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2024-03-31-accounts

Axis Web

Charity number 1002841

A company limited by guarantee number 02595018

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Axis Web

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Contents Page
Trustees' report 2 to 12
Examiner's report 13
Statement of financial activities 14
Balance sheet 15
Notes to the accounts 16 to 21

Prepared by West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO

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Trustees' report for the year ended 31 March 2024

Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors

The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were: Name Position Dates Lisa Stansbie Chair Rupert Wilcox-Baker Deputy Chair Sarah Martin Resigned December 2022 Sue Williams Holly Slingsby Fiona Grady Juan Carlos Candanedo Saez Pamela Newall Appointed June 2022 Laura Nelson Appointed June 2022 Radhika Patel Appointed November 2022 Diana Ali Appointed July 2023 Edwin Colyer Appointed July 2023 Charity number 1002841 Registered in England and Wales Company number 02595018 Registered in England and Wales Registered and principal address Bankers The Art House National Westminster Bank Plc Drury Lane 8 Park Row Wakefield Leeds WF1 2TE LS1 2TW

Independent examiner

Simon Bostrom FCIE

West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO

Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was formed on 25 March 1991. It is governed by a memorandum and articles of association as amended by special resolutions dated 17 April 2003, 25 December 2004, 30 November 2006, 20 December 2019 and 8 April 2021. The liability of the members in the event of the company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £1.

Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees

The trustees of the charity are also the directors for the purposes of company law and are appointed by the members at the AGM.

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects

Our Charity's purposes, as set out in the objects contained in the company's memorandum of association, are to:

advance the education of the public by promoting and developing the understanding and appreciations of the visual arts in the United Kingdom,

in particular by extending the influence in and relevance of the visual arts to the community, by creating new opportunities in the visual arts,

by encouraging and facilitating an increase in good practice in the visual arts.

Our Vision and Mission

We believe art creates positive changes in society. Art connects, inspires conversations and builds understanding.

Our vision is of a society where art is part of everyday life, accessible to all, inspiring creativity, empathy and innovation.

Our mission is to champion and support contemporary visual arts in the UK and broaden public engagement with the arts. By providing artists with resources, opportunities, and platforms to showcase their work, we make contemporary art more accessible and engaging for all, fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts.

Public benefit statement

In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

Achievements and performance

As we look back over the past year, we are filled with pride at the strides we have made in championing contemporary visual arts. This year has been a true test of our resilience and innovation, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our mission.

Our community has flourished, with over 10,000 members now part of the Axis family. Our curated programmes, events, and initiatives have reached unprecedented heights, making contemporary art more accessible and engaging for all. From supporting artists through our Fellowship and Bursary schemes to transforming empty properties into vibrant creative hubs, our efforts have continued to inspire and energise communities across the UK.

Our Cause and Strategy

At Axis, we believe in the transformative power of contemporary visual arts. Our vision is of a society where art is an everyday experience, accessible to all, and a source of inspiration for creativity, empathy, and innovation. We champion and support contemporary visual arts in the UK by providing artists with the resources, opportunities, and platforms they need to thrive.

In the face of challenges like funding cuts, rising costs, and systemic pressures on artists, Axis remains a pillar of resilience and engagement in the contemporary visual arts sector. Our strategy focuses on:

We are committed to listening to artists, understanding their needs, and shaping a future that values and actively supports the creative and transformative power of the arts.

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Axis Fellowship: Empowering Artistic Growth

The Axis Fellowship is a testament to our dedication to nurturing early to mid-career artists. This year, the fellowship provided essential financial support, mentorship, and promotional platforms, enabling artists to advance their careers and increase their visibility in the contemporary art scene.

In 2023, we proudly supported four exceptional artists: Harriet Bowman, Charlotte Cullen, Sam Hutchinson, and Farida Yesmin. Over a transformative six month journey, these artists immersed themselves in a dynamic process of growth and development. Each fellow received £4,000, alongside peer-shared learning and collaboration, allowing the fellows to exchange ideas, insights, and experiences. Personalised one-onone mentoring sessions with Axis staff and guest mentors provided tailored guidance, helping each artist navigate their unique creative path.

The fellowship's impact was profound. The financial support and targeted mentorship fuelled substantial advancements in their creative practices. Our promotional efforts increased their visibility, leading to new opportunities and a broader audience for their work. The sense of community within the cohort provided valuable networking opportunities and peer support, enriching their professional journeys.

