Company registration number 03141290 (England and Wales)
Charity registration number 1078607 (England and Wales)
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mr P J Winstone
Mr J Kearney
Mrs L P Sowerby
Dr A Knight
Mr G Rodgers
Secretary
Mr J Kearney
Charity number
1078607
Company number
03141290
Registered office
Unit 8
Mandale Park
Cannon Street
Middlesbrough
TS1 5AJ
Independent examiner
AbacusBean Limited
Level Q
Surtees Business Park
Stockton on Tees
TS18 3HR
Bankers
Barclays Bank Plc
Unit 1 Centre Mall
The Mall
Middlesbrough
TS1 2NR
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 6
Independent examiner's report
7
Statement of financial activities
8
Balance sheet
9
Statement of cash flows
10
Notes to the financial statements
11 - 23
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 1 -

The Trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 present their annual report and financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2026.

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

Purposes and Aims of The Hope Foundation

From the Charities Commission Governing Document:

 

The advancement of education, the provision of opportunities for training, the advancement of religion and the relief of poverty of persons on low income.

Charity Aims

The aim of the charity is relieving poverty and helping provide hope and a purpose for local people. We do this by improving their identification of available opportunities, ability to access them and support for them to achieve their goals and targets in a supportive environment.

 

Specific aims include

a) Raising aspirations, motivation and participation in social, educational and economic life

b) Enabling people to address barriers including social, psychological, personal and health issues

c) Increasing skills and employability

d) Encouraging the integration of all sectors of the community

e) Reducing loneliness and isolation

f) Supporting people to progress into work, education or volunteering

g) Helping people develop their confidence in themselves and their abilities

h) Providing volunteering and work experience opportunities

i) Working with a wide range of partners to meet individual and community need

 

This helps create a safer and stronger local community, helping address poverty, exclusion and disadvantage for local residents.

Public benefit

In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. All work and services we carry out are for public benefit and the good of our local community. They are all to meet our aims and objectives.

Local Situation

 

Employment and Skills

Between the census of 2011 and 2021 the population of Middlesbrough has increased by 4% the 3rd largest percentage increase in the North East. 5.3% of the population are unemployed (economically active) across Middlesbrough compared to 3.7% nationally and 3.9% across the North East. The proportion claiming unemployment related benefits was 6.2% in March 2024. 29.2% of the population were economically inactive (retired, looking after the home or family being temporarily long term sick and disabled. This is higher than across the North East 24.2% and nationally 21.2%.

 

Health and Wellbeing

Employment, skills and poverty are important risk factors linked to health and wellbeing of local residents (Director of Health Report - mental health and emotional wellbeing in Middlesbrough 2014/15). Loneliness and isolation are societal issues. WHO defines mental health as the state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to their community. There is a massive rise in mental health needs and drug and alcohol issues locally.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 2 -
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives

Activities, Projects and Services

The charity had to reduce its work and services in the period due to changes and the demands of raising and continuing funding pressures nationally and across the Middlesbrough and Tees Valley community.

 

Our services were fully delivered until The Hope Foundation premises at Hope House were closed to the public on 28th November 2025 and the majority of staff were made redundant. Hope House had to be closed and a number of staff were made redundant due to the unsustainable loss the Charity was incurring in the period. The furbd project continued to operate at separate premises.

 

6 part time staff and 7 full time staff were made redundant.

 

The staff that were retained are all working on the furbd project which had full support through TVCA until the 31st March 2026. The project was based in the University of Teesside on a six months renewable lease which had been extended a number of times since 3 October 2022.

 

The furbd team moved into new premises in central Middlesbrough on the 12/3/2026. This was to enable the project to continue to raise its profile and develop its own work to address digital inclusion and work with those people from neurodivergent backgrounds.

 

By delivering our services we directly impact identified local issues in the 6th most deprived area in the country (index of Multiple Deprivation). We impact the index categories of Education, skills and training (IMD scores 13.5%), income deprivation (IMD 22.5%), employment deprivation (22.5%), health deprivation and disability (13.5%), barriers to housing and services domain (9.3%).

