Niab
Analysis
Niab is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Cambridge. It was registered in September 1997, 29 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, arts/culture/heritage/science, environment/conservation/heritage and other charitable purposes, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 03395389). It says it provides services, provides advocacy/advice/information and sponsors or undertakes research.
In the financial year ending September 2025, Niab reported income of £48.0m and spending of £47.7m, spending 99% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to September 2025, income grew from £31.1m to £48.0m (+54%), an average of +11% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to September 2025, when income rose by 46%. Over the whole period it spent 93% of the income it received.
Among 17,634 England and Wales charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, Niab sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Glyndebourne Productions Limited (£43.4m), BH Live (£48.1m) and Sadler's Wells Trust Limited (£43.3m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 58%, trading 20% and donations and legacies 1.9%. Charitable activities took 75% of spending and raising funds 24%. Reserves of £283k would cover about 0 months of spending at that rate. It employed 341 people.
Data notes from the register: The latest annual return was received after its deadline.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 1.9%
- Charitable activities 58%
- Trading 20%
- Investments 0.3%
- Other 20%
In the charity's own words
Activities within the general areas of crop varieties and seeds, including:Provision of information and advice to farmers, growers and educators.A programme of public good plant breeding which will positively impact the environment and public well-being.Crop variety performance trials and laboratory testing. Contract research for a wide range of organisations.Education and Training.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Glyndebourne Productions Limited | Lewes | £43.4m |
| BH Live | Bournemouth | £48.1m |
| Sadler's Wells Trust Limited | London | £43.3m |
| The Alan Turing Institute | London | £49.0m |