We are newly formed (Jan 2025) CIO about to submit our annual accounts.

The CIO was formed out of a prior unincorporated not for profit association (which did not have charitable status). At formation we closed down the old association and transferred the assets to the new CIO. 

This Asset transfer was about £25,000 in value (80% physical assets, 20% cash balance) which shows up as Income on the CIO books. This means that, for this first year, our total Income will be (approx) £25,000 in asset transfer and £8,000 from donations and charitable activities. So with total income this takes us over the £25,000 threshold on the books, although only £8,000 of this is our normal income.

Am I correct in thinking that this means that, for this year at least, we need to get an Independent Examination done?  

Whats the best way of doing this cost-effectively ?