undertaken directly
2023
Support costs
2023
Total
funds
2023
        £
        £
        £




General Funds - Office overheads

20,474

85,929

106,403

Horticultural Therapy Services

112,098

-

112,098

Rural Weeks

72,569

-

72,569

Positive Pathways

21,643

-

21,643

Rural Business Improvement Manager

39,413

-

39,413



266,197
85,929
352,126


Page 19

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs



Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
        £
        £



Staff costs

126,981

155,675
 
Repairs

-

198
 
General office costs

5,383

4,473
 
Travel and subsistence

7,782

6,090
 
Rural Week costs

69,093

75,942
 
Advertising and marketing

9,551

23,819
 


218,790
266,197

Analysis of support costs




General funds
2024
Positive Pathways
2024
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £




Staff costs

2,997

-

2,997

Rent and rates

707

-

707

Insurance

2,442

-

2,442

Training and conferences

1,071

-

1,071

General office costs

13,018

-

13,018

Travel and subsistence

10,309

-

10,309

Legal and professional fees

1,374

-

1,374

Governance costs

14,028

-

14,028

Fundraising

13,435

-

13,435

Loss on disposal of asset

-

395

395

Career Fair Roadshows
12,724
-
12,724


72,105
395
72,500




Page 20

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

General funds
2023
Positive Pathways
2023
Total
funds
2023
        £
        £
        £




Staff costs

8,488

-

8,488

Rent and rates

624

-

624

Insurance

2,654

-

2,654

Training and conferences

3,199

-

3,199

General office costs

11,822

-

11,822

Travel and subsistence

7,194

-

7,194

Legal and professional fees

9,910

-

9,910

Governance costs

11,105

-

11,105

Fundraising

7,768

-

7,768

Career Fair Roadshows
23,165
-
23,165


85,929
-
85,929


6.

Independent examiner's remuneration

2024
2023
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner for the preparation and independent examination of the Company's annual accounts
4,690
3,830


7.



Staff costs


2024
2023
£
£


Wages and salaries
120,212
148,485

Social security costs
8,477
14,531

Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes
1,289
1,147

129,978
164,163

Page 21

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7.Staff costs (continued)

The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year was as follows:


2024
2023

No.
No.


Employees
4
4

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


During the year, total remuneration received by key management personnel, being the Executive Director and the CEO, amounted to £61,758 (2023: £39,394). 2023 remuneration relates to the Executive Director only as the CEO was only hired part way through the 2024 accounting period.


8.


Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL).

During the year, expenses totaling £1,847 were reimbursed or paid directly to 9 Trustees (2023 - £3,012 to 9 Trustees). These related to travel expenses incurred by them to attend meetings in the performance of their duties as Trustees.

Page 22

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9.


Tangible fixed assets




Computer equipment

£


Cost or valuation

At 1 April 2023
3,903

Additions
600

Disposals
(998)


At 31 March 2024

3,505


Depreciation

At 1 April 2023
2,556

Charge for the year
626

On disposals
(603)


At 31 March 2024

2,579


Net book value


At 31 March 2024
926


At 31 March 2023
1,347

Page 23

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

10.


Fixed asset investments





Listed investments
Other fixed asset investments
Total

£
£
£



Cost or valuation





At 1 April 2023
219,281
-
219,281


Additions
7,023
7,053
14,076


Disposals
-
(7,053)
(7,053)


Revaluations
23,284
-
23,284



At 31 March 2024

249,588
-
249,588




Net book value






At 31 March 2024
249,588
-
249,588



At 31 March 2023
219,281
-
219,281


11.



Debtors


2024
2023
£
£


Due within one year

Other debtors
2,106
2,106

Prepayments and accrued income
757
171

2,863
2,277


12.



Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year


2024
2023
£
£


Other taxation and social security
4,821
3,332

Other creditors
448
223

Accruals and deferred income
10,141
3,830

15,410
7,385

Page 24

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13.