 

Our objectives are

To continually identify local need and facilitate the delivery of appropriate services to meet that need. We do that through our own delivery, collaboration or signposting to a wide range of partners ensuring we support people appropriately and in a holistic way.

To meet the needs identified by enabling local residents to recognise and have the support they require and know how to achieve their aspirations, goals and targets in a safe and supportive environment.

 

 

Our current services/activities include but are not limited to:

 

1) a. Quality formal and informal teaching and learning opportunities

 

Middlesbrough College

The Hope Foundation delivered functional skills qualifications from entry 1 to level 2 including Maths, English and IT, alongside life skills around social skills, confidence and employability. Our teaching approach was accessible and provided learning in a supportive way. The community were able to take up opportunities to learn in a way that suits them and in a space that suits them. The majority of this work was funded through TVCA from the Adult Skills Budget as a subcontractor of Middlesbrough College. This funding was significantly reduced for the 25/26 academic year but we met all targets met until the termly contract finished on the 30 December 2026.

 

 

b. Supporting the development of digital skills and use of technology to support inclusion and opportunity

We were able to distribute devices and engage learners that were most digitally excluded with data support provided through the databank and the Good Things Foundation.

 

furbd

 

Tees Valley Combined Authority UKSPF from April 2025 to March 2026

furbd has been supported through UKSPF funds for 1 year to March 2026.

This has enabled the continued employment of the Business Development Manager, the technical support officer and a part time marketing officer and volunteer support. The support has also funded the rebrand and review of the website to include the ability to sell devices to make the project more sustainable. furbd has built up links with businesses and statutory services as donors of redundant equipment.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 3 -

Many local agencies, working with the most vulnerable in society, have been recruited as distributors of the devices to the people they are working with. Local agencies have been recruited as drop off points including Middlesbrough libraries. Connectivity needs have been supported through the Good Things Foundation and the national data bank.

 

Digital Volunteers

All our volunteering uses aspects of IT. From logging hours to supporting people to access IT.

Partnership with the College and University has resulted in work experience and internships being offered. Current placements are for T level students, masters and degree students and level 3 technical students. The t level students are key to supporting the furbd contract

 

Access to trailblazers funds from Stockton council has enabled us to employ 2 young autistic people who completed their funded posts 1 in March 26 the second in May 2026. furbd have kept them in post with temporary renewable contracts subject to funding.

 

UK Social Prosperity Fund and furbd June 23 to March 24

The Hope Foundation was part of a partnership which in June 2023 was successful in accessing support through the UKSPF from Tees Valley Combined Authority. The main partners are The University of Teesside, The Hope Foundation and Good Things Foundation.

This feasibility project which ran until March 2024 helped to support furbd. Through the fund we were able to start the development of an ecommerce platform, rebrand furbdit to furbd, employ a technical manager, a part time volunteer manager and a digital officer. The work was very successful in raising the understanding of the impact of the furbd project in the local area. It also helped the development of work to make the project sustainable in the longer term. The University conducted the research as to local needs with the project looking at the issues through a feasibility study around digital exclusion and the 3 main pillars; the need for devices, connectivity and skills. The local authorities as part of the project explored different skills delivery models to meet local needs.

 

furbd has continued to develop and operate and recently won the abilitynet Tech for Good Global award 2026 for its exceptional work with inclusion of workers with ADHD and autism.

 

 

2) Information, advice and careers support

Our contract with Educational Development Trust (EDT) enabled us to deliver through the government's National Careers Service. The service includes quality workshops, 1 to 1 appointments and drop in support. This contract was important in being able to help link local people with preparing for working life and to address their barriers, as well as further support into employment, training and volunteering opportunities. The service delivered in Middlesbrough. The contract was terminated by ourselves in November 2026.

 

3) Moving residents closer to and into employment, training and volunteering

A lot of our work is to help progress individuals to where they need to be, to achieve their goal. The employability support included a CV workshop, work club and cybercafé. Through support with basic IT skills we helped with using the internet and applying for jobs and recording job search activity. We have access to quality LMI (Labour Market Intelligence) and good local employer and training delivery knowledge. This work was supported through parts of the National Careers Service and Middlesbrough College contracts as well as the cybercafé and volunteer support.

