GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Company limited by guarantee

Company Registration Number:
NI667029 (Northern Ireland)

Unaudited statutory accounts for the year ended 31 January 2025

Period of accounts

Start date: 1 February 2024

End date: 31 January 2025

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Contents of the Financial Statements

for the Period Ended 31 January 2025

Directors report
Balance sheet
Additional notes
Balance sheet notes
Community Interest Report

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Directors' report period ended 31 January 2025

The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the period ended 31 January 2025

Principal activities of the company

The principal activity of the company continued to be that of a community interest company.



Directors

The directors shown below have held office during the whole of the period from
1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025

Paul McAlister
Mary McAllister
Andrew McAlister
Eddie McGoldrick
Paddy McLaughlin
Neil McManus
Liam O'Hagan


The director shown below has held office during the period of
2 November 2024 to 31 January 2025

Stephen Conway


Secretary Paul McAlister

The above report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions in part 15 of the Companies Act 2006

This report was approved by the board of directors on
13 September 2025

And signed on behalf of the board by:
Name: Liam O'Hagan
Status: Director

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Balance sheet

As at 31 January 2025

Notes 2025 2024


£

£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets: 3 1,510 2,135
Tangible assets: 4 624,508 609,358
Investments:   0 0
Total fixed assets: 626,018 611,493
Current assets
Debtors: 5 5,948 1,668
Cash at bank and in hand: 10,248 78,321
Total current assets: 16,196 79,989
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year: 6 ( 10,135 ) ( 13,555 )
Net current assets (liabilities): 6,061 66,434
Total assets less current liabilities: 632,079 677,927
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year: 7 ( 631,638 ) ( 667,530 )
Total net assets (liabilities): 441 10,397
Members' funds
Profit and loss account: 441 10,397
Total members' funds: 441 10,397

The notes form part of these financial statements

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Balance sheet statements

For the year ending 31 January 2025 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

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

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The directors have chosen not to file a copy of the company's profit and loss account.

This report was approved by the board of directors on 13 September 2025
and signed on behalf of the board by:

Name: Liam O'Hagan
Status: Director

The notes form part of these financial statements

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Period Ended 31 January 2025

  • 1. Accounting policies

    Basis of measurement and preparation

    These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section 1A (Small Entities) of Financial Reporting Standard 102

    Tangible fixed assets depreciation policy

    Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and are subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in capital and reserves, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in profit or loss. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent of any previously recognised revaluation increase accumulated in capital and reserves in respect of that asset. Where a revaluation decrease exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains accumulated in capital and reserves in respect of that asset, the excess shall be recognised in profit or loss. Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: Freehold property - 5% straight line Plant and machinery - 25% straight line If there is an indication that there has been a significant change in depreciation rate, useful life or residual value of tangible assets, the depreciation is revised prospectively to reflect the new estimates.

    Intangible fixed assets amortisation policy

    Intangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and are subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Any intangible assets carried at a revalued amount, are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation, as determined by reference to an active market, less any subsequent accumulated amortisation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are only recognised separately from goodwill when they arise from contractual or other legal rights, are separable, the expected future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value can be measured reliably. Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful life of that asset as follows: Website development costs - 25% straight line If there is an indication that there has been a significant change in amortisation rate, useful life or residual value of an intangible asset, the amortisation is revised prospectively to reflect the new estimates.

    Other accounting policies

    Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty In the application of the company's accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Taxation The taxation expense represents the aggregate amount of current and deferred tax recognised in the reporting period. Tax is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in capital and reserves. In this case, tax is recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in capital and reserves, respectively. Current tax is recognised on taxable profit for the current and past periods. Current tax is measured at the amounts of tax expected to pay or recover using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences at the reporting date. Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. Impairment A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. When it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Government grants Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the company will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received. Government grants are recognised using the accrual model and the performance model. Under the accrual model, government grants relating to revenue are recognised on a systematic basis over the periods in which the company recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. Grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the entity with no future related costs are recognised in income in the period in which it becomes receivable. Grants relating to assets are recognised in income on a systematic basis over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income and not deducted from the carrying amount of the asset. Under the performance model, where the grant does not impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Where the grant does impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income only when the performance-related conditions have been met. Where grants received are prior to satisfying the revenue recognition criteria, they are recognised as a liability. Financial instruments A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the transaction price, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Where investments in non-convertible preference shares and non-puttable ordinary shares or preference shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment. Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in profit or loss, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship. Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately. For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets or either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics. Any reversals of impairment are recognised in profit or loss immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised. Limited by guarantee The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital.The liability of members is limited, subject to an undertaking by each member to contribute to the net assets or liabilities of the company on winding up such amounts as may be required not exceeding £1.

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Period Ended 31 January 2025

  • 2. Employees

    2025 2024
    Average number of employees during the period 1 0

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Period Ended 31 January 2025

3. Intangible assets

Goodwill Other Total
Cost £ £ £
At 1 February 2024 2,500 2,500
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
Transfers
At 31 January 2025 2,500 2,500
Amortisation
At 1 February 2024 365 365
Charge for year 625 625
On disposals
Other adjustments
At 31 January 2025 990 990
Net book value
At 31 January 2025 1,510 1,510
At 31 January 2024 2,135 2,135

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Period Ended 31 January 2025

4. Tangible assets

Land & buildings Plant & machinery Fixtures & fittings Office equipment Motor vehicles Total
Cost £ £ £ £ £ £
At 1 February 2024 603,225 17,763 620,988
Additions 33,565 23,819 57,384
Disposals
Revaluations
Transfers
At 31 January 2025 636,790 41,582 678,372
Depreciation
At 1 February 2024 7,579 4,051 11,630
Charge for year 31,839 10,395 42,234
On disposals
Other adjustments
At 31 January 2025 39,418 14,446 53,864
Net book value
At 31 January 2025 597,372 27,136 624,508
At 31 January 2024 595,646 13,712 609,358

