EXETER SCIENCE CENTRE
The Planetary Lab is the working name of Exeter Science Centre as of 2026. We are working to create a network of STEAMM discovery centres in the South West, and in parallel we develop and deliver information media plus hands-on educational exhibitions and events for the public, particularly related to global issues (STEAMM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Medicine).
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity is in a secure financial position, supported by a significant donation from Lumi Therapy and various grant incomes. The trustees report that unrestricted reserves are retained to cover approximately two months of running costs, though they acknowledge a risk regarding dependence on the two directors and the need for more secure funding to grow sustainably.
What the accounts disclose
“The charity’s principal funding sources this year have been: donations; grant income (covering project costs and support costs); consulting and paid events.” — page 14
“For this financial year, we intend to retain 2 months of running costs (approximately £10,000) in case of unforeseen delays in payments from grants or other income, to ensure that salaries, fees and other costs can be paid on time.” — page 14
“£2,006 (rounded) - remaining donation to ESC from Lumi Therapy. The husband of Dr Natalie Whitehead (Director) is Co-Director of Lumi Therapy which provided a support package to ESC in the last financial year. This payment is for the interest accrued before the original donation amount was paid to us.” — page 24
Trustees
- PROF JUSTIN SIMON DILLONchair
- Cess Parrenas
- Christopher John Sims
- David Louis Solomides
- Olga Petrakova Brown
- Oliver David Raud
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 26/04/2025 | £49k | £78k |
| 26/04/2024 | £113k | £63k |
| 26/04/2023 | £60k | £44k |
| 26/04/2022 | £74k | £49k |
Common questions
Is EXETER SCIENCE CENTRE financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity is in a secure financial position, supported by a significant donation from Lumi Therapy and various grant incomes. The trustees report that unrestricted reserves are retained to cover approximately two months of running costs, though they acknowledge a risk regarding dependence on the two directors and the need for more secure funding to grow sustainably. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds EXETER SCIENCE CENTRE?
Funders whose own accounts filings name EXETER SCIENCE CENTRE as a grant recipient include THE ADRIAN SWIRE CHARITABLE TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE ADRIAN SWIRE CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2023 | £10k | |
| THE ADRIAN SWIRE CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2024 | £6k |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postcode Lottery | 27/09/2022 | £25k | Core costs to support the development of Exeter Science Centre |
| UK government | 01/04/2022 | £6k | Breaking the Ice: Exeter's pop-up Science Centre |