Charity registration number 037556 (Scotland)
Company registration number SC310150 (Scotland)
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Dr D T Bilton - Scientist
Prof G N Foster - Scientist
A P Foster - Ecologist
R Carr - Trustee
Dr R Angus - Trustee
Dr A Law - Trustee
Secretary
Dr D T Bilton - Scientist
Charity number (Scotland)
037556
Company number
SC310150
Registered office
3 Eglinton Terrace
Ayr
Ayrshire
United Kingdom
KA7 1JJ
Independent examiner
Azets
3 Wellington Square
Ayr
United Kingdom
KA7 1EN
Bankers
Lloyds TSB Scotland
148-154 High Street
Ayr
KA7 1PR
Solicitors
T C Young
7 West George Street
Glasgow
G2 1BA
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 2
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
3
Independent examiner's report
4
Statement of financial activities
5
Balance sheet
6
Statement of cash flows
7
Notes to the financial statements
8 - 12
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 1 -

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Objectives and activities

The objectives and activities of the Aquatic Coleoptera Conservation Trust are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Achievements and performance

Relevant activities within the reporting period, as reported at the Annual General Meeting of 6 March 2024 and thereafter, were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial review

Income decreased in the year to £800 (2023 - £876), resulting in a decrease in funds of £1,487 (2023 - £3,914). At the year end there was a surplus of funds of £7,793 (2023 - £9,280).

All reserves of the company are general funds.

 

The General Fund is available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company.

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.

AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 2 -
Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a Memorandum of Understanding originally dated 31 July 2006, and constitutes a limited company, limited guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Trustees serve a period of three years on a rotational basis, and may be invited to offer themselves for reappointment. New Trustees are recruited largely by word of mouth to identify appropriately qualified professional and amateur entomologists demonstrating enthusiasm for the conservation of aquatic Coleoptera within the UK. Potential Trustees are invited to apply to the current Trustees.

The organisational structure of the company is decided and monitored by the Board of Trustees. the Board meets once a year at the Annual General Meeting and once more within the year if required.

The day to day running of the company is the the responsibility of the Chairman/Treasurer who is accountant to the Board of Trustees.

 

The Treasurer and Secretary correspond on average once a week. Other Trustees are contacted in the event that all points of view are needed and a Board decision is required. We have fiscal rules such that expenditure to the value of £500 (fully receipted) may be authorised by the Treasurer alone, expenditure to the value of £1,000 by the Treasurer and Secretary and in excess of the by the whole board.

Going concern

No material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt about the ability of the company to continue as a going concern have been identified by the trustees. The trustees are hoping to encourage a number of younger candidates to apply to become trustees

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

Dr D T Bilton - Scientist
Trustee
Dated: 12 February 2025
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 3 -

The Trustees, who are also the directors of Aquatic Coleoptera Conservation Trust 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 Charity 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; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity 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 Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
- 4 -

I report on the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 October 2024, which are set out on pages 5 to 12.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner

The Charity’s Trustees, who are also the directors of Aquatic Coleoptera Conservation Trust for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investments (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The Trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements as required under section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(a)
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
(i)

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and

(ii)

to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;

have not been met or
(b)

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

Azets
3 Wellington Square
Ayr
Ayrshire
KA7 1EN
United Kingdom
Dated: 12 February 2025
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 5 -
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
2
800
876
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
3
2,287
4,790
Net expenditure for the year/
Net movement in funds
(1,487)
(3,914)
Fund balances at 1 November 2023
9,280
13,194
Fund balances at 31 October 2024
7,793
9,280

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.
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 OCTOBER 2024
31 October 2024
- 6 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
9,116
10,590
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
8
(1,323)
(1,310)
Net current assets
7,793
9,280
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
7,793
9,280
7,793
9,280

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 October 2024.

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 in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 12 February 2025
Prof G N Foster - Scientist
Trustee
Company registration number SC310150
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 7 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
11
(1,474)
(5,410)
Net cash used in investing activities
-
-
Net cash used in financing activities
-
-
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(1,474)
(5,410)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
10,590
16,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
9,116
10,590
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 8 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Aquatic Coleoptera Conservation Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Scotland. The registered office is 3 Eglinton Terrace, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 1JJ, United Kingdom.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practise applicable to charities preparing their accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015)', 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 historical cost convention.

 

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£)

1.2
Charitable funds

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

 

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

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Charity.
1.3
Incoming resources

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

1.4
Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated the activities on a basis consistent with the use of recourses.

1.5
Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Plant and machinery
-20% on cost
1.6

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.

All funds at the balance sheet date are classed as unrestricted.

AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 9 -
2
Income from charitable activities

 

 

2024
2023
£
£
Caledonian Conservation
300
281

Stirling University

500
-

Donations

-
595
800
876
3
Expenditure for charitable activities

 

 

 

 

2024
2023
£
£

Travel and subsistence

402
656

Aquatic kits

-
2,130

Postage and stationery

306
629

Computer costs

243
73

Sundries

167
149

Books

77
61
1,195
3,698
Share of governance costs (see note 4)
1,092
1,092
2,287
4,790
4
Support costs
Support costs
Governance costs
2024
2023
£
£
£
£

Independent examination fee

-
1,092
1,092
1,092
-
1,092
1,092
1,092
Analysed between
Charitable activities
-
1,092
1,092
1,092

 

AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 10 -
5
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
Total
-
0
-
0
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
6
Trustees

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 October 2024 nor for the year ended 31 October 2023.

Trustees' expenses
2024
2023
£
£
Travel
402
656
Postage & stationery
306
629
Computer costs
243
73
Books
77
61
Sundries
150
639
1,178
2,058
7
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 Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

8
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Accruals
1,323
1,310
9
Unrestricted funds

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the Charity's activities made up as follows:

Movement in funds
Movement in funds
Balance at
1 November 2022

Incoming resources

Resources expended

Balance at
1 November 2023

Incoming resources

Resources expended

Balance at
31 October 2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
General fund
13,194
876
(4,790)
9,280
800
(2,287)
7,793
AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 11 -
10
Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 October 2024.

11
Cash generated from operations
2024
2023
£
£
Deficit for the year
(1,487)
(3,914)
Movements in working capital:
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
13
(1,496)
Cash absorbed by operations
(1,474)
(5,410)
12
Analysis of changes in net funds

The Charity had no debt during the year.

AQUATIC COLEOPTERA CONSERVATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
- 12 -
Prior Year's Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
2023
2022
GENERAL FUND
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Income
876
1,046
876
1,046
Other trading activities
Other income
-
700
Total income
876
1,746
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Trustees' expenses
-
-
Travel and subsistance
656
2,727
Postage and stationary
629
611
Computer costs
73
107
Sundries
149
950
Books
61
58
Other expenses
-
420
Plant & machinery depreciation
-
76
3,698
4,949
Governance costs
Accountancy and legal fees
1,092
1,056
Total expenditure
4,790
6,005
Net movement in funds
(3,914)
(4,259)
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