REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
Trustees' Report and |
Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
for |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
(A Company Limited by Guarantee) |
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
Trustees' Report and |
Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
for |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
(A Company Limited by Guarantee) |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Contents of the Financial Statements |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
Page |
Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
Chairperson's Report | 2 |
Trustees' Report | 3 | to | 6 |
Report of the Independent Auditors | 7 | to | 10 |
Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
Balance Sheet | 12 |
Cash Flow Statement | 13 |
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement | 14 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 15 | to | 25 |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Reference and Administrative Details |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
TRUSTEES |
REGISTERED OFFICE |
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER |
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS |
Chartered Accountants |
Statutory Auditor |
25 Sandyford Place |
Glasgow |
G3 7NG |
BANKERS |
Kirkintilloch |
Glasgow |
G66 1JX |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Chairperson's Report |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
This has been a difficult year for Silver Birch because of the serious illness of our much-loved manager Mark, which sadly ended with his untimely death in October 2023. Everyone associated with the organisation were affected by the loss of this lovely man who had become such a huge part of the Silver Birch family. |
We were lucky during this period that all the staff but especially our Client Manager took on extra responsibilities to make sure there were no gaps in the service we offered to our clients. The Board had to start recruiting for a new manager at the end of the year and were lucky to have a strong group of applicants applying with a new manager chosen and starting at the end of March 2024. We are looking forward to welcoming Neil to take us forward into the future. He will be arriving in time to help at our Annual Spring Open Day which is always very popular locally and I am sure this year will be no different. |
A successful grant was applied for which allowed some work to take place on our paths to make sure they are safe for clients. Keeping hedges and bushes under control is an ongoing challenge for the staff as we do have a large plot of land. The upkeep of the building, poly tunnels and vehicles are also the subject of much discussion at our board meetings to make sure they are fit for purpose. |
Thanks to all the Councils, self-funders and customers, the work of Silver Birch can continue. Thanks also to our clients, staff and board who deliver the service which continues to improve on a daily basis. |
............................................. |
Rhondda Geekie, Chairperson |
Date: 25 October 2024 |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited (Registered number: SC163726) |
Trustees' Report |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). |
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES |
Policies and objectives |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited aims to provide training and work experience to individuals with a learning disability within a horticultural related environment. The organisation works in partnership with a range of public and private voluntary employers and organisations to ensure placements are effective and goods produced are of the highest standards possible. The organisation takes account of and aims to address, not only the needs of the client group but within the goods produced, the environmental strategies at European, UK, Scottish and local level. |
Activities undertaken to achieve objectives |
The chairperson's report covers these areas. |
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE |
Review of activities |
The chairperson's report covers these areas. |
FINANCIAL REVIEW |
Principal funding sources |
The main part of the funding of the organisation is through service level agreements with East Dunbartonshire Council, Glasgow City Council, North Lanarkshire Council and other local authorities. The financial results are as set out in the attached financial statements. Incoming resources totalled £653,301 (2023 - £608,081). The surplus from operations is £70,652 (2023 - £19,314). Net assets at 31 March 2024 are £1,367,669 (2023 - £1,297,017), comprising property funds of £481,724 (2023 - £489,310), and unrestricted funds of £885,945 (2023: £807,707). |
Reserves policy |
The Trustees have agreed a reserves policy of the organisation to ensure a smooth transition through any period of financial difficulty or disruption. The organisation aims to always hold reserves of 3-4 months operating costs to support us through periods of uncertainty or financial instability, and this requirement has been achieved at the year end. |
Going concern |
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis after consideration of the future prospects of the charitable company, its financial forecasts, expected income from its funders and non-contract services and available free cash reserves to support its activities. |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Constitution |
The charitable company, which is a recognised charity in Scotland (SC024856), is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association on 27 February 1996. |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited (Registered number: SC163726) |
Trustees' Report |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees |
