During this financial period the organisation has progressed well and has developed the community footprint. We have further developed community partnerships with organisations in the region as well as continuing to strategically support our main beneficiaries in the veteran and non veteran world. As well as marking a number of key occasions such as the 80th anniversary of Victory over Europe (VE 80) and Victory over Japan with public events in the community, we have collaborated on several projects including the recording of a music album which included songs written by several of our volunteer team and depict their life stories in relation to military service. The footfall of direct beneficiaries (Veterans) and indirect beneficiaries (Veteran family members and the non veteran community) has increased brilliantly this year and as such, we have we have seen a higher turn over of trade through our front of house caffi; namely Caffinaafi. This positive uplift has enabled the organisation to continue our core operations of supporting the communities here in North East Wales. Looking forward into 2026, there are some strategic hesitations regarding our organisational growth in so much as if we are to hit the VAT Thresholds as they currently stand, this will add more pressure due to the added responsibilities that collecting / managing VAT may bring to an organisation that is led and managed by volunteers. If the VAT thresholds are lowered by the government, it could massively impact the chance of growth for our voluntary community organisation as we would technically be catapulted into the VAT arena before we are strategically ready to do so. That said; although reticent about that prospect, I am confident that with the right support set in place; in advance, that we will be able to manage safely any growth and we may simply need to ‘cut our cloth accordingly’ and reassess our strategy at that time. In addition to the above, there are worries regarding the Chancellors recent increase in business costs for businesses employing personnel in line with National Insurance contributions and tax commitments. Whilst this isn’t a major issue at present, it may well be if we are not considerate regarding how and when we employ additional people as we grow and develop. Essentially the increased costs would need to be paid for by increasing any revenue from Caffinaafi, the Gardening Service and the Cleaning operations. But with the rapid rising costs of living in the UK including the high cost of food/ ingredients we need to sensibly manage any price increases in the main areas of Caffinaafi and the Gardening Service so as not to defeat the whole objective not only lose customers but the underpinning ethos of being a not for profit community organisation. Aside from the ongoing success of Caffinaafi; we have launched a Veteran led Gardening service called The VC Hub Gardening Team which has been very well received in the local region. This element of the VC Hub has provided employment to veterans on a self employed basis and facilitated further engagement between the local communities and members of The VC Hub. This element of the organisation will continue to trade into the next financial year and in a similar manner to Caffinaafi will provide a source of income for veterans as well as a percentage of income for the ‘Gardening work’ being sewn back into the organisation and in turn the wider community. The development of the gardening service has also been supported by grant funding in May 2025 provided by an external organisation and Flintshire County Council at £14’000 which has provided the chance for the Gardening team to reduce their carbon footprint and purchase a range of battery powered equipment. The organisation used the funding to purchase a rage of professional equipment. In addition to the above, the organisation has extended its operation and started a cleaning section too. This is in the early stages of development but has secured a contract with a local organisation and now employs a self employed cleaner to complete the work on our behalf. The aim is that if this element works well, we will look at extending this offer to the wider community. Ultimately increasing our turn over and further securing work for veterans. In September 2025. The organisation was successful in securing a community grant from the Community Lottery (National Lottery) for £20’000.00. The money is to support the development of The VC Hub Therapy Den located in Queensferry, Flintshire. The aim of this funding / project is to help the organisation develop our offer to Veterans and their family members in the North Wales region so that those in crisis will have access to a safe space where they can receive support and advice in a quiet outdoor space with a cabin built on site and manned by volunteers. The work commenced on the 15TH December 2025 and will hopefully open and operational on May 2026. The above information clearly shows that the organisation is working with several external organisations believing in our model of practice / our strategic vision. As we enter 2026, the organisation will be applying for significant funding via the governments ‘Office for Veterans Affairs (The OVA) who have now opened the applications for funding through the UK to be conducted in two phases. The first application round being completed by end January 2026. The second round of applications for funding will take place in the spring of 2026 which is when we will submit a formal application for funding to significantly develop our strategic vision, enhance our offer and to cover salaries and core operating costs should we successful. The VC has also been donated a vehicle from a veteran to help support our operations and will be used to day to day to help with our operations. The vehicle will be liveried and will help with advertising and help to facilitate veteran travel on a non payment perspective where required. From a positive social impact perspective, I am confident that our organisation is fulfilling its obligations to support and enhance the local communities in and around the area of North East Wales. Our operations are underpinned by the values set out in the Future Wellbeing Generations Act (Wales) 2015 which formally came into being in September 2025. A measure of this will be seen again this Christmas Day when for the third year in succession, Caffinaafi will be open to all of the local community who may wish to visit for free refreshments and food.

The company’s activities continue to be informed by our growing team of volunteers (18 in number). They are our core stakeholders, the first point of contact with our communities who help to shape and deliver the range of activities we deliver. We have team meetings approximately every 8 - 12 weeks where feedback is discussed and ideas put forward. The organisation operates on a daily basis with direct and indirect beneficiaries as well as non veterans too. We engage in several opportunities to communicate either face to face each day and/or via our social media pages which now have a combined following of over two and a half thousand users and enables us to reach a wider audience through the UK and beyond. We have an active website which is in the final stages of being launched too.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration