REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 09031058 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1164798

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

for

Whitefield Hebrew Congregation

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

5

Independent Examiner's Report

6

Statement of Financial Activities

7

Balance Sheet

8

to

9

Cash Flow Statement

10

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

11

Notes to the Financial Statements

12

to

21

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 December 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).

This report and financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report published by Whitefield Hebrew Congregation.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Whitefield Hebrew Congregation is a company limited by guarantee in accordance with the latest regulations.

Our company's aims and objectives are formally stated to be as follows:-

To promote the Jewish religion in accordance with the customs, ceremonies and traditions of orthodox judaism by:

(A) Providing and maintaining in Whitefield a place of worship, religious services and education for the benefit of the orthodox community in Whitefield.

(B) Providing burial facilities in accordance with the requirements of orthodox Judaism.

(C) Promoting pastoral and cultural support and social and recreational activities.

This is achieved by the operation of a synagogue and social events at the Congregation's premises, together with support for other Jewish and non- Jewish charities in accordance with Jewish law. The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion, when reviewing the Congregation's aims and objectives and in planning future activities

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

The charity continues to meet its objectives, with membership remaining stable throughout the year. Events and services have continued to expand, and our charitable and religious programmes now offer an ever-growing range of opportunities for all ages, from the youngest to the oldest members of our community.

We have seen particular growth in both our educational and social events for adults. At our core, we remain committed to modern orthodox Judaism, Israel, education, social activities, and caring for our members. Week by week and month by month, we connect with hundreds of people through our wide variety of programmes.

Through initiatives such as Kesher Connect, we continue to offer vital support to members, arranging meals, shopping, medical appointments, phone calls, and home visits. We distribute charitable funds to needy causes both locally, nationally, and internationally, including charities outside of the Jewish community.

We also support members who have lost a loved one by arranging funerals and organising prayer services in the homes of mourners. In addition, we welcome visits from the wider community, particularly schools. hosted by our dedicated volunteers.

Our community continues to be inspired and led by Rabbi Ephraim, Rebbetzen Malki, and Mychiel Balshine, whose energy and dedication strengthen us all. We are equally grateful to the dozens of volunteers who give so much of their time in both official and unofficial roles. Without them, none of our achievements would be possible.

We are fortunate to have a strong professional team. Hayley Showman has developed in her role as General Manager, and Saul & Chani Bishop continue to make a hugely positive impact as Youth Directors. Our office team-Francine Levy and Andrea Sayers-together with our caretakers Dougie, Alison, Keith, and Gloria, keep everything running smoothly. We are also deeply appreciative of the Gefen and Cohen families, whose contributions to our daily life are invaluable.

We are pleased to report that David Krebs was appointed as Shammas, assisting in the day-to-day running of our services.

I extend my thanks to my Executive colleagues and Board members, who volunteer their time and expertise with dedication and talent, guiding the development of our growing community. Special recognition must also go to our security rota volunteers who protect our congregation, to Jan Levinson, our Honorary Solicitor, and to Richard Zoltie, our Independent Examiner, for their invaluable work.

Our focus remains on providing outstanding services to all our members and ensuring that those in need receive support.

To all who have suffered a bereavement this past year, we wish you arichus yomim-a "long life". And to all who have celebrated a simcha, we extend a heartfelt mazeltov.

May the year ahead bring good health, strength, and blessings to us all.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial review

I am pleased to present the financial accounts of the synagogue for the year ended 31 December 2024.

As anticipated, it has been an active and productive year for the synagogue, building upon the solid foundations established in previous periods.

Membership income totalled £393,713, remaining broadly consistent with the prior year's figure of £392,563. Other income streams also demonstrated relative stability.

During the year, the synagogue disposed of its share in a property investment previously held at a fair value of £180,000, realising proceeds of £160,000. Although this transaction resulted in a loss on disposal, it enabled the release of funds which have contributed positively to the organisation's liquidity. Associated exceptional legal costs were also incurred in connection with this transaction.