 

4) Facilitating volunteer placement and work experience opportunities

The support of volunteers is key to the Charity's day to day operations. Volunteers and work experience opportunities were available in all areas of the delivery. This includes administration, reception, tutor support, café support, work club delivery, digital skills and activities. Volunteers provide added value to all areas of our work and helps us to be able to deliver quality services. For some this has proved to provide a pathway into employment. We have formal volunteers with a number of regular days supporting the work that goes on. We also have informal volunteering opportunities where people help on an ad hoc basis for example with handyman and garden roles. The only volunteering roles to continue were those with furbd.

 

In the period we calculated volunteers worked 1,450 hours for the Charity. At a notional cost of £12.50 per hour over the period this equates to a contribution of approximately £18,125.

 

All except the furbd volunteers have moved on to further opportunities.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 4 -

5) Providing activities and services that encourage participation and reduce loneliness and isolation

 

Café

The café was a safe space for the community of Hope and Middlesbrough town centre. This is where learners, staff and friends met. Activities took place in this social space with internet access and accessible space for meals and drop in. The staff were supportive and they always found time to chat and make people welcome. As it seats about 35 people there was always a presence and people who come along soon make friends and are able to access support as required. This closed on the on the 28 November 2025

 

Middlesbrough Mental Health Collective

The formal partnership continued to grow with 10 partner voluntary organisations involved as part of the mental health transformation programme. The café and staff supported many people with complex mental health and other issues who need a space to go and ‘belong’ and be ‘seen’. By linking up services, signposting and informal and formal support, people are better served to have their needs met in terms of mental health support. We had community navigators through the NHS based in the centre once a week.

 

Cyber Café closed November 2025

The cyber café enabled people to get access and support for digital skills. Hope 2 Work and CV workshops with the focus on finding work took place weekly. Other work included tea and tech sessions, support to apply for jobs, how to use your device and support accessing online courses and learning.

         

Centre for Warmth project finished November 2025

April 2024 to March 2026 a project working with the Northern Gas Network was helping people with their utility bills tackling the cost of living and fuel crisis. By helping vulnerable people register on the priority service register and learn about the effects of carbon monoxide and also having access to carbon monoxide alarms residents were supported. Other benefits of the project included healthy eating and the distribution of slow cookers. As we terminated the delivery due to safeguarding concerns in the building we paid back the balance of the grant to Northern Gas Networks.

 

Community Healthy Hearts

This project was being headed up by The Hope Foundation with a range of partners on behalf of Middlesbrough Council and Public Health. The project has been extended to 2 years to March 2026 but we had to terminate our contract on the 28th November when Hope House closed to the public.

 

 

6) Premises and Buildings

The Hope Foundation premises 1, Grange Road, Middlesbrough TS1 5BA are up for sale at the asking price of 375K

 

Last year there were major improvements to the premises. This included support through business in the community help with a new front door and entry system.

They also supported new windows which were replaced through support from Esh.

 

furbd is now based at Unit 8 Mandale Park Cannon Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 5AJ on a lease basis.

 

 

IT Infrastructure

There have been significant changes in the year with the Hope Foundation server being closed down and a new server installed at furbd premises. All of the Hope Foundation IT equipment has been transferred to furbd.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 5 -
Financial review

The period has been a very challenging time for the Charity as due to the significant losses being incurred drastic action had to be taken to ensure the Charity could continue to operate into the future. It was with regret the trustees decided to close Hope House which was the base for the majority of services being delivered which resulted in 13 redundancies and the closure of many services.

 

The losses in the 8 months period were £179,534 which included redundancy costs of £49,175 and operating in the same way was not sustainable and the reason for the action taken by the trustees.

 

The charity continues to operate principally through it’s digital inclusion project furbd which is located at separate premises. Losses have been significantly reduced post the reporting period and the Charity still has adequate reserves to operate it’s current reduced delivery. Total reserves are £516,519 and the current asset ratio is a healthy 6.5:1. The total funds value is £516,519 of which £474,996 are unrestricted funds and £41,523 are restricted.

