REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 06659140 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1128253

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements

for the Period

1 November 2023 to 28 February 2025

for

Herne Bay Pier Trust

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

3

Independent Examiner's Report

4

Statement of Financial Activities

5

Balance Sheet

6

to

7

Notes to the Financial Statements

8

to

12

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 period 1 November 2023 to 28 February 2025. 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

Objectives and aims

The company is a charity and company limited by guarantee whose objects are the preservation, renovation, reconstruction and enhancement of Herne Bay pier and the surrounding area. The Trust see the pier as a major asset in the regeneration of this seaside town, one of the most deprived wards in the local council area.

The charity's main objective has always been to reclaim, regenerate and rebuild the existing desolate Victorian pier which was left empty after the demolition of the old sports centre. The Trust aims to make it a community asset for the enjoyment and benefit of the people and visitors of Herne Bay.

Significant activities

Herne Bay Pier continues to be a major attraction for both residents and visitors to the town all year round with of course the summer season being the busiest. We are still able to make our attraction free to visit which is not the case for many other piers in the country and are pleased to still be welcoming and friendly to all our visitors which is born out by the wonderful reviews we receive on Google, Trip Advisor and our own website. For the 2nd year running reviews from millions of Tripadvisor travellers have placed the Pier in the top 10% worldwide visitors attractions.

The retail huts have seen almost 100% occupancy although we have seen a few changes in tenants and there is one hut currently vacant but there is always a waiting list

We delivered a busy programme of events throughout the year including a full summer of live music events in the evening, hosting the annual Herne Bay Jazz Festival once again working in conjunction with Kai Hoffman's Jazz Fest,. More family fun at Easter and Halloween and our third Light Up the Night event run in collaboration with Cruse Bereavement which is proving to be more and more popular.. We followed this up at Christmas with our now annual Laser Spectacular which once again drew in the crowds. Santa took up residence in his Grotto and hundreds of Santas ran up and down the pier again all in aid of Pilgrims Hospice. We have collaborated with various local groups which included the RNLI, Pilgrims Hospice and The League of Friends of the Kent & Canterbury Hospital.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress hosted a successful fundraiser on the pier in aid of the Lady Mayoress's Charity in July which was attended by many chain wearing guests who enjoyed riding on the carousel and entertainment from the Up the Creek Ukulele Players.

Yet again we are indebted to the tireless efforts of our wonderful band of volunteers who steward at our events and the Pier Crew who carry out weekly maintenance and repairs and are supported by our trustees.

The new planters have brightened up the pier (thanks to Glen and Alison for their help with these).We have installed many more plaques this year and the demand is increasing with new applications coming in every week. It is wonderful to hear how much the pier has mattered to so many people over the years.

The pier has once again been used as a film location several times throughout the year although very often we are subject to an NDA so are not able to disclose any juicy details.

As agreed we have extended our accounting year until the end of February 2025 which now aligns with our annual invoicing and activities which run from 1st March.

Our wholly owned trading subsidiary, Herne Bay Pier Enterprises Limited, has donated to the charity 100% of its profits for the extended period to 28th February 2025, which amounted to £19,611 (year to 31st October 2023: £39,769).

Public benefit

The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on Public benefit.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The Trust funds at 28th February 2025 were as follows:

Current account £79,281 (31st October 2023: £57,861)

Events/maintenance £8,304 (31st October 2023: £8,304)

Petty Cash £93 (31st October 2023: £9)

Tenants deposits £5,768 (31st October 2023: £5,276)

Reserve Account £54,890 (31st October 2023: £54,910)

Total £148,336 (31st October 2023:£126,360)

The Trusts aim is to keep the Reserve Account at a minimum of £40k to enable the Trust to cope with any major incidents e.g. Fire, Gales, and Vandalism.

The Trustees are taking all possible steps to alleviate any impact on the Charity's operations as far as possible. However, the Trustees cannot reasonably estimate the impact any unknown events may have on the Charity's financial position, results of operations or cash flows in the future.

FUTURE PLANS

The Trust has various projects to enhance the Pier and the experience for the public and these include the following some of which are ongoing:

1. The weatherproof canopy to cover the seating area in front of the stage is still being considered and we have had constructive communication and discussions over design and cost.

2. A large LCD screen to enable live events and films to be shown. This remains on our wishlist but would require substantial funding

3. The addition of windshield screens around the food court area remains on our wishlist

4. The idea of storage batteries to store the excess electricity generated from out solar panels has been revisited and we are unsure if this is the best way forward due to reports on the safety of these batteries concerning fire risks. We feel the better way forward is to obtain the best prices for the export of any excess and following an idea put forward by a member we are now in the process of setting up a working party to investigate the possibility of contacting the larger power companies to explore any interest the may have in working with us on potential eco power projects

5. The addition of a larger hut at the end of the Pier is now going forward for planning. The costs for this project have been estimated in the region of £35,000. We recently made a bid to CanterburyCity Council for funds from the Strategic Grant fund but were unsuccessful on this occasion but we are continually on the look out for any funding where we can match their criteria

6. The addition of further huts to maximise all the space on the Pier also remains on the wishlist.

7. We will be looking at the provision of disabled portaloos

8. We will continue to actively seek funding opportunities to enable the above

9. The board has agreed that we will extend our accounting year until the end of February 2025 which will align our annual invoicing and activities which run from 1st March

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.

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 29 July 2008 and registered as a charity on 25 February 2009.

Charity constitution

The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 each.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. Regular trustee skills audits are carried out to identify the resources available within the Committee and gaps addressed through training and by seeking new members with the requisite experience.

The Canterbury City Council in their position as landlord can install up to two Trustees to the Board, but at the moment all Trustees have been elected by the membership or co-opted by the Board.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

06659140 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1128253

Registered office

The Pier Office

Central Parade

Herne Bay

Kent

CT6 5JN

Trustees

Mrs L M Blake Director

Mrs L S Hackwith Director (resigned 16.3.24)

Miss S P Halfpenny Director

D W Townsend Director

S C Welsh Director (resigned 9.9.24)

Ms J White Director (resigned 1.11.23)

C F Austin Director

Ms D Sullivan Director (resigned 1.11.23)

Ms A J Browning Trustee (resigned 22.3.25)

M P Tucker Trustee (appointed 11.2.24)

M P Scott Trustee (appointed 16.1.25) (resigned 21.5.25)

Independent Examiner

Allan Mclean Reid

McLean Reid

Chartered Accountants

1 Forstal Road

Aylesford

Kent

ME20 7AU

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 18 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

D W Townsend - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Herne Bay Pier Trust ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the period 1 November 2023 to 28 February 2025.

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

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.

Allan Mclean Reid

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

McLean Reid

Chartered Accountants

1 Forstal Road

Aylesford

Kent

ME20 7AU

19 September 2025

Period

1.11.23

to

Year Ended

28.2.25

31.10.23

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

funds

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

29,062

-

29,062

45,448

Charitable activities

Rental activities

26,716

-

26,716

22,216

Beach huts

102,355

-

102,355

103,718

Other income

11

-

11

835

Other trading activities

2

-

-

-

661

Investment income

3

143

-

143

60

Other income

2,520

-

2,520

910

Total

160,807

-

160,807

173,848

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

Beach huts

28,127

-

28,127

21,323

Charitable activities

71,364

-

71,364

53,035

Support costs

44,639

-

44,639

28,545

Governance costs

3,606

-

3,606

3,125

Event costs

915

-

915

2,534

Total

148,651

-

148,651

108,562

NET INCOME

12,156

-

12,156

65,286

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

241,871

-

241,871

176,585

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

254,027

-

254,027

241,871

2025

2023

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

funds

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

7

12,478

-

12,478

25,619

Investments

8

100

-

100

100

12,578

-

12,578

25,719

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

9

107,811

-

107,811

100,895

Cash at bank and in hand

148,336

-

148,336

126,360

256,147

-

256,147

227,255

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

10

(14,698

)

-

(14,698

)

(11,103

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

241,449

-

241,449

216,152

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

254,027

-

254,027

241,871

NET ASSETS

254,027

-

254,027

241,871

FUNDS

12

Unrestricted funds

254,027

241,871

TOTAL FUNDS

254,027

241,871

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the period ended 28 February 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the period ended 28 February 2025 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 18 September 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

D W Townsend - Trustee

S P Halfpenny - Trustee

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 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 the historical cost convention.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the 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 (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities; Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has been withdrawn.

