Charity registration number 109121 (Northern Ireland)
Company registration number NI665739
AVSPNI
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
AVSPNI
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Directors
Mr P Walsh
Mr M Watts
Mrs M Spahn-Holmes
Mr I Smith
Mr K Sheridan
Mr S O'Kane
Mr S Murray
Mrs P Hart
Mr C Carr
Mrs L Hamilton
Mr M Allison
Mr G Bell
Mr L Fitzsimons
Mr C McCrea
Mrs I R L D'Haese
(Appointed 10 January 2024)
Mr P Dabrowski
(Appointed 10 January 2024)
Mr D Flynn
(Appointed 10 January 2024)
Mr M J Woodside
(Appointed 10 January 2024)
Mr R J McCabe
(Appointed 10 January 2024)
Charity number (Northern Ireland)
109121
Company number
NI665739
Principal address
6 Ross Green Lane
Kilgad Road
Kells
Ballymena
Co Antrim
BT42 3JA
Registered office
6 Ross Green Lane
Kilgad Road
Kells
Ballymena
Co Antrim
BT42 3JA
Independent examiner
GMcG Lisburn
Century House
40 Crescent Business Park
Lisburn
BT28 2GN
Bankers
Danske Bank
Donegall Square West
Belfast
BT1 6JS
AVSPNI
CONTENTS
Page
Directors' report
1 - 3
Independent examiner's report
4 - 5
Statement of financial activities
6
Statement of financial position
7
Notes to the financial statements
8 - 13
AVSPNI
DIRECTORS' REPORT  
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 1 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the period ended 31 December 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 Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are specifically restricted to the promotion of the following purposes for the benefit of the public:

 

 

There has been no change in the policies adopted in furtherance of these objects during the period.

The charity aims to fulfill it's objectives through the following:

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

Achievements and performance

In this financial period AVSPNI has delivered two multi-day conferences – one for Small Animal vets and vet nurses and one for Small Animal and Large Animal vets, plus 7 evening meetings, 1 social and networking event and 3 full/half days of education - one of which was a practical hands-on course for vet nurses.

AVSPNI has engaged with organisations and working groups including, but not limited to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA); the Agri-Food and Bio-sciences Institute (AFBI); Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland (AHWNI); British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA); The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS); The North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA); Rural Support; Ulster Farmers Union (UFU); Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS); RCVS Knowledge - Farm Vet Champions; Young Vet Network (YVN-NI); Veterinary Ireland; LANTRA Council; VetNI Board: Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Implementation Group (BVDIG); TB Stakeholder Working Group (TBSWG); Animal Health and Welfare Stakeholders Forum (AHWSF); the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC); Vet Support Northern Ireland; British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA); Veterinary Practice Managers Association (VPMA); Northern Ireland Sheep Scab Group; The Links Group; the British Veterinary Association (BVA); The College of Agriculture, Foord and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) - Dairy Advisory Group and VN training; RUAS; HSE; VSSCo (Educational Bursary Adjudication).

AVSPNI remains flexible and able to respond quickly to amend its programme of education to meet changing needs, e.g. novel disease challenges. Issues of concern to the members on which officers have actively engaged include, but are not limited to: production and endemic diseases such as BVD, Johnes and TB, welfare; APHIS/NIFAIS (DAERAs animal traceability platforms; EU Animal Health Law implementation; Equine Welfare and Farrier Regulation; proposed changes to Cross-Compliance Legislation; TB Compensation Consultation; vet nurse training; farm QA standards; Trade Export Certification; Antibiotics Amnesty; STAMP; Bluetongue; medicines use and threats to supply to NI; Sustainable Ruminant Genetics; wildlife and TB; UK/XI ear tag changes; Avian Influenza.

AVSPNI
DIRECTORS' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Financial review

The results are set out in detail on pages 6 to 13. The company returned net outgoing resources for the year of £18,747 (2023 - net incoming resources of £6,249) leaving unrestricted funds of £417,655 (2023 - £436,402).

 

The unrestricted funds are considered to be essential to provide sufficient funds to cover any unforeseen costs which may arise and fulfil legal obligations of the charity in the event that current levels of income are not maintained.

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

Structure, governance and management

The charitable company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company is not for profit and limited by guarantee.

The directors who served during the period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr P Walsh
Mr M Watts
Mrs M Spahn-Holmes
Mr I Smith
Mr K Sheridan
Mr S O'Kane
Mr S Murray
Mr K McKeeman
(Resigned 10 January 2024)
Mrs P Hart
Mr C Carr
Mrs L Hamilton
Mr M Allison
Mr G Bell
Mr L Fitzsimons
Ms K Henderson
(Resigned 10 January 2024)
Mr C McCrea
Ms S Menzies
(Resigned 10 January 2024)
Mrs I R L D'Haese
(Appointed 10 January 2024)
Mr P Dabrowski
(Appointed 10 January 2024)
Mr D Flynn
(Appointed 10 January 2024)
Mr M J Woodside
(Appointed 10 January 2024)
Mr R J McCabe
(Appointed 10 January 2024)

The charity is governed by its Board of Directors who meet regularly.

