REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02568695 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1028076

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

for

CROW - Coventry Recycling of Waste

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

4

Independent Examiner's Report

5

Statement of Financial Activities

6

Balance Sheet

7

to

8

Notes to the Financial Statements

9

to

17

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 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).

The trustees have complied with their duty in Section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission.

This report is prepared in accordance with the small company regime, Section 419(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The objects of the charity are to promote, using the medium of recycling and reuse of waste materials, the education, training, employment and support, especially though not exclusively, of adults with disabilities and learning difficulties. To achieve this CROW provides supported work experience and training for adults with disabilities and learning difficulties at a community-based recycling centre.

Using waste materials such as drink cans, office grade paper, fabrics and other recyclable materials collected from companies, voluntary groups and the public, supervised training in basic processing and warehousing skills is made available to people disadvantaged in the workplace.

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES ETC

Waste Recycling and Scrapstore

In May 2012, a Scrapstore scheme was launched at CROW comprising a 'treasure trove' of materials suitable for arts and crafts activities. The Scrapstore is open to schools, community groups and individuals who engage in art and crafts and was a first for Coventry; it is now a very popular facility. CROW employs a part-time Scrapstore Manager who has greatly expanded the sales and activities year on year and has recruited several volunteers.

In 2025, income from the collection and processing of office paper decreased slightly relative to the previous year, but that from Al cans was well up on the previous 2 years. There was another big increase (35%) in income from the Scrapstore.

Training Contracts

Training contracts with Community Learning Disabilities Team (CLDT) and Coventry City Council were terminated several years ago, but CROW has continued to work with the people placed, despite the lack of payment for this work. CROW continues to work with voluntary agencies to provide unpaid work/training placements either on a long or short-term basis.

Overview

The actions taken by Coventry City Council since October 2014 (the stopping of funding for the placements, the ending of the contract for shredding of confidential waste and the loss of can-bank collections following the introduction of the "blue bin" scheme) had considerable financial implications for the charity. This made the charity increasingly reliant on fund-raising activities, in general, and the donations of one supporting organisation in particular, to meet total expenditure and support further developments. Existing and new business customers continue to use the charity's services, and new customers are constantly being sought. In particular, the activities of the Scrapstore have expanded considerably (see above).

2025 saw the 40th anniversary of the founding of CROW in 1985 which was marked by modest celebrations.

Public benefit

The charity's activities, as described in this Trustees Report, explain how they are of public benefit. The trustees confirm that they comply with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the general guidance by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Volunteers

There is an established and approved Volunteer Policy within the charity to ensure best practice and safeguards for volunteers and service users.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

CROW continues to offer recycling services for confidential and non-confidential office paper and sells bales of shredded paper for animal bedding and packaging. The work with community groups to save drinks cans for processing and recycling also continues. The income from the trading activities excluding the Scrapstore increased by 12% relative to 2024 and increased by 25% when the Scrapstore income is included.

CROW Staff and Volunteers are committed to providing appropriate levels of support to the young people and adults placed at CROW. The part-time Office Manager assists with the updating of policies and procedures (eg on data protection and Health & Safety) and actively publicises CROW's activities, leading to several new customers. She has also taken responsibility for fund raising and has been very successful in obtaining several donations, some for specific projects (eg replacement the kitchen windows) and some that can be used to help with general running costs. The total raised in 2025 was £47,346 (2024: £35,231) in addition to the Micropathology donation - see below.

The disadvantaged Service Users continue to benefit from a variety of activities, including assisting the Driver with collections for those who are physically able. Perhaps the greatest benefit comes from their social interaction with the staff and each other.

New Developments and improvements

A major new, ongoing, development, supported by a grant from the National Lottery, was the development of a food growing project on some of the land behind the building, with raised vegetable beds and new fruit trees. This has continued to provide a range of new activities for the disadvantaged service users. Visits from school parties to demonstrate recycling in action to pupils are encouraged and some craft workshops have been held for members of the local community. A section of the external metal fencing has been replaced to improve security.