Statement of funds


Statement of funds - current year

Balance at 1 April 2023
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers in/out
£
Gains/
(Losses)
£
Balance at 31 March 2024
£

Unrestricted funds







Designated funds








Horticultural Therapy courses

200,609

-

(102,795)

(14,080)

-

83,734
 

General funds








General Funds

26,161

88,095

(78,973)

-

23,284

58,567
 
Total Unrestricted funds




226,770

88,095

(181,768)

(14,080)

23,284

142,301

Restricted funds








Rural Weeks

92,464

226,716

(65,387)

-

-

253,793
 
Rural Employment Manager Fund

-

-

(14,080)

14,080

-

-
 
Positive Pathways

74,697

-

(27,155)

-

-

47,542
 
Supporting Wounded Veterans

-

20,000

(2,900)

-

-

17,100
 



167,161
246,716
(109,522)
14,080
-
318,435

Total of funds


393,931
334,811
(291,290)
-
23,284
460,736

Page 25

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13.

Statement of funds (continued)



Statement of funds - prior year

Balance at
1 April 2022
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers in/out
£
Gains/
(Losses)
£
Balance at
31 March 2023
£

Unrestricted funds







Designated funds








Horticultural Therapy courses

320,704

-

(112,273)

(7,822)

-

200,609
 

General funds








General Funds

-

136,584

(106,403)

-

(4,020)

26,161
 
Total Unrestricted funds




320,704

136,584

(218,676)

(7,822)

(4,020)

226,770


Restricted funds








Rural Weeks

24,713

140,145

(72,394)

-

-

92,464
 
Rural Employment Manager Fund

31,591

-

(39,413)

7,822

-

-
 
Positive Pathways

55,974

40,366

(21,643)

-

-

74,697
 



112,278
180,511
(133,450)
7,822
-
167,161


Total of funds


432,982
317,095
(352,126)
-
(4,020)
393,931

Page 26

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13.

Statement of funds (continued)

Designated fund
Horticultural Therapy Courses - A grant of £450,000 was received from Headley Court Charity in 2020 to support the running of Horticultural Therapy Courses at DMRC Stanford Hall over the next six years. During the year, a transfer to the Rural Employment Manager Fund of £14,080 was required to clear the excess expenditure.
Restricted funds
Rural Weeks - Grants and donations of £226,716 were received in the year, with £65,387 of funds utilised during the year, with the remaining balance being carried forward to be used in 2024/25.
Rural Employment Manager Funding - No grants were received in the year. £14,080 of funds were utilised during the year. There was no brought forward surplus in this fund and so a transfer from designated funds was required to clear the excess expenditure.
Positive Pathways - No grants were received in the year, with £27,155 of funds utilised during the year, with the remaining balance being carried forward to be used in 2024/25.
Supporting Wounded Veterans - Grants of £20,000 were received in the year, with £2,900 of funds utilised during the year, with the remaining balance carried forward to 2024/25.

Page 27

 
HIGHGROUND PROJECTS LIMITED

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14.

Summary of funds


Summary of funds - current year

Balance at 1 April 2023
£
 
Income
£
 
Expenditure
£
 
Transfers in/out
£
 
Gains/
(Losses)
£
 
Balance at 31 March 2024
£
 
Designated funds

200,609

-

(102,795)

(14,080)

-

83,734
 
General funds

26,161

88,095

(78,973)

-

23,284

58,567
 
Restricted funds

167,161

246,716

(109,522)

14,080

-

318,435
 


393,931
334,811
(291,290)
-
23,284
460,736


Summary of funds - prior year

Balance at
1 April 2022
£
 
Income
£
 
Expenditure
£
 
Transfers in/out
£
 
Gains/
(Losses)
£
 
Balance at
31 March 2023
£
 
Designated funds

320,704

-

(112,273)

(7,822)

-

200,609
 
General funds

-

136,584

(106,403)

-

(4,020)

26,161
 
Restricted funds

112,278

180,511

(133,450)

7,822

-

167,161
 


432,982
317,095
(352,126)
-
(4,020)
393,931



15.


Related party transactions


The Charitable Company has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charitable Company at 31 March 2024.

Page 28