 

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

AVSPNI
DIRECTORS' REPORT  (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 3 -

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ exemption.

The directors' report was approved by the Board of Directors.

Mr P Walsh
Director
27 August 2025
AVSPNI
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE DIRECTORS OF AVSPNI
- 4 -

We report to the directors on our examination of the financial statements of AVSPNI (the charity) for the period ended 31 December 2024.

Respective responsibilitie of directors and exaiminer

As the directors of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied ourselves that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is our responsibility to:

 

•    examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008;

 

•    follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for     Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act; and

 

•    state whether particular matters have come to our attention.

Basis of independent examiners' report

We have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.

 

Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving us cause to believe:

1

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

2

the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3

the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland

4

that there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

AVSPNI
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE DIRECTORS OF AVSPNI
- 5 -
Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. We confirm that we are qualified to undertake the examination because we are a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, which is one of the listed bodies.

We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, we have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.

GMcG Lisburn
Century House
40 Crescent Business Park
Lisburn
BT28 2GN
Dated: 27 August 2025
AVSPNI
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 6 -
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
Period ended
Year ended
31 Dec 2024
31 Aug 2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
99,608
66,944
Charitable activities
3
176,700
160,669
Investments
4
6,862
1,612
Total income
283,170
229,225
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
301,917
222,976
Total expenditure
301,917
222,976
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
(18,747)
6,249
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 September 2023
436,402
430,153
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
417,655
436,402

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

AVSPNI
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 7 -
31 December
31 August
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Current assets
Debtors
10
27,573
63,423
Cash at bank and in hand
433,668
462,114
461,241
525,537
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
11
(43,586)
(89,135)
Net current assets
417,655
436,402
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
417,655
436,402
417,655
436,402

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the period ended 31 December 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 period 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 directors on
27 August 2025
27 August 2025
and signed on their behalf by:
Mr P Walsh
Director
Company Registration No. NI665739
AVSPNI
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 8 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

AVSPNI is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 6 Ross Green Lane, Kilgad Road, Kells, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT42 3JA.

1.1
Reporting period

The financial statements presented are for a period longer than one year due to the charity's year end being extended for commercial reasons. The comparative amounts presented in the financial statements (including the related notes) are not entirely comparable.

1.2
Accounting convention

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

 

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.3
Going concern

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

1.4
Charitable funds

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

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

1.5
Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
AVSPNI
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies (Continued)
- 9 -
1.6
Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

 

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.7
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.8
Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

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

Basic financial liabilities

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

 

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

 

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

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

AVSPNI
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
2

Donations and membership fees

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
Period ended
Year ended
31 Dec 2024
31 Aug 2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
6,004
3,380
Membership fees
93,604
63,564
99,608
66,944
Donations and gifts
Raffle income
5,214
3,380
Other donations
790
-
6,004
3,380

Raffle income of £5,214 (2023 - £3,380) was gathered during the year and paid out to various charities, £3,500 was not paid out until post year end.

3
Charitable activities
Period ended
Year ended
31 Dec 2024
31 Aug 2023
£
£

Income from conferences and webinars

176,700
160,669
4
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
Period ended
Year ended
31 Dec 2024
31 Aug 2023
£
£
Interest receivable
6,862
1,612
AVSPNI
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 11 -
5
Charitable activities
Period ended
Year ended
31 Dec 2024
31 Aug 2023
£
£

Speakers fees

29,417
21,454

Other conference and webinar expenses

147,514
102,363
176,931
123,817
Share of support costs (see note 6)
124,986
99,159
301,917
222,976
6
Support costs allocated to activities
Period ended
Year ended
31 Dec 2024
31 Aug 2023
£
£
Administration fees
99,954
70,529
Presidential and council expenses
9,392
3,848
Legal and professional fees
3,075
15,000
Bank charges
3,848
438
Printing, postage and stationery
12
108
Insurance
1,733
1,213
Accountancy
2,525
2,079
Sundry expenses
540
168
VSNI donations
2,000
2,000
Other donations
1,907
3,776
124,986
99,159
Analysed between:
Charitable activities
124,986
99,159
7
Directors
None of the directors (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the period.
AVSPNI
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 12 -
8
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the period was:

Period ended
Year ended
31 Dec 2024
31 Aug 2023
Number
Number
Total
0
0
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
9
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

10
Debtors
31 Dec 2024
31 Aug 2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
23,978
61,539
Other debtors
1,275
1,252
Prepayments and accrued income
2,320
632
27,573
63,423
11
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
31 Dec 2024
31 Aug 2023
£
£
Trade creditors
177
2,576
Other creditors
7,007
6,733
Accruals and deferred income
36,402
79,826
43,586
89,135
12
Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 September 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 December 2024
£
£
£
£
General funds
436,402
283,170
(301,917)
417,655
AVSPNI
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
12
Unrestricted funds (Continued)
- 13 -
Previous year:
At 1 September 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 August 2023
£
£
£
£
General funds
430,153
229,225
(222,976)
436,402
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