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Period Ended 31 January 2025

5. Debtors

2025 2024
£ £
Trade debtors 4,090
Other debtors 1,858 1,668
Total 5,948 1,668

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Period Ended 31 January 2025

6. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year note

2025 2024
£ £
Bank loans and overdrafts 7,993 7,993
Trade creditors 3,540
Taxation and social security 342 272
Other creditors 1,800 1,750
Total 10,135 13,555

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the Period Ended 31 January 2025

7. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year note

2025 2024
£ £
Bank loans and overdrafts 45,750 49,569
Other creditors 585,888 617,961
Total 631,638 667,530

COMMUNITY INTEREST ANNUAL REPORT

GROW THE GLENS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Company Number: NI667029 (Northern Ireland)

Year Ending: 31 January 2025

Company activities and impact

Summary Overview of Glens Digital Hub Grow the Glens (GtG) was formed in February 2016 to focus specifically on the development of employability and employment initiatives in the Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland. Its aim is to make the Glens of Antrim a better place to live in, to visit and to do business in. In January 2020, the group was formally constituted as a Community Interest Company (CIC) Limited. GtG members are experienced individuals (Former school inspector, Director of a major M+E company, Director of a Catering Company, Director of an Energy supply company, an accountant, former EU funds manager and a project manager) GtG aims to drive economic initiatives in the Glens of Antrim. The group is locally based with a strong community focus. Grow the Glens (GtG) identified the need for this specific project in 2018. The decision to abandon the Police Station in 2016 meant that the site was now derelict and offered the potential to be used as a community asset. The initial challenge, which turned out to be probably the most difficult, was to acquire the site. This took over 2 years and was achieved after numerous meetings, garnering of political support and help from the Community Ownership Fund (COF). Funding was sought and awarded from COF (£300k), the NI Department for Communities (£300k), the Derelict Buildings programme supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (£50k), a loan from Community Finance Ireland (£60k) as well as other private and local sources. Work commenced February 2023 and was complete end of August 2023. The building came in on budget and we maximised and used the full extent of our grant aid. There was further ongoing interior work an whilst we had some activities and clients up to December 2023, the centre was fully operational at the start of 2024. We have clients using the centre for a range of other activities such as Interview venue Board meetings Workshops-especially from private sector clients PR events Community events Training venue We are actively putting together a programme of business-based events/workshops and mentoring to reach out to our local community as well as benefiting the internal clients. We are already ahead of our year 1 occupancy target of 35%. Q4 2023 saw us in full possession of a complete Centre - the task now was to build the systems, establish the volunteer support network that would staff the centre and, test our capability and effectiveness with a small, but diverse, number of users. This soft launch approach allowed us to refine our practices and amend our offering. In January 2024 we started promoting our facilities more fully to the local community through signage, online media, social engagement and walk-in open days each Thursday/Friday. In the first quarter of this year, we have quadrupled our social reach and trebled our online users. We have developed a network of support with InvestNI, Catalyst, Women in Business and Northern Regional College - all of whom have committed to a series of events and training in 2024/25. Our research and community engagement have led us to initially focus on encouraging female participation in skills development, empowering a return to the workplace, and developing female entrepreneurship. We have facilitated women-only courses, training and mentorship to create a safe and vibrant space for peer-led learning and development. The Cushendall Innovation Centre is much more than a place to base your business. It has become a focal point for skills development, for learning, for networking and for facilitating collaborative growth - of both people and businesses. All of our major local employers have utilised the space in the building for workshops, teleconferencing, interviewing and training. Local community groups have used our meeting and training rooms - as some of the only fully accessible meeting/ working space on the coastline - to enhance community engagement and participation. We have people from a diverse range of businesses and organisations using the building regularly as a place to work - the majority of them women. Currently, workers from financial services, tourism, fintech, medical tech, marketing, charitable, environmental and banking sectors are using the Centre. Our facility includes 4 own door offices, 1 seven-seat hotdesking/ training room and 2 meeting rooms - one of which can be repurposed as a consultation/treatment room. Our hot desking facility has a run rate of 30%, which we hope to improve by introducing an online booking and direct entry service. Also, our meeting facilities have growing usage with a weekly average occupancy of 2 days per week. Since we have rededicated one of our meeting rooms as a consultation space we now have weekly usage from a psychiatrist and a speech and language therapist. We hope to further develop our health and wellbeing portfolio in the coming months. To date this has all been managed entirely on a voluntary basis. If the centre is to achieve its full potential, there needs to be a dedicated manager/programme facilitator and this is difficult to fund in the first 2 or 3 years. In addition marketing the site and its programmes and activities is key to attracting further and regular clientele. In the past year occupancy has increased with 4 of the own door offices being fully let. During the summer months the centre was fully occupied supporting the need to increase the capacity of the centre. During the past year the group have been engaged with Causeway Coast and Glens in the Growth Deal and are currently working up plans for an extension to the centre.

Consultation with stakeholders

Our Directors have participated in three community surveys, four community consultations, and multiple Council interactions since January 2024. We have also had three open day/evening sessions for the general public supported by Northern Regional College, Go Succeed, local council and Catalyst Belfast.

Directors' remuneration

No remuneration was received

Transfer of assets

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration

This report was approved by the board of directors on
30 September 2025

And signed on behalf of the board by:
Name: Liam O'Hagan
Status: Director