 

It is the objective for the Charity to be breakeven within 12 months and to develop the educational support and delivery to the neuro diverse.

Reserves policy

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 six month’s expenditure. The Trustees 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.

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 trustees are aware of the potential risks to the charity both financial and otherwise and implements strategies to control or minimise these risks. Regular reviews of risks and controls are undertaken.

Plans for future periods

There are continuing funding challenges in the current financial climate.

 

Some of the challenges in the year will be:

 

1) To continue to address digital poverty and the needs of the local community in terms of digital skills through furbd

2) Develop their premises to be fit for purpose

3) To maintain the furbd staff team with the end of the UKSPF programme in March 2026 with appropriate funding.

4) To develop furbd’s sustainability through the e-commerce platform, sales and business partnerships.

5) New sources of funding are being continually sought to ensure adequate funding to maximise the delivery of our Purposes and Aims to the community. Adequate financial resources are held to meet current and future liabilities of the Charity and to fulfil our Reserves policy.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The organisation is a Christian based charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on the 27 December 1995 and registered as a charity on 15 December 1999. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which establishes the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 6 -

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr P J Winstone
Mr J Kearney
Mrs L P Sowerby
Dr A Knight
Mr G Rodgers
Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purposes of charity law and throughout the report are collectively referred to as the trustees.

 

The trustees are appointed according to the constitution of the organisation. One third of the trustees are required to retire from office at each AGM. A retiring trustee is eligible for re-election. The current trustee board is currently being reviewed to ensure that the organisation has the right people on the board to move forward with furbd.

Organisational structure

The executive committee met 3 times between August 2025 and March 2026 to review activities, consider the financial position and to decide strategy and procedures.

 

A management committee has been established to support the furbd project which comprises of 2 members of the board with the management staff running furbd. The management committee meets monthly and reports to the full board.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr J Kearney
Trustee
14 July 2026
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
- 7 -

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Hope Foundation Limited (the charity) for the period ended 31 March 2026.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 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 that in any material respect:

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 Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the financial statements 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 financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.

Beverley Goodall BA BFP FCA
AbacusBean Limited
Level Q
Surtees Business Park
Stockton on Tees
TS18 3HR
Dated: 23 July 2026
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 8 -
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Charitable activities
-
Grants and contracts
3
79,663
171,069
250,732
262,091
305,022
567,113
Café income
3
13,107
-
13,107
46,395
-
46,395
Investments
4
7,678
-
7,678
15,003
-
15,003
Other income
5
39,263
-
39,263
64,151
20
64,171
Total income
139,711
171,069
310,780
387,640
305,042
692,682
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
305,949
184,365
490,314
398,325
277,136
675,461
Total expenditure
305,949
184,365
490,314
398,325
277,136
675,461
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
(166,238)
(13,296)
(179,534)
(10,685)
27,906
17,221
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 August 2025
641,234
54,819
696,053
651,919
26,913
678,832
Fund balances at 31 March 2026
474,996
41,523
516,519
641,234
54,819
696,053

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period.

 

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

 

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2026
31 March 2026
- 9 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
350,391
347,432
Current assets
Debtors
13
60,581
81,388
Cash at bank and in hand
150,202
384,409
210,783
465,797
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
(32,655)
(117,176)
Net current assets
178,128
348,621
Total assets less current liabilities
528,519
696,053
Provisions for liabilities
15
(12,000)
-
Net assets
516,519
696,053
Net assets
516,519
696,053
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
17
41,523
54,819
Unrestricted funds
474,996
641,234
516,519
696,053

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 March 2026.

