Overall GiG Score: 20 ?
Finance Score: 3
Governance Score: 9
Support Score: 8
  • Low unrestricted reserves: -2
  • Strong growth: +2
  • Fundraising costs low: +3
  • Good trustee age range: +3
  • Dynamic board: +3
  • Gender balanced board: +3
  • Grant maker support: +8

LIFE CYCLE 

Life Cycle helps people take up cycling as a way of bringing about social and environmental change. We run a range of practical projects and services that overcome the barriers to cycling. We also pioneer new ways of raising awareness of the many benefits cycling brings: to individuals, to communities and to the planet.
Analysis by Giving is Great

Positives:

  • There has been strong growth in spending over the last 5 years
  • There have been no material income shortfalls in recent years
  • Fundraising costs are low relative to funds raised
  • A significant proportion of recent income was derived from major grant makers including the Government and a Community Foundation
  • The Board appears to be well diversified in terms of age and gender and dynamic in terms of composition

Regulatory & Governance issues to consider:

  • Over half the Board have joined recently

Financial issues to consider:

  • Unrestricted reserves appear to be dangerously low at the latest year end
Established: 25 years

www.lifecycleuk.org.uk

hello@lifecycle.org.uk

01173534580

Charity Commission for England and WalesCompanies HouseFacebook
UN SDGs
?

Financial Data ?

Income & Spending ?
Sources of Income ?
Y/E Income
£k
Spending
£k
Surplus/
Deficit
Fundraising
Cost £k
Total
Funds £k
Unrestricted
Funds £k
Mths
Rsrvs
Staff Volun-
teers
31/03/23£1,111£1,193£-82£50£385£2702.734115
31/03/22£1,046£1,036£9£30£490£344431151
31/03/21£927£800£127£31£470£3024.52859
31/03/20£683£719£-37£23£326£2524.226128
31/03/19£609£617£-8£27£388£2675.222122
31/03/18£511£544£-33£23£375£2535.6180
31/03/17£524£486£38£24£410£2115.2160
31/03/16£462£434£29£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/15£501£411£91£18£341£1745.190
31/03/14£399£378£21£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/13£359£279£81£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/12£222£297£-74£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/11£461£320£141£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/10£287£278£9£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/09£286£255£31£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/08£218£198£20£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/07£184£187£-3£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/06£178£187£-9£0£0£0n/a00
31/03/05£266£265£0£0£0£0n/a00

Financial Ratios
Fundraising Costs/Relevant Income: 5.6%
Fundraising Costs/Total Spending: 4.2%
Highest pay band: Less than £60,000
Liabilities/Assets: 25%
Liabilities/Income: 12%
Unrestricted Funds/Total Funds: 70%
Reserves/Spending: 2.7 months
Net Current Assets/Spending: 2 months
Quick Ratio: 1.2
Asset Split ?
Comment: Income from contracts and fees has grown in 2018-19 making up an increasing share of their funding mix. This marks a step forward in their long term strategy to reduce reliance on grant funding. Income from the sale of refurbished bikes now represents a core foundation of overall funding with hundreds of people donating unwanted bikes for refurbishment.

An overall deficit of £6,942 was made up of a planned £11,897 spend of their designated development fund, an unrestricted general surplus of £5,852 and a small deficit of £897 of restricted funds.

Source: Giving is Great

What it does
  • Disability
  • Economic/Community Development/Employment
  • Education/Training
  • Environment/Conservation/Heritage
  • Other Charitable Purposes
  • Recreation
  • The Advancement Of Health Or Saving Of Lives
  • The Prevention Or Relief Of Poverty
Who works here?
  • 34 employees
  • 115 volunteers
Who it helps
  • Children/Young People
  • Elderly/Old People
  • Other Defined Groups
  • People With Disabilities
  • The General Public/Mankind
How it operates
  • Other charitable activities
  • Provides advocacy/advice/information
  • Provides services
Where it operates
  • Bath And North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Bristol City, Derby City, Leicestershire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon,

Who's supporting them? ?

Donations from Grant Makers ?

We have details on the following significant donations. Multi-year donations are allocated to the years for which they are earmarked.