Expenditure on primary purpose activities, such as kiddushim and community events, increased modestly from £59,316 to £61,695. This reflects both a rise in the number of events held and the general inflationary pressures affecting the cost of delivery. These events, which are subsidised by the synagogue, are designed to engage and benefit the entire community. The Board considers this expenditure essential to fulfilling the charity's objectives. Where feasible, sponsorships and donations are sought to support these initiatives.

Staff costs rose from £247,179 to £285,329, primarily due to increased office hours and annual pay increments.

In summary, the above factors contributed to a deficit of £54,139 in the general fund. This follows several years of surplus and, while the organisation aims to operate on a break-even basis, occasional deficits may arise due to external circumstances beyond its control. The Board remains satisfied with the overall financial position but acknowledges the need to enhance income levels in light of rising operational costs. Accordingly, the Board and management are actively exploring avenues to secure additional funding to safeguard the synagogue's financial sustainability.

The Burial Board continues to operate in surplus, with an increase of £18,212 during the year, thereby ensuring that burial arrangements remain available for all members when required.

I would like to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to those members who consistently pay their membership subscriptions in a timely manner. The synagogue's ability to function and achieve its objectives is reliant on your continued support. I would also encourage members who have historically benefited from long-term discounted rates to reassess their financial circumstances and consider increasing their contributions, where possible, to help sustain the heart of our community. Every extra contribution makes a meaningful difference.

Principal funding sources

The principal funding sources for the Congregation are members' subscriptions and donations.

Reserves policy

The Trustees endeavour, on an annual basis, to ensure that members' subscriptions and donations generate sufficient resources to meet the organisation's anticipated expenditure.

With regard to reserves, the strategic objective is to increase the level of unrestricted reserves to a point that ensures the ongoing financial stability of the synagogue, including the capacity to absorb unforeseen costs. The Board intends to adopt a more formal reserves policy in the near future to support this aim.

As at 31 December 2024, the charity held unrestricted resources amounting to £1,182,237. However, when adjusted for fixed assets, free reserves stood at £107,073. This figure is notably below the equivalent of three months' regular expenditure, indicating that-despite the absence of a formal policy-there is a clear need to address the current reserves position.

It is also important to note that the General (unrestricted) Fund carries liabilities of £282,653 owed to the restricted funds, further underscoring the necessity of strengthening the organisation's financial resilience.

FUTURE PLANS

Our purpose to promote Jewish religion remains unchanged. We believe that our services must adapt and change in line with the needs of the community.

In this ever-changing world, we want to provide for all our communal needs by turning the building in to a community hub, accessible to all people of all ages. A place where everyone will feel valued, welcomed and respected, a centre that is fit for purpose for the next twenty to thirty years. We have a committee who are tasked with undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the existing building and propose options of how the building can be developed to suit our longer-term needs. We anticipate that fundraising for the building work will commence in the very near future as it will be required prior to the commencement of the first phase of the project.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Organisational structure

The Board of trustees, who are also Directors of the company administers the charity. The Board meets every 2 months, and there are sub-committees covering social, education, Kesher Connect, religion, financial and building matters.

Risk management

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the Charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

The Directors have a risk management strategy which comprises:

- A review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity faces

- The establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the review; and

- The implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.

In the current financial climate, the charity has identified the following financial risks:

- Economic uncertainty brought about by the cost of living crisis, and the associated loss of income from reduced membership fees

- The spiralling costs of running the synagogue building

- The deterioration of the fabric of the synagogue building

- Pressure placed on voluntary charitable contributions

- The long term decline in young families joining synagogues, and hence the potential reduction in members.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

09031058 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1164798

Registered office

Park Lane

Whitefield

Manchester

M45 7PB

Trustees

E Horwich

M Jayson Accountant (appointed 1/5/2025)

T S Leigh

M E Leinhardt

Dr F Maynard

A Woolfstein (resigned 31/12/2024)

Mrs J Berger

S Levine

S D Phillips

R C Miller

B M Oster (resigned 1/1/2024)

G A Levine

Mrs M L Calmonson

Mrs D Journo

D A Pinkus (appointed 1/1/2024)

R Bradstock (appointed 1/7/2024)

Independent Examiner

R Zoltie & Co

84 Park Lane

Whitefield

Manchester

M45 7PL

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 25 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

D A Pinkus - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Whitefield Hebrew Congregation ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also 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 your charity's accounts as 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 your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, 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.