The Directors of the charitable company ("the charity") are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees. As set out in the Articles of Association the trustees may be appointed and removed by the members of the charitable company. The minimum number of trustees as set out in the Articles of Association is two and there is no maximum (subject to any amendment permitted by ordinary resolution). The charitable company, being limited by guarantee, does not have an issued share capital in which the Trustees can hold an interest. The following Directors served during the year: |
Rhondda Geekie |
Jean Cherry |
Michael Taylor |
John Bruce |
Organisational structure and decision-making policies |
The Board of Trustees, who meet regularly, are responsible for the governance of the charitable company. A |
manager is appointed by the Trustees to administer the day to day activities. |
Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees |
The Trustees actively recruit board members, based on the skills required to effectively manage the organisation. This policy includes an initial induction process, introducing the activities of the organisation and an assessment of the skills of the individual. This is then followed by an invitation to attend a board meeting to observe the discussions and requirements of board members. Following this initial meeting, if the other members feel it appropriate, the individual is then invited to become a trustee of Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited. Training is available to each board member on a variety of areas, including the roles and responsibilities of trustees and any new legislation or best practice policies. This process enables Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited to appoint the most appropriate and committed trustees to manage the organisation. |
Pay policy for key management personnel |
The remuneration for senior staff is determined annually by the Board based on reference to benchmarking, inflation and affordability. Annual staff increments are based on wider labour market data and are determined using comparative statistical information gathered from other senior roles within third sector and charitable organisations. Salary benchmarking is essential for comparing the pay and benefits Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited offer against those offered by competitors. The process prevents the loss of employees to other similar organisations. |
Key stakeholder relationships |
Close links and relations are maintained with the following organisations in relation to client progression within the organisation and the skills attained: |
East Dunbartonshire Council |
Glasgow City Council |
North Lanarkshire Council |
EDC - NHS Resource Transfer |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited (Registered number: SC163726) |
Trustees' Report |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Financial risk management |
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charitable company is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charitable company, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. |
We are aware of three main significant risks which could impact the organisation, including: |
- | Pressure on local authority budgets - we aim to mitigate by ensuring our reserves policy is followed and that we have adequate funds in place at all times. We also actively promote the organisation to new client groups to ensure new streams of income from all potential local authority areas. |
- | Reduction in value of service level agreements - mitigating factors listed above as well as full dialogue with all staff to ensure efficiency savings can be made at all levels. |
- | Increased service delivery costs - regular analysis of service delivery costs to ensure value for money and cost effectiveness. Where a service stream becomes financially ineffective, we would alter to ensure affordability. |
Plans for future periods |
Future plans include running extra events to generate funding and increase our customer base. There are also plans to increase our clients by advertising our services, especially within the East Dunbartonshire area. |
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES |
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable 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 year, 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 charitable 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 judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; |
- | prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. |
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited (Registered number: SC163726) |
Trustees' Report |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS |
So far as the trustees are aware, there is no relevant information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware, and each trustee has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make them aware of any audit information and to establish that the charitable company's auditors are aware of that information. |
AUDITORS |
The auditors, Stevenson & Kyles, will be proposed for re-appointment at a meeting of the Trustees. |
Approved by order of the board of trustees on |
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees and Members of |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Opinion |
We have audited the financial statements of Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. |
In our opinion the financial statements: |
- | give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; |
- | have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'; and |
- | have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and Regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. |
Basis for opinion |
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and the provisions available for small entities, in the circumstances set out in note 22 to the financial statements, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. |
Conclusions relating to going concern |
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. |
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. |
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. |
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees and Members of |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Other information |