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 Trustees on 14 July 2026
Mr J Kearney
Trustee
Company registration number 03141290 (England and Wales)
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 10 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
23
(227,174)
(107,086)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(14,711)
(10,737)
Investment income received
7,678
15,003
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities
(7,033)
4,266
Net cash generated from financing activities
-
-
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(234,207)
(102,820)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
384,409
487,229
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
150,202
384,409
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 11 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

The Hope Foundation Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Hope House, 1 Grange Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 5BA

1.1
Reporting period

The accounting period has been shortened by 4 months to align with the Government fiscal year and that of many of the organisations with which the charity works. As the reporting period is 8 months, the comparative amounts in these accounts, including the notes, will not be entirely comparable.

1.2
Basis of preparation

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 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 Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees 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 Trustees 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.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
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.
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 12 -

Gifts of fixed assets are included within donations in the Statement of Financial Activities at their estimated market value and capitalised in the balance sheet. Intangible income, which comprises donated services, is included in income at a valuation which is an estimate of the financial cost borne where such cost is quantifiable and measurable. No income is recognised when there is no financial cost borne by a third party.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and other Covid support grants are accounted for on an accruals basis and are included in other income.

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
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings
2% on cost on buildings
Fixtures and fittings
20% on reducing balance
Computers
50% on reducing balance and 20% on cost

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.8
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9
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.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.10
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.

1.11
Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the charity has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the charity will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

 

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision is measured at present value, the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in net income/(expenditure) in the period in which it arises.

1.12
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
1.13
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.14

Voluntary services

In addition to recorded incoming resources, the charity received the benefit of many voluntary hours and unclaimed out of pocket expenses contributed to by its supporters. It would be impossible to place a value on all these services and expenses, without which much of the work undertaken could not be achieved and for which the charity is extremely grateful.

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees 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.

3
Income from charitable activities
Grants and contracts
Café income
Total
Grants and contracts
Café income
Total
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
Services provided under contract
250,732
-
250,732
567,113
-
567,113
Ancillary trading income
-
13,107
13,107
-
46,395
46,395
250,732
13,107
263,839
567,113
46,395
613,508
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
79,663
13,107
92,770
262,091
46,395
308,486
Restricted funds
171,069
-
171,069
305,022
-
305,022
250,732
13,107
263,839
567,113
46,395
613,508
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 15 -
4
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
£
£
Interest receivable
7,678
15,003
5
Other income
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
Sundry income
37,035
-
37,035
44,945
20
44,965

Room hire

1,432
-
1,432
7,453
-
7,453

Car park

796
-
796
1,253
-
1,253

Employment allowance

-
-
-
10,500
-
10,500
39,263
-
39,263
64,151
20
64,171
6
Expenditure on charitable activities
Charitable expenditure
Charitable expenditure
2026
2025
£
£
Staff costs
353,025
453,425
Depreciation and impairment
11,752
23,032

Other charitable expenditure

104,153
168,246
468,930
644,703
Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)
Governance
21,384
30,758
490,314
675,461
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
305,949
398,325
Restricted funds
184,365
277,136
490,314
675,461
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 16 -
7
Support costs allocated to activities
2026
2025
£
£
Governance costs
21,384
30,758
Analysed between:
Charitable expenditure
21,384
30,758
8
Net movement in funds
2026
2025
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable to the charity's independent examiner:
- for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements
2,748
2,640
- for other financial services
768
1,152
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
11,752
23,032
9
Trustees

During the financial period, no trustee has been paid remuneration or has received other benefits from employment with the charity.

 

There were no expenses paid to trustees for the period ended 31 March 2026 nor for the year ended 31 July 2025.

10
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the period was:

2026
2025
Number
Number
Charitable Activities
13
16
Managment and administration
2
3
Total
15
19
Employment costs
2026
2025
£
£
Wages and salaries
316,698
409,788
Social security costs
33,670
45,176
Other pension costs
17,196
18,803
367,564
473,767

Redundancy and termination payments totalling £49,175 (2025: £nil) were made in the reporting period. The payments were paid in cash out of the charities general funds and recognised in full as an expense on the SOFA in this accounting period. There are no amounts outstanding at the balance sheet date.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
10
Employees
(Continued)
- 17 -
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