Richard Zoltie CA

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland

R Zoltie & Co

84 Park Lane

Whitefield

Manchester

M45 7PL

29 September 2025

2024

2023

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

funds

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

2

468,830

98,985

567,815

576,474

Other trading activities

3

58,195

3,500

61,695

59,316

Investment income

4

3,697

7,348

11,045

7,639

Other income

-

-

-

6,725

Total

530,722

109,833

640,555

650,154

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

5

Charitable activities

535,609

93,446

629,055

614,277

Other

8

29,252

-

29,252

-

Total

564,861

93,446

658,307

614,277

Net gains/(losses) on investments

(20,000

)

-

(20,000

)

-

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(54,139

)

16,387

(37,752

)

35,877

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

1,236,376

1,076,122

2,312,498

2,276,621

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

1,182,237

1,092,509

2,274,746

2,312,498

2024

2023

Notes

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

13

1,075,164

1,082,196

Investments

Investments

14

1

1

Investment property

15

-

180,000

1,075,165

1,262,197

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

16

485,457

458,696

Prepayments and accrued income

7,963

8,260

Cash at bank and in hand

760,433

641,186

1,253,853

1,108,142

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

17

(54,272

)

(57,841

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

1,199,581

1,050,301

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

2,274,746

2,312,498

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due after more than one year

18

-

-

NET ASSETS

2,274,746

2,312,498

FUNDS

21

Unrestricted funds:

General fund

1,182,237

1,236,376

Restricted funds:

Burial Board

1,067,901

1,049,689

Eruv Fund

(6,553

)

(6,553

)

Building Levy

29,380

31,205

Mikva refurbishment

1,781

1,781

1,092,509

1,076,122

TOTAL FUNDS

2,274,746

2,312,498

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a)	ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b)

preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 25 September 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

D A Pinkus - Trustee

M Jayson - Trustee

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations

1

(6,449

)

59,086

Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities

(6,449

)

59,086

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

(469

)

(7,591

)

Sale of investment property

160,000

-

Loan to subsidiary undertaking

(33,835

)

(34,787

)

-

8,200

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

125,696

(34,178

)

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period

119,247

24,908

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period

641,186

616,278

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period

760,433

641,186

1.	RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2024

2023

£

£

Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities)

(37,752

)

35,877

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges

7,501

8,280

Losses on investments

20,000

-

Decrease/(increase) in debtors

7,371

(66

)

(Decrease)/increase in creditors

(3,569

)

14,995

Net cash (used in)/provided by operations

(6,449

)

59,086

2.	ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.1.24

Cash flow

At 31.12.24

£

£

£

Net cash

Cash at bank and in hand

641,186

119,247

760,433

641,186

119,247

760,433

Total

641,186

119,247

760,433

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, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Preparation of consolidated financial statements

The financial statements contain information about Whitefield Hebrew Congregation as an individual company and do not contain consolidated financial information as the parent of a group. The charity is exempt under Section 399(2A) of the Companies Act 2006 from the requirements to prepare consolidated financial statements.

Income

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.

Expenditure

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 to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

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

Freehold property

-

not provided

Burial Grounds & Ohel

-

not provided

Fixtures and fittings

-

10% on reducing balance

Investment property

Investment property is shown at most recent valuation. Any aggregate surplus or deficit arising from changes in fair value is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

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.

Building Levy

This represents funds specifically levied on the membership to carry out major capital/repair projects.

Burial Board

This represents funds raised for the provision of funeral and associated services on the death of a member of the Burial Board.

Eruv Fund

This represents funds raised for the provision of an Eruv which is a ritual enclosure that traditionally observant Jewish communities construct in their neighbourhoods as a way to permit the transference of objects from one area to another.

Mikva Refurbishment Fund

This represents funds raised to refurbish the Mikva, which is a ritual bath.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

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.

2.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2024

2023

£

£

Members' subscriptions

393,713

392,563

Offerings and donations

44,735

36,358

Gift aid

82,051

83,038

Reserved graves

1,650

1,050

Permit & foundation fees

5,838

-

Other income

4,750

7,284

Entry fees

26,149

17,428

Legacies

217

34,124

YKA - Community enrichment

8,712

4,629

567,815

576,474

3.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

2024

2023

£

£

Hall hire etc

5,719

7,734

Kiddushim etc

19,625

17,946

Yahrzeit plaques

2,000

7,875

Mikva

7,105

4,787

EL Ohel

3,500

300

Shul events

23,746

20,674

61,695

59,316

4.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2024

2023

£

£

Bank interest

9,045

5,639

Compensation for lost interest

2,000

2,000

11,045

7,639

5.	CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Direct

Support

Costs (see

costs (see

note 6)

note 7)

Totals

£

£

£

Charitable activities

625,771

3,284

629,055

6.	DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

2024

2023

£

£

Staff costs

285,329

247,179

Hire of plant and machinery

1,541

3,180

Rates and water

2,770

4,987

Insurance

10,505

10,715

Electricity and gas

8,104

9,680

Telephone & IT expenses

5,221

5,267

Postage and stationery

1,743

2,071

Advertising & PPS

-

70

Cleaning and laundry

15,087

11,479

Repairs and maintenance

46,185

33,746

Affiliation fees and levies

6,986

5,888

Festivals, Kiddush & Events

65,328

60,257

Religious expenses

8,474

8,001

Presentations

225

50

YW, youth and teen expenses

5,770

4,523

Mikva expenses

8,790

18,831

WJYC expenses

3,901

8,792

Funeral expenses & foundations

57,745

34,690

General expenses & travelling

1,696

4,403

Miscellaneous expenses

9,206

9,309

Bank & credit card charges

6,595

7,033

Employee benefits

6,590

30,542

Bar Mitzvah/Bat Chayil expense

6,614

3,530

Security

13,122

13,593

Professional fees

18,799

23,063

Children's services expenses

3,122

3,368

Computer running costs

277

1,093

General food expenses

5,550

6,702

Newsletter

2,750

2,650

Plaque expenses

255

1,122

Charitable donations

4,987

3,448

Premises expenses

238

180

Youth work expenditure

2,259

3,876

Leadership course expenses

528

1,767

Subscriptions

1,628

1,277

Training courses

-

529

Books and Seforim expenditure

350

-

Depreciation

7,501

8,280

Impairment losses

-

8,200

625,771

603,371

7.	SUPPORT COSTS

Governance

costs

£

Charitable activities

3,284

Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:

Governance costs

2024

2023

Charitable

Total

activities

activities

£

£

Accountancy and legal fees

960

1,942

Independent Examiner

1,400

1,300

Legal fees

924

7,664

3,284

10,906

8.

OTHER

2024

2023

£

£

Exceptional legal fees

29,252

-

Support costs

3,284

10,906

32,536

10,906

Exceptional legal costs

9.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2024

2023

£

£

Depreciation - owned assets

7,501

8,280

Hire of plant and machinery

1,541

3,180

10.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

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

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.

11.	STAFF COSTS

2024

2023

£

£

Wages and salaries

263,367

225,480

Social security costs

17,251

18,444

Other pension costs

4,711

3,255

285,329

247,179

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2024

2023

Charitable activities

5

5

Administration

3

3

Caretakers

3

3

11

11

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

12.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

funds

funds

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

489,595

86,879

576,474

Other trading activities

59,016

300

59,316

Investment income

5,241

2,398

7,639

Other income

6,725

-

6,725

Total

560,577

89,577

650,154

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

Charitable activities

541,601

72,676

614,277

NET INCOME

18,976

16,901

35,877

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

1,217,400

1,059,221

2,276,621

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

1,236,376

1,076,122

2,312,498