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon. |
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. |
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. |
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 |
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: |
- | the information given in the Trustees' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and |
- | the Trustees' Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. |
Matters on which we are required to report by exception |
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report. |
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: |
- | adequate and proper accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or |
- | the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or |
- | certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or |
- | we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or |
- | the trustees were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the trustees' Report. |
Responsibilities of trustees |
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. |
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. |
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees and Members of |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements |
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. |
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: |
Auditor's approach to assessing the risks of material misstatement due to irregularities |
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the entity. Those that have a direct impact include: FRS 102, Companies Act 2006, and Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. Those that have an indirect impact include: General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), employment matters and health and safety regulations. We then considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. |
We assessed the risk of material misstatement in respect of fraud and made enquiries of management as to the existence of, or any evidence of, actual or suspected instances of fraud. Based on the auditing standards we addressed two fraud risks that were relevant to our audit, in relation to revenue recognition and management override of controls. |
Audit procedures designed to respond to the risk of non-compliance with laws and regulations |
Based on the results of our risk assessment we designed audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations identified above. We made enquiries of management and those charged with governance as to any non-compliance and corroborated responses given by reviewing the legal costs incurred by the client for evidence of any undisclosed matters. |
Compliance with the requirements of the accounting standards, charity and company law in terms of the form and content of the accounts was ensured using disclosure checklists and through vouching of disclosures to supporting documentation. |
Audit procedures designed to respond to the risk of fraud |
In response to the risk of fraud through management override, we incorporated testing of manual journal entries into our audit approach. In order to address the risk of fraud in relation to recognition of revenue we undertook substantive testing of revenues. |
Considerations around likelihood of detection |
There are inherent difficulties in the audit process described above to detect the existence of irregularities. We have mitigated these limitations by assessing the adequacy of the company's internal controls including the existence of appropriate segregation of duties and by the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures involved, by introducing an element of unpredictability in our sampling and testing. |
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors. |
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees and Members of |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Use of our report |
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, and to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members and the trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. |
for and on behalf of |
Chartered Accountants |
Statutory Auditor |
Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 |
Glasgow |
G3 7NG |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Statement of Financial Activities |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
2024 | 2023 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Total |
fund | fund | funds | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
INCOME AND | ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Donations and legacies | 2 |
Charitable activities | 5 |
Other trading activities | 3 |
Investment income | 4 |
Other income |
Total |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Raising funds | 6 |
Charitable activities | 7 |
Total |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
( |
) |
RECONCILIATION OF | FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
1,297,017 |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited (Registered number: SC163726) |
Balance Sheet |
31 March 2024 |
2024 | 2023 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | Total |
fund | fund | funds | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Tangible assets | 13 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Stocks | 14 |
Debtors | 15 |
Cash at bank |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year |
16 |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due after more than one year |
17 |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
NET ASSETS |
FUNDS | 20 |
Unrestricted funds | 807,707 |
Endowment funds | 489,310 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 1,297,017 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Cash Flow Statement |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
2024 | 2023 |
Notes | £ | £ |
Cash flows from operating activities |
Cash generated from operations | 1 | 97,508 | 33,065 |
Interest paid | (1,743 | ) | (1,627 | ) |
Interest element of hire purchase payments paid |