Farida Yasmin shared "This has been a gift for me, it's my first experience of a Fellowship. All artists are struggling to get work, and everyone deserves to be able to develop their practice. I never felt as though I would have time to develop my practice but the Fellowship has given me the time to focus on my artwork. This is a great opportunity and it will hopefully open the gate to other opportunities. It's unbelievable, it's a dream!"

Event Overview

In 2023, Axis hosted a total of 18 events, reaching an audience of almost 3,000 individuals. These events ranged from professional development workshops to artist talks, performances, and showcases, designed to support and engage our artistic community.

Mental Health for Artists Series:

Hosted two successful seasons, addressing critical issues surrounding mental health in the arts. These events attracted 1,630 participants, with legacy resources available in our members-only knowledge base.

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of these conversations in their personal and professional lives: "These talks provided a safe space to explore and discuss our mental health challenges, reminding us that we are not alone."

Back to School Series

Our 'Back to School' series ran through September and October, offering professional development and practical advice for artists. The series saw 755 participants, providing them with valuable insights and skills to advance their careers.

Participants appreciated the practical advice and mentorship provided: "This series has been invaluable in helping me navigate the practical aspects of my art career."

Dragging Up An Exhibition: An Unlikely Cast of Characters

We commissioned artist Elly Clarke to lead an innovative online collaboration, "Dragging Up An Exhibition: An Unlikely Cast of Characters." This collaboration brought together 10 artists from the UK, Switzerland, Belgium, and India.

Artists curated an exhibition from found objects in their homes, exploring the stories these objects might tell through writing, role play, and discussion. The project culminated in a live Zoom event, where artists presented each other's pieces, providing an audio-visual tour of the exhibition and discussing the work. The exhibition featured interpretative texts and a jointly-written curatorial statement.

This event highlighted the power of collaboration and digital platforms in fostering global dialogue and creativity in contemporary art.

Building a Supportive Community

At Axis, we aim to foster a vibrant, collaborative network where artists, makers, and art workers can regularly connect, share resources, and collaborate. This year, our community platform has continued to grow and support our members, becoming a vital hub for connection and collaboration.

Our community is designed to:

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

We hosted 36 networking events attended by almost 500 members, offering numerous opportunities for our members to engage with one another, share their work, and gain valuable insights. These events included evening meet-ups, lunchtime discussions, and themed sessions covering topics such as social media for artists, financial management, and sharing artistic practices.

One participant noted, "The networking events have been a game-changer for me. They have provided a platform to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn from each other."

Our community platform also serves as a hub for exchanging tools, materials, processes, and advice. This online sharing platform has made shared resources readily available, promoting reflective practices and providing artists with the support they need to advance their creative and professional journeys.

We have also offered numerous opportunities for our members to present their work through community showcases. These events provide a platform for artists to engage with peers, receive supportive feedback, and increase their exposure. By promoting reflective practices and celebrating creative excellence, these showcases play a crucial role in our community’s vibrancy.

Critical Friend Conversations

The Critical Friend Conversations programme, led by the Axis team, trustees, artists, and curators, has been a significant part of our community support efforts. This initiative offers one-on-one sessions providing artists with tailored advice and mentorship. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the practical and emotional support they received.

"My conversations opened up new directions which reinforced my confidence. It steered me to recognise my own agency and keep going."

These sessions have led to:

Axis Bursary Scheme

In November 2023, we launched the Axis Bursary Scheme, a new initiative aimed at providing financial support to our Professional Members. This scheme is accompanied by an exclusive community space for Professional member interaction and support, fostering a collaborative and nurturing environment.

Professional Members can apply for a £500 bursary, aimed at supporting their practice in areas such as research, development, and purchasing materials. Recipients are chosen through a random selection process every three months, with three members receiving £500 bursaries in each round. This approach aims to fairly distribute support among members.

Successful applicants are encouraged to share how they utilised their bursary within the community and participate in an online peer meet-up.

The Axis Bursary Scheme has already provided six bursaries, enabling artists to pursue new projects and enhance their practices. Bursary recipient Hannah Leighton-Boyce used her bursary to attend a bookbinding course, and emphasises the importance of such small amounts on artists by saying the bursary has "opened new doors for my practice".

These bursaries have had a tangible impact on the recipients, providing them with the resources they need to advance their artistic practices and share their progress with the community. By facilitating these opportunities, Axis continues to support the growth and development of contemporary visual artists.

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Showcasing Artists Work

