BARB
BARB is established for the purpose of saving and protecting the lives of the general public in particular by the provision and operation of two hovercraft and an inland lifeboat in Bridgwater Bay and Somerset.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves amounted to £2,368,705, which the trustees deem necessary to meet objectives for the next twenty-four months and replace assets. The charity reported a surplus of £36,138 for the year, driven by a significant increase in the value of investments, despite a sharp decline in legacy income compared to the prior year.
What the accounts disclose
“The level of reserves has been deemed necessary to enable the charity to meet its objectives in the next twenty four months and to provide for the eventual replacement of the hovercrafts, and any expenditure on assets as deemed necessary by the trustees.” — page 4
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/10/2024)
Trustees
- MARK NEWMANchair
- Andy Brewer
- Clive Weal
- Colin Hewetson
- Craig Dunbar
- GRAHAM HALLSWORTH
- Lorna Brewer
- Michael Young
- Natasha Webber
- ROGER FLOWER
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/10/2025 | £75k | £153k |
| 31/10/2024 | £1.7m | £112k |
| 31/10/2023 | £609k | £83k |
| 31/10/2022 | £37k | £66k |
| 31/10/2021 | £24k | £77k |
Common questions
Is BARB financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves amounted to £2,368,705, which the trustees deem necessary to meet objectives for the next twenty-four months and replace assets. The charity reported a surplus of £36,138 for the year, driven by a significant increase in the value of investments, despite a sharp decline in legacy income compared to the prior year. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK government | — | £6k | Inshore & Inland Rescue Boat Grant Fund |