(1,670 |
) |
(707 |
) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 94,095 | 30,731 |
Cash flows from investing activities |
Purchase of tangible fixed assets | (31,512 | ) | (19,000 | ) |
Sale of tangible fixed assets | 2,200 | 800 |
Interest received | 144 | 27 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (29,168 | ) | (18,173 | ) |
Cash flows from financing activities |
Loan repayments in year | - | (3,774 | ) |
Capital repayments in year | 7,278 | (4,334 | ) |
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities | 7,278 | (8,108 | ) |
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period |
72,205 |
4,450 |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period |
423,851 |
419,401 |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period |
496,056 |
423,851 |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
1. | RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) |
70,652 |
19,314 |
Adjustments for: |
Depreciation charges | 35,440 | 36,414 |
(Profit)/loss on disposal of fixed assets | (825 | ) | 2,384 |
Interest received | (144 | ) | (27 | ) |
Interest paid | 1,743 | 1,627 |
Interest element of hire purchase and finance lease rental payments | 1,670 | 707 |
Increase in stocks | (16 | ) | (1,377 | ) |
Decrease/(increase) in debtors | 10,672 | (50,084 | ) |
(Decrease)/increase in creditors | (21,684 | ) | 24,107 |
Net cash provided by operations | 97,508 | 33,065 |
2. | ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS |
At 1.4.23 | Cash flow | At 31.3.24 |
£ | £ | £ |
Net cash |
Cash at bank | 423,851 | 72,205 | 496,056 |
423,851 | 72,205 | 496,056 |
Debt |
Finance leases | (7,222 | ) | (7,278 | ) | (14,500 | ) |
(7,222 | ) | (7,278 | ) | (14,500 | ) |
Total | 416,629 | 64,927 | 481,556 |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
1. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of preparing the financial statements |
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. |
Income |
All income is recognised once the charitable 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. |
Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. Donated facilities are included at the value to the charitable company where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers. |
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service. |
Expenditure |
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. |
Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. |
Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the charitable company's operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charitable company apportioned to charitable activities. All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT. |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
1. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Tangible fixed assets |
Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably. 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. |
At each reporting date the charitable company assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. |
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets, less their residual value, |
over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is provided on the following basis: |
Lochmill | - | 2% | straight line |
Plant & machinery | - | 15% | reducing balance |
Motor vehicles | - | 25% | reducing balance |
Office equipment | - | 15% | reducing balance |
Polly tunnels | - | 25% | reducing balance |
Stocks |
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. |
Taxation |
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. |
Fund accounting |
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. |
Hire purchase and leasing commitments |
Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts or finance leases are capitalised in the Balance Sheet. Those held under hire purchase contracts are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Those held under finance leases are depreciated over their estimated useful lives or the lease term, whichever is shorter. |
The interest element of these obligations is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities over the relevant period. The capital element of the future payments is treated as a liability. |
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
1. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits |
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. |
Financial instruments |
Basic financial instruments, including debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year, are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in administrative expenses. |
Government grants |
Where applicable, grants from the government are recognised at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and that the charitable company will comply with all attached conditions. Where the grant income relates to a particular expense item, the grant income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities over the same period as the expense it is intended to compensate. |
2. | DONATIONS AND LEGACIES |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Donations |
Grants |
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
East Dunbartonshire CMHWF | 3,000 | - |
3,000 | - |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
3. | OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Cottage rental |
Garden centre income | 51,934 | 41,342 |
4. | INVESTMENT INCOME |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Deposit account interest |
5. | INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES |
2024 | 2023 |
Activity | £ | £ |
Local authority funding | General | 583,758 | 561,888 |
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
East Dunbartonshire Council | 290,092 | 280,818 |
EDC Day Services | 15,194 | 18,448 |
Glasgow City Council | 185,811 | 185,623 |
Personal Clients | 44,919 | 36,045 |
North Lanarkshire Council | 22,472 | 21,739 |
Inverness Council | 11,416 | 10,890 |
Forensic Directorate | 2,490 | - |
East Renfrewshire Council | 8,444 | 8,325 |
West Dunbartonshire Council | 2,920 | - |