A new innovation has been the compilation of an Impact Report by the Office Manager that includes statistics on the number of Service Users and Volunteers and the results of surveys of the views of both Service Users and Customers. For example, in 2025, 30 service users undertook placements at Crow totalling 2,423 hrs and 6 individuals volunteered to assist at CROW. This Report gives an impressive overview of the achievements of CROW and is available on the CROW website.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The charity has continued to provide a collection and recycling service to the local business community and schools for which it charges. During 2025, the charity again received a significant donation from Micropathology Limited to enable CROW to continue the work of supporting disadvantaged people. The Directors of Micropathology have stated their intention to continue to support CROW for which the Trustees of CROW are very grateful. Apart from the Micropathology funding, other donations have increased again in 2025 (see above).

The strong income performance in 2025 was, of course, partially offset by general increases in many costs, particularly energy costs. In addition, the charity undertook a number of remedial works following advice from its insurance brokers in order to secure lower insurance premiums. These works included the installation of a new CCTV system and improvements to fire prevention measures.

Overall, reserves increased by 5% at the end of 2025 compared with the previous year, despite the additional expenditure incurred.

Reserves policy

The management committee has examined the charities requirement for reserves in the light of the main aims of the organisation. It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity should be 6-12 months of the expenditure. This target has again been met, with the net reserves proving sufficient to cover approximately 7 month's expenditure of the charity at the end of 2025. The reserves are needed to meet the working capital requirements of the charity and the management committee are confident that they will be able to continue with the current activities of the charity, despite continued reliance upon donations and grants.

Staffing

The part-time Scrapstore Manager, appointed in August 2021, has continued with the expansion and re-organisation of the contents of the Scrapstore, increases in publicity and recruitment of more volunteers to assist her. The benefits of these changes were very apparent in 2024 and again in 2025

The long-serving Warehouse Manager announced his intention to retire on his 67th birthday in February 2026. At the time of writing (23rd February 2026), his replacement has been in post for about 5 weeks and is settling in well.

Insurance issues

As mentioned in the 2024 report, a quote for the Building insurance from Recyclesure of £10,200 was accepted. A requirement of this policy was to install CCTV and, after a few teething problems, this was done together with further upgrading of the electrical systems. This appears to have paid off because the renewal quote for 2026 is only £5 more than the 2025 premium.

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.

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The Directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's articles are known as Members of the management committee. The Memorandum and Articles of Association determine the number, election procedure and period of office in which they can serve.

Organisational structure

A board of trustees of up to 13 members, who meet regularly, administer the charity. The Warehouse Manager, the Office Manager and the Scrapstore Manger are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the charity. One of the trustees works at Crow on voluntary basis 1 or 2 days per week to oversee the financial and administrative functions. One Trustee resigned in 2025 and has not been replaced.

Induction and training of new trustees

The trustees are generally familiar with the practical work of the charity and are given all relevant documents. From the outset, trustees are briefed by the committee and the managing trustees to give an overview of the charity, the role of the trustees and related information.

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 have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks.

Significant external risks to funding are being reduced by the diversification of its activities. However the charity is reliant upon continued donations and grant receipts. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charity. The procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they still meet the needs of the charity.

Development of Policy and Procedures

The Office Manager has continued to review and update policy and procedures, particularly those relating to Health and Safety and GDPR. In relation to the latter, the Council Education Department insisted that we take out Professional Indemnity insurance to cover collection and processing of confidential papers.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

02568695 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1028076

Registered office

Orchard House

Sparkbrook Street

Hillfields

Coventry

West Midlands

CV1 5LB

Trustees

W F Smith Part-Time Lecturing/Teaching

J E Coleman Retired

B M Van Weenen Retired (resigned 27.5.2026)

K L Kelly General Manager (resigned 24.6.2025)

M C McManus House Person And Charity Worker (resigned 1.4.2026)

P K Bailey Retired

A J Bellamy (appointed 1.6.2026)