Major supporters in last 5 years
National Lottery Community Fund£175,310
Somerset Community Foundation£99,790
Quartet Community Foundation£67,858
Garfield Weston Foundation£25,000
Sport England£20,296
Masonic Trust£15,500
DCMS£13,400
Specific Donations
Amount When
Months
To be used for
Masonic Trust - MCF Large Grant
£15,000 18/05/2023
The Over 55’s Project
National Lottery Community Fund - Inclusive Cycling Project
£10,000 10/02/2023
The funding will be used to deliver a cycling programme which includes cycle buddies group rides and wellbeing cafes etc. The project aims to offer people experiencing mental health struggles ....more
Quartet Community Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£5,000 15/11/2022
To create online spaces and arrange Wellbeing Café meet-ups for our Inclusive Cycling community (including disabled people/those on low-income/older people) so they can socialise, share stories and ....more
Quartet Community Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£5,000 17/08/2022
Toward the Bike Back project which promotes the use of low carbon travel by refurbishing unwanted bicycles that are sold to the general public at affordable rates or provided for free.
Quartet Community Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£3,000 19/07/2022
To purchase bike tools and equipment for the Bike Recycling Project, which fixes old, broken bikes and returns them to the community at affordable prices or for free.
Quartet Community Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£5,000 14/07/2022
Tools and equipment to set up new bike project in prison.
Quartet Community Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£5,000 22/06/2022
A programme of cycling activities that targets children-and-young-people in 3 neighbourhoods in Bristol, which falls within the 10% most deprived areas in England.
Masonic Trust - MCF Matched Funding
£500 27/05/2022
Unrestricted matched funding in partnership with the local masonic province
Garfield Weston Foundation - Multi-Year Grant (2 Years) award
£25,000 11/02/2022
core costs to grow Bike Refurbishment project in prisons
Quartet Community Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£300 06/12/2021
As approved by the High Sheriff towards an after School Bike Club at City Academy Bristol
Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust - Life Cycle UK - 28/09/21
£1,500 12/10/2021
Core Funding
National Lottery Community Fund - Life Cycle's Youth Project
£10,000 13/08/2021
The project will use the funding to support the organisation of an annual programme of free cycle activity sessions at adventure playgrounds in Lockleaze and Southmead.
Sport England - Toyota Parasport Two's Company
£5,000 04/08/2021
17
Funding under Sport England's Toyota Parasport Fund funding programme for a Revenue project titled Toyota Parasport Two's Company. This project is a Cycling project, with a focus on beneficiaries ....more
Quartet Community Foundation - Youth project – kids’ cycling activities in 3 deprived areas of Bristol
£5,000 27/07/2021
11
To help continue successful, free cycling activities and bike maintenance programme for disadvantaged children and young people at 3 Adventure Playgrounds in deprived areas of Bristol.
Quartet Community Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£10,000 21/07/2021
11
A new Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) till system for charity bike recycling operations and associated staff implementation costs.
Quartet Community Foundation - Youth project – kids’ cycling activities in 3 deprived areas of Bristol
£2,266 15/07/2021
Toward free weekly bike activity sessions at Adventure Playgrounds in deprived neighbourhoods to help children (typically aged 5-15) from low-income households feel fitter, healthier and more ....more
AB Charitable Trust - A grant to Life Cycle UK
£10,000 21/01/2021
A restricted grant of £10,000 towards the Bike Project Derby. Life Cycle UK is a cycling charity, they provide people with the skills and confidence to get into cycling, as well as working with ....more
Quartet Community Foundation - To fund one City & Guilds Level 2 bursary in Cycle Mechanics for a person who is unemployed/on low income.
£1,100 08/01/2021
To provide City & Guilds Level 2 qualification in Cycle Mechanics to one person - who is unemployed/ or on low income- so they can build their employability.
Sport England - COVID19 Return to Play
£5,400 10/12/2020
3
Funding under Sport England's Small Grants funding programme for a Revenue project titled COVID19 Return to Play. This project lists its main activity as Cycling
DCMS - ALB-SportEngland-COVID19 Return to Play
£5,400 10/12/2020
Funding under Sport England's Small Grants funding programme for a Revenue project titled COVID19 Return to Play. This project lists its main activity as Cycling.
Somerset Community Foundation - Boosting local capacity to encourage cycling in Somerset
£99,790 09/11/2020
35
A project to promote and strengthen cycling in Taunton, Bridgwater and the surrounds through training, support and providing cycle racks.
DCMS - VSCE CMC Fund
£8,000 29/09/2020
NET, Comic Relief and Children in Need will use this funding to provide: increased support to vulnerable people and hidden groups, thus reducing the burden on public services; reach local grassroots ....more
Quartet Community Foundation - Take a Stand
£4,000 04/08/2020
To install cycle stands for free for community organisations/enterprises in Bristol with the aim of encouraging people to travel by bicycle.
Quartet Community Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£10,000 08/07/2020
To re-design services and re-engage volunteers who have been unable to contribute towards due to coronavirus outbreak and lockdown restrictions.
The Clothworkers Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£1,875 01/06/2020
COVID19 : purchase bike tools for a charity that works with vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Bristol
Sport England - COVID-19 CEF
£9,896 20/05/2020
4
Funding under Sport England's COVID-19 Community Emergency Fund funding programme for a Revenue project titled COVID-19 CEF. This project lists its main activity as Sport participation and capacity ....more
Quartet Community Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£3,200 18/05/2020
To provide free bicycle services to low income families in Bristol so they can ride their bikes safely and reliably to make essential journeys and stay active during Covid-19
National Lottery Community Fund - Bikes for Refugees Derby
£155,310 07/01/2020
60
This project will collect donated bikes, refurbish them, and sell them at affordable prices or give them away for free to those in most need. This will give 500 refugees in Derby a free bicycle, ....more
Quartet Community Foundation - Silver Cyclists
£5,000 03/10/2019
14
Toward the annual running cost of their Silver Cyclists activity, providing cycle ride activities for people aged over 55 years.
Quartet Community Foundation - Bike Back Bristol
£3,992 21/05/2019
11
For the cost of additional workshop equipment and parts to increase the capacity of the the Bristol Bike Back project, which provided accredited mechanical training for prisoners at HMP Bristol and ....more
Quartet Community Foundation - A dedicated bike repair workshop at Felix Road
£10,991 06/03/2019
6
Towards creating a permanent base for Life Cycle's cycling and bike repair activities at Felix Road Adventure Playground.
Garfield Weston Foundation - Main Grants award
£25,000 29/11/2018
Core costs
Quartet Community Foundation - Bike Minded
£26,800 28/11/2018
11
Third year payment of a three year award towards a cycling group for people with mental health problems.
BBC Children in Need - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£57,097 02/03/2018
36
This project will teach disadvantaged young people to repair and build bikes and ride them safely. It will provide activities to help improve their physical fitness, confidence and broaden horizons ....more
Quartet Community Foundation - Bike Minded
£26,500 27/11/2017
Second year payment of a three year award towards a cycling group for people with mental health problems.
Quartet Community Foundation - Bike Minded
£3,176 27/04/2017
11
To run a targeted set of outreach activities in Southmead that support residents to improve their mental well-being and physical health through cycling.
The Rayne Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£20,000 08/12/2016
24
Towards the provision of bike mechanic workshops in HMP Bristol, linking prisoners with community members.
Quartet Community Foundation - Bike Minded
£25,700 20/09/2016
1
First year payment of a three year award towards a cycling group for people with mental health problems.
Henry Smith Charity - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£79,000 08/09/2016
36
towards three years' continuation funding of the running costs of 'Bike Minded', a cycling and support group for people with mental health problems in Bristol
Dunhill Medical Trust - 'Silver Cyclists' Project
£22,500 09/03/2016
36
"Silver Cyclists" is a scheme which organises friendly, relaxed group bicycle rides exclusively for over-55s; providing tailored support to enable older people to stay physically mobile and ....more
Lloyds Bank Foundation - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£14,957 11/11/2015
12
Life Cycle UK is requesting the salary of a Business Development Manager for 2 days per week for 1 year to develop their projects with earning potential and so to improve the financial sustainability ....more
Henry Smith Charity - Grant to Life Cycle UK
£47,700 05/12/2012
36
towards three years' running costs of 'Bike Minded', a cycling and support group for people with mental health problems in Bristol
National Lottery Community Fund - Bike Back
£309,512 10/08/2011
60
This project aims to provide opportunities at HMP Bristol for prisoners to gain practical essential transferable employment and mechanical skills by participating in the existing bike refurbishment ....more
Show more rows