583,758 | 561,888 |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
6. | RAISING FUNDS |
Other trading activities |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Purchases |
Bad debts | 207 | - |
45,755 | 43,945 |
7. | CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS |
Direct | Support |
Costs (see | costs (see |
note 8) | note 9) | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
General | 441,903 | 94,991 | 536,894 |
8. | DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Staff costs | 353,437 | 362,671 |
Premises costs | 27,787 | 19,176 |
Kitchen expenses | 1,520 | 342 |
Staff training and recruitment | 3,133 | 741 |
Site maintenance | 14,366 | 24,755 |
Vehicle costs | 41,660 | 42,813 |
9. | SUPPORT COSTS |
Governance |
Management | Finance | Other | costs | Totals |
£ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
General | 68,865 | 1,670 | 16,456 | 8,000 |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
10. | NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Auditors' remuneration | 8,000 | 6,750 |
Depreciation - owned assets |
Depreciation - assets on hire purchase contracts and finance leases |
Other operating leases | 16,456 | 17,136 |
Surplus/(deficit) on disposal of fixed assets | ( |
) |
11. | TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS |
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. |
Trustees' expenses |
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. |
12. | STAFF COSTS |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Wages and salaries |
Social security costs |
Other pension costs |
353,437 | 362,671 |
In line with the allocation of staff costs generally, all contributions made to defined contributions on behalf of employees are allocated to unrestricted funds. |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: |
2024 | 2023 |
Direct | 11 | 13 |
Administrative | 2 | 1 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year. Total remuneration (including employer NIC and pension contributions) in respect of key management personnel was £81,369 (2023 - £110,823). Key management personnel comprise the General Manager and Client Manager. |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
13. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Freehold | Long | Plant and |
property | leasehold | machinery |
£ | £ | £ |
COST |
At 1 April 2023 |
Additions |
Disposals |
At 31 March 2024 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 April 2023 |
Charge for year |
Eliminated on disposal |
At 31 March 2024 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2024 |
At 31 March 2023 |
Motor | Computer |
vehicles | equipment | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
COST |
At 1 April 2023 |
Additions |
Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) |
At 31 March 2024 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 April 2023 |
Charge for year |
Eliminated on disposal | ( |
) | ( |
) |
At 31 March 2024 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2024 |
At 31 March 2023 |
Included in cost or valuation of land and buildings is freehold land of £233,988 (2023 - £233,988) which is not depreciated. |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
13. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - continued |
Fixed assets, included in the above, which are held under hire purchase contracts are as follows: |
Motor |
vehicles |
£ |
COST |
Additions | 31,512 |
DEPRECIATION |
Charge for year | 4,619 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2024 | 26,893 |
At 31 March 2023 | - |
14. | STOCKS |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Finished goods |
15. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Trade debtors |
Other debtors |
Prepayments |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
16. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Hire purchase (see note 18) |
Trade creditors |
Other creditors |
Accruals and deferred income |
17. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Hire purchase (see note 18) |
18. | LEASING AGREEMENTS |
Minimum lease payments under hire purchase fall due as follows: |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Net obligations repayable: |
Within one year | 5,800 | 4,333 |
Between one and five years | 8,700 | 2,889 |
14,500 | 7,222 |
19. | SECURED DEBTS |
The following secured debts are included within creditors: |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Hire purchase contracts |
The bank has a standard security over the heritable property of the company. |
Hire purchase liabilities are secured over the relevant assets. |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
20. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
Net |
movement | At |
At 1.4.23 | in funds | 31.3.24 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 807,707 | 78,238 | 885,945 |
Endowment funds |
Lochmill Endowment Fund | 489,310 | (7,586 | ) | 481,724 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 70,652 | 1,367,669 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 653,301 | (575,063 | ) | 78,238 |
Endowment funds |
Lochmill Endowment Fund | - | (7,586 | ) | (7,586 | ) |
TOTAL FUNDS | ( |
) | 70,652 |
Comparatives for movement in funds |
Net |
movement | At |
At 1.4.22 | in funds | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 780,807 | 26,900 | 807,707 |
Endowment funds |
Lochmill Endowment Fund | 496,896 | (7,586 | ) | 489,310 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 1,277,703 | 19,314 | 1,297,017 |
Silver Birch (Scotland) Limited |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
20. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued |
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 608,081 | (581,181 | ) | 26,900 |
Endowment funds |
Lochmill Endowment Fund | - | (7,586 | ) | (7,586 | ) |
TOTAL FUNDS | 608,081 | (588,767 | ) | 19,314 |
21. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |
22. | FRC ETHICAL STANDARD - PROVISIONS AVAILABLE FOR SMALL ENTITIES |
In common with many other businesses of our size and nature we use our auditors to assist with the preparation of the financial statements. |