Company Secretary

W F Smith

Independent Examiner

Leigh Christou Ltd

Chartered Certified Accountants

Leofric House

Binley Road

Coventry

CV3 1JN

Other names

The registered name of the charity is as disclosed in the heading of the financial statements. The charity is also known by the following name: CROW Recycling

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 30 June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

J E Coleman - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of CROW - Coventry Recycling of Waste ('the Company')

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

Mr C A Christou

Leigh Christou Ltd

Chartered Certified Accountants

Leofric House

Binley Road

Coventry

CV3 1JN

30 June 2026

31.12.25

31.12.24

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

as restated

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

2

44,245

38,101

82,346

70,230

Charitable activities

Recycling activites

20,430

-

20,430

18,236

Other trading activities

3

30,375

-

30,375

22,632

Total

95,050

38,101

133,151

111,098

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

Recycling activites

109,016

13,716

122,732

109,837

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(13,966

)

24,385

10,419

1,261

Transfers between funds

13

124

(124

)

-

-

Net movement in funds

(13,842

)

24,261

10,419

1,261

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

198,659

6,195

204,854

203,593

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

184,817

30,456

215,273

204,854

31.12.25

31.12.24

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

as restated

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

9

133,664

-

133,664

128,897

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

10

9,829

438

10,267

11,551

Cash at bank and in hand

45,371

32,646

78,017

68,476

55,200

33,084

88,284

80,027

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

11

(4,047

)

(2,628

)

(6,675

)

(4,070

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

51,153

30,456

81,609

75,957

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

184,817

30,456

215,273

204,854

NET ASSETS

184,817

30,456

215,273

204,854

FUNDS

13

Unrestricted funds

184,817

198,659

Restricted funds

30,456

6,195

TOTAL FUNDS

215,273

204,854

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 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 30 June 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

J E Coleman - Trustee

1.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements - going concern

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The charity has become increasingly reliant upon organisations providing donations and grant funding to continue to meet its day to day working capital requirements. The recurrence of such generosity from both local and national organisations cannot be guaranteed and the charity has no firm commitment of funding from any significant donor or grant provider. The charity's balance sheet largely consists of tangible fixed assets which are not readily convertible into working capital. The charity's reserves policy has been met this year.

The Trustees have continue discussions with a number of organisations, with a view to providing working capital, either on a gifted or loan basis, in order to alleviate the strain on the charity's cashflow, this has proved successful with an increase in donations received. The Trustees therefore believe it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that would result if the charity were unable to continue as a going concern.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

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

Long leasehold

-

Period of lease

Plant and machinery

-

20% on cost

Fixtures and fittings

-

10% on cost

Motor vehicles

-

25% on reducing balance

Computer equipment

-

33% on cost

All fixed assets are stated at cost. Each purchase is considered on its merits as to whether it is a fixed asset, subject to a minimum of £100.

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.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

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

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

2.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

31.12.25

31.12.24

as restated

£

£

Donations

41,995

41,780

Grants received

40,351

28,450

82,346

70,230

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

31.12.25

31.12.24

as restated

£

£

The Eveson Trust

-

4,000

Garfield Weston Foundation

-

5,000

Heart of England Community Foundation

9,214

-

National Lottery

19,992

8,500

WPH Grant

-

4,000

Michael Marsh Trust

400

450

Lille Johnson

500

300

Clothworkers Foundations

-

2,400

WE Dunn Charity Trust

500

300

Voluntary Action Coventry (VAC)

-

2,500

Archers Trust

1,000

1,000

Rowlands Trust

4,820

-

Coventry City Council

2,175

-

William Cadbury Charitable Trust

750

-

The Coventry General Charity

1,000

-

40,351

28,450

3.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

31.12.25

31.12.24

as restated

£

£

Fundraising events

30,375

22,632

4.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

31.12.25

31.12.24

as restated

£

£

Depreciation - owned assets

5,221

3,938

Other operating leases

3,000

3,000

5.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

No remuneration was paid or payable for the year to any trustee or to any person known to be connected with them directly or indirectly out of the funds of the charity,

Trustees' expenses

There were no Trustees' expenses paid during the year ended 31 December 2025 nor for the year ended 31 December 2024.