Data sourced from Donors via 360 Giving

How is it governed?

Trustees (9)
Current Trustees appointed
Gender Split
Based on 8/9 persons

Age Range of Trustees: 39-72
  • ANGUS DODD Appointed: 2022, Occupation: Managing Director
  • ANGUS MENTER Appointed: 2022, Occupation: Information Management Business Analyst
  • MICHAEL HOBSON Appointed: 2023, Occupation: It Manager & Special Constable
  • NADIA SABA Appointed: 2022, Occupation: Triathlon Coach
  • NICOLA KEY Appointed: 2022, Occupation: Programme Director
Legal constitution
  • Charitable company registered in England & Wales on 28/09/1999, number: 1077575
  • Registered at Companies House on 06/09/1999, number: 03836786
Gift Aid
  • Registered with HMRC for Gift Aid
Policies in force
  • Bullying and harassment policy and procedures
  • Complaints handling
  • Complaints policy and procedures
  • Conflicting interests
  • Financial reserves policy and procedures
  • Internal charity financial controls policy and procedures
  • Internal risk management policy and procedures
  • Investing charity funds policy and procedures
  • Investment
  • Paying staff
  • Risk management
  • Safeguarding policy and procedures
  • Safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries
  • Serious incident reporting policy and procedures
  • Social media policy and procedures
  • Trustee conflicts of interest policy and procedures
  • Trustee expenses policy and procedures
  • Volunteer management
Filing Record
19 returns made; all on time
Main office

THE CREATE CENTRE
SMEATON ROAD
BRISTOL
BS1 6XN

Objectives

1/ TO PROMOTE THE CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC BY PROMOTING CYCLING AS A MEANS OF TRANSPORT.2/ TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC IN NON-POLLUTING TRANSPORT METHODS.3/ TO ADVANCE THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE PUBLIC IN ROAD SAFETY AND THE SAFE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF BICYCLES4/ TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE HEALTH OF THE PUBLIC BY ENCOURAGING AND FACILITATING SAFE CYCLING.5/ TO PROVIDE, FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT, THE RELIEF OF THOSE IN NEED, BY REASON OF YOUTH, AGE, ILL-HEALTH, DISABILITY, FINANCIAL HARDSHIP OR OTHER DISADVANTAGE, WHO OTHERWISE HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO THE BENEFITS OF CYCLING, BY PROVIDING THEM WITH OPPORTUNITIES OR THE MOTIVATION TO OWN OR USE A BICYCLE OR TO CYCLE MORE REGULARLY

Defined Area of Benefit:

NOT DEFINED

Data Sources

Charity Commission for England and Wales
360 Giving
CharityBase

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