Income recognition

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.

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained, then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.

Beach rental and related income is recognised in the period when the service is provided.

Income from grants is recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.

Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:

-costs of raising funds includes costs of fundraising and other trading activities;

-expenditure on charitable activities includes costs of running and maintaining the pier and support costs required to sustain and implement the charity's objects and relating support costs.

-governance costs are general costs which have been incurred in order for the charity to operate effectively and to generate the information required for public accountability.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.

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

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.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Period

1.11.23

to

Year Ended

28.2.25

31.10.23

£

£

Fundraising events

-

661

3.	INVESTMENT INCOME

Period

1.11.23

to

Year Ended

28.2.25

31.10.23

£

£

Deposit account interest

143

60

4.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

Period

1.11.23

to

Year Ended

28.2.25

31.10.23

£

£

Depreciation - owned assets

21,773

20,536

Surplus on disposal of fixed assets

-

(360

)

5.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 28 February 2025 nor for the year ended 31 October 2023.

Trustees' expenses

During the year the amount reimbursed to 2 trustees for expenses relating to administrative costs and the purchase of equipment incurred on behalf of the charity was £440 (2023: 4 trustees £1,569).

6.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

funds

funds

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

45,448

-

45,448

Charitable activities

Rental activities

22,216

-

22,216

Beach huts

103,718

-

103,718

Other income

835

-

835

Other trading activities

661

-

661

Investment income

60

-

60

Other income

910

-

910

Total

173,848

-

173,848

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

Beach huts

21,323

-

21,323

Charitable activities

53,035

-

53,035

Support costs

28,545

-

28,545

Governance costs

3,125

-

3,125

Event costs

1,548

986

2,534

Total

107,576

986

108,562

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

66,272

(986

)

65,286

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

175,599

986

176,585

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

241,871

-

241,871

7.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Plant and

machinery

£

COST

At 1 November 2023

443,185

Additions

8,632

At 28 February 2025

451,817

DEPRECIATION

At 1 November 2023

417,566

Charge for year

21,773

At 28 February 2025

439,339

NET BOOK VALUE

At 28 February 2025

12,478

At 31 October 2023

25,619

8.	FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Shares in

group

undertakings

£

MARKET VALUE

At 1 November 2023 and 28 February 2025

100

NET BOOK VALUE

At 28 February 2025

100

At 31 October 2023

100

There were no investment assets outside the UK.

9.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2023

£

£

Trade debtors

3,680

36,234

Amounts owed by group undertakings

83,231

63,620

Other debtors

-

128

Prepayments and accrued income

20,900

913

107,811

100,895

10.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2023

£

£

Trade creditors

1,597

968

Other creditors

7,437

4,991

Deferred income

434

869

Accrued expenses

5,230

4,275

14,698

11,103

11.	LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

2025

2023

£

£

Within one year

20,000

20,000

Between one and five years

80,000

80,000

In more than five years

80,000

100,000

180,000

200,000

The leasing commitments relate to a rental agreement which is due to expire in March 2034 at £20,000 per annum.

12.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

At

movement

At

1.11.23

in funds

28.2.25

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

241,871

12,156

254,027

TOTAL FUNDS

241,871

12,156

254,027

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

160,807

(148,651

)

12,156

TOTAL FUNDS

160,807

(148,651

)

12,156

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net

At

movement

At

1.11.22

in funds

31.10.23

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

175,599

66,272

241,871

Restricted funds

Platinum Jubilee grant

986

(986

)

-

TOTAL FUNDS

176,585

65,286

241,871

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

173,848

(107,576

)

66,272

Restricted funds

Platinum Jubilee grant

-

(986

)

(986

)

TOTAL FUNDS

173,848

(108,562

)

65,286

The Platinum Jubilee grant was provided to fund the Jubilee celebrations and providing additional lighting for the pier.

13.	RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

See note 5 for trustees expenses paid during the year.

Miss S P Halfpenny is also a trustee of Herne Bay in Bloom. The trustees do not consider there is a conflict of interest with this appointment.

14.	GOING CONCERN

No material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the ability of the company to continue as a going concern have been identified by the trustees.