6.	STAFF COSTS

31.12.25

31.12.24

as restated

£

£

Wages and salaries

52,519

48,373

Other pension costs

1,032

968

53,551

49,341

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

31.12.25

31.12.24

as restated

Administrative staff

4

4

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

7.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

fund

funds

funds

as restated

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

54,280

15,950

70,230

Charitable activities

Recycling activites

18,236

-

18,236

Other trading activities

22,632

-

22,632

Total

95,148

15,950

111,098

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

Recycling activites

95,656

14,181

109,837

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(508

)

1,769

1,261

Transfers between funds

574

(574

)

-

Net movement in funds

66

1,195

1,261

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

198,593

5,000

203,593

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

198,659

6,195

204,854

8.	PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT

The prior year figures have been restated to correct the disclosure of unrestricted funds. The adjustment relates to a reclassification between fund categories and does not affect the charity's total funds, surplus/(deficit) for the year, or net assets as previously reported.

9.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures

Long

Plant and

and

leasehold

machinery

fittings

£

£

£

COST

At 1 January 2025

164,677

54,088

3,143

Additions

-

-

4,069

At 31 December 2025

164,677

54,088

7,212

DEPRECIATION

At 1 January 2025

43,664

54,088

3,143

Charge for year

1,664

-

401

At 31 December 2025

45,328

54,088

3,544

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 December 2025

119,349

-

3,668

At 31 December 2024

121,013

-

-

Motor

Computer

vehicles

equipment

Totals

£

£

£

COST

At 1 January 2025

12,869

3,836

238,613

Additions

-

5,919

9,988

At 31 December 2025

12,869

9,755

248,601

DEPRECIATION

At 1 January 2025

5,014

3,807

109,716

Charge for year

1,964

1,192

5,221

At 31 December 2025

6,978

4,999

114,937

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 December 2025

5,891

4,756

133,664

At 31 December 2024

7,855

29

128,897

10.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

31.12.25

31.12.24

as restated

£

£

Trade debtors

1,468

2,012

Other debtors

-

312

VAT

438

-

Prepayments

8,361

9,227

10,267

11,551

11.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

31.12.25

31.12.24

as restated

£

£

Trade creditors

2,628

-

Social security and other taxes

892

591

VAT

353

531

Pension creditor

280

176

Accrued expenses

2,522

2,772

6,675

4,070

12.	LEASING AGREEMENTS

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

31.12.25

31.12.24

as restated

£

£

Within one year

3,000

3,000

Between one and five years

12,000

12,000

In more than five years

200,001

203,001

215,001

218,001

Operating lease commitment relates to the rental charge on the long leasehold, included as a tangible fixed asset.

13.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

Transfers

movement

between

At

At 1.1.25

in funds

funds

31.12.25

£

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

198,659

(13,966

)

124

184,817

Restricted funds

Fire Doors

-

2,630

-

2,630

Garden Project

6,195

14,242

-

20,437

Cookery Project

-

124

(124

)

-

Roller Shutters

-

7,389

-

7,389

6,195

24,385

(124

)

30,456

TOTAL FUNDS

204,854

10,419

-

215,273

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

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

95,050

(109,016

)

(13,966

)

Restricted funds

Fire Doors

4,820

(2,190

)

2,630

Garden Project

20,492

(6,250

)

14,242

Kitchen Windows

1,825

(1,825

)

-

Cookery Project

400

(276

)

124

Roller Shutters

7,389

-

7,389

Warehouse Lights

2,175

(2,175

)

-

Energy Costs

1,000

(1,000

)

-

38,101

(13,716

)

24,385

TOTAL FUNDS

133,151

(122,732

)

10,419

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net

Transfers

movement

between

At

At 1.1.24

in funds

funds

31.12.24

£

£

£

£

Unrestricted fund

198,593

(508

)

574

198,659

Restricted funds

Garden Project

5,000

1,769

(574

)

6,195

TOTAL FUNDS

203,593

1,261

-

204,854