2026
2025
£
£
Aggregate compensation
61,475
55,122
11
Taxation

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

12
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Fixtures and fittings
Computers
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 August 2025
567,999
201,496
68,243
837,738
Additions
11,865
2,846
-
14,711
At 31 March 2026
579,864
204,342
68,243
852,449
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 August 2025
239,855
185,695
64,756
490,306
Depreciation charged in the period
7,774
2,088
1,890
11,752
At 31 March 2026
247,629
187,783
66,646
502,058
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2026
332,235
16,559
1,597
350,391
At 31 July 2025
328,144
15,801
3,487
347,432
13
Debtors
2026
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
8,714
9,767
Other debtors
448
13,160
Prepayments and accrued income
51,419
58,461
60,581
81,388
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 18 -
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2026
2025
£
£
Other taxation and social security
3,740
8,477
Trade creditors
9,458
3,817
Accruals and deferred income
19,457
104,882
32,655
117,176
15
Provisions for liabilities
2026
2025
£
£
Clawback of funds
12,000
-
Movements on provisions:
Clawback of funds
£
Additional provisions in the year
12,000
16
Retirement benefit schemes
2026
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
17,196
18,803

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 19 -
17
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 August 2025
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2026
£
£
£
£
Awards for All (Fun, food and friendship)
2,533
-
(658)
1,875
Café - Thirteen Group
-
6,089
(6,089)
-
Awards for All (2011 & 2013)
1,193
-
(188)
1,005
Big Lottery Fund
17,842
-
(317)
17,525
Community Health Hearts
-
(1,805)
1,805
-
Trailblazer - Furbd
-
14,395
(14,395)
-
BITC - Porch
10,000
-
(259)
9,741
Digital Inclusion Grant
-
4,243
(4,243)
-
Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust (Café)
750
-
(750)
-
Middlesbrough Mela - Mapping Exercise
265
1,250
(1,515)
-
TVCA - Furbd
-
103,000
(103,000)
-
Newcastle Building Society - Hope2Work
2,101
-
(2,101)
-
Northern Gas - Centre for Warmth
-
40,497
(40,497)
-
Church Urban Fund - Tastes Like Home
135
-
(135)
-
BITC - Windows
-
3,400
(23)
3,377
Esh Construction - Windows
20,000
-
(12,000)
8,000
54,819
171,069
(184,365)
41,523
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
17
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 20 -
Previous year:
At 1 August 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 July 2025
£
£
£
£
Tees Valley Business Fund
812
-
(812)
-
CDCF National Emergencies Trust Covid 19 Fund
660
-
(660)
-
Awards for All (Fun, food and friendship)
3,263
-
(730)
2,533
Good Things Foundation - Everyone Thrives/Make it Click
300
-
(300)
-
Awards for All (2011 & 2013)
1,364
-
(171)
1,193
Big Lottery Fund
18,014
-
(172)
17,842
Good Things Foundation - Digital Inclusion Grant
2,500
-
(2,500)
-
Big Lottery - Furbd
-
46,410
(46,410)
-
BITC - Porch
-
20,000
(10,000)
10,000
DWP - Access4Work (Café)
-
8,050
(8,050)
-
Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust (Café)
-
750
-
750
Community Health Hearts
-
41,805
(41,805)
-
Middlesbrough Mela - Mapping Exercise
-
1,250
(985)
265
BITC - Furbd
-
4,000
(4,000)
-
TVCA - Furbd
-
44,500
(44,500)
-
Newcastle Building Society - Hope2Work
-
5,000
(2,899)
2,101
Northern Gas - Centre for Warmth
-
100,332
(100,332)
-
Red Balloons
-
2,500
(2,500)
-
Church Urban Fund - Tastes Like Home
-
4,345
(4,210)
135
Warm Space support
-
6,100
(6,100)
-
Esh Construction - Windows
-
20,000
-
20,000
26,913
305,042
(277,136)
54,819
THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
17
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 21 -

Restricted Funds

Tees Valley Business Fund (2020) - funding towards a new computer network. This fund is depreciated in line with the depreciation policy for the asset classes.

 

CDCF National Emergencies Trust Covid 19 Fund (2020) - purchase staff laptops to enable staff to work from home during the Covid lockdowns. This fund is depreciated in line with the depreciation policy for the asset classes.

 

Awards for All (Fun, food and friendship) (2020) - utilised in October 2021 to upgrade and get the café ready to reopen after Covid. This fund is depreciated in line with the depreciation policy for the asset classes.

 

Good Things Foundation- Everyone Thrives/Make it click (2020) - funding to help improve people's life and work outcomes through the use of digital technology. supply 4 computers and staff time.

 

CDCF National Emergencies Trust Covid 19 Fund (2020) - funded the development of www.furbdit.org.uk website to 1) records the collection of unwanted devices 2) manage the process of receiving and recycling devices 3) the distribution of the devices in the community.

 

Middlesbrough Council Covid Recovery Grant (2020) - supporting Middlesbrough residents coming out of Covid.

 

Awards for All (2013) - a capital grant for café and outdoor furniture and byke bins. This fund is depreciated in line with the depreciation policy for the asset classes.

 

Awards for All (2011) - a grant towards development of the cybercafé, reception and café area.

 

Big Lottery Fund (2007) - a grant to provide and refurbish a new classroom, purchase new equipment and contribution to overheads to support the integration and education project. This fund is depreciated with the depreciation policy for the asset classes.

Northern Gas - Centre for Warmth - helping people with their utility bills tackling the cost of living and fuel crisis. Helping vulnerable people register on the priority service register and learn about the effects of carbon monoxide and also having access to carbon monoxide alarms residents are supported. Other benefits of the project include healthy eating and the distribution of slow cookers.

 

Big Lottery - Furbd - monies support Furbd recycling and re distribution of IT to ensure digital inclusion through working with 120+ organisations working with the most vulnerable.

 

BITC - Porch - Grant funding for porch alterations.

 

Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust - Grant towards café alterations.

 

Newcastle Building Society Community Foundation - Grant to fund Hope2Work scheme.

 

Red Balloons - Grant to fund craft activities.

 

Church Urban Fund - Funding for 'Tastes Like Home' evenings featuring food from around the world.

 

Warm Space Support - funding for Warm Spaces, offering safe, heated environment when it is cold outside.

 

Esh Construction - Windows - Grant for new windows at Hope House.

 

BITC - Windows - Grant for new windows at Hope House.

 

TVCA - Furbd - monies support Furbd recycling and re distribution of IT.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 22 -
18
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 August 2025
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2026
£
£
£
£
General funds
641,234
139,711
(305,949)
474,996
Previous year:
At 1 August 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 July 2025
£
£
£
£
General funds
651,919
387,640
(398,325)
641,234
19
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
£
£
£
At 31 March 2026:
Tangible assets
308,868
41,523
350,391
Current assets/(liabilities)
178,128
-
178,128
Provisions
(12,000)
-
(12,000)
474,996
41,523
516,519
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
At 31 July 2025:
Tangible assets
315,864
31,568
347,432
Current assets/(liabilities)
325,370
23,251
348,621
641,234
54,819
696,053
20
Contingent liabilities

Grants receivable may be repayable in part or in full if certain conditions associated with the grants are not met.

THE HOPE FOUNDATION LIMITED
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 23 -
21
Limited by guarantee

The company does not have share capital, but every member of the company undertakes to contribute such an amount, not exceeding £1, as may be required, to the assets of the company if it should be wound up while they are a member, or within one year after they cease as a a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before they cease as a member and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights for the contributories among themselves.

22
Related party transactions

During the year, Sue Kearney, wife of John Kearney, a trustee, was paid remuneration in respect of services she provided as CEO under a contract of employment with the charity. Details are covered in note 10 under remuneration of key management personnel.

23
Cash absorbed by operations
2026
2025
£
£
(Deficit)/surplus for the period
(179,534)
17,221
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(7,678)
(15,003)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
11,752
23,032
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in stocks
-
12,491
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
20,807
(1,472)
(Decrease) in creditors
(84,521)
(143,355)
(Decrease) in provisions
12,000
-
Cash absorbed by operations
(227,174)
(107,086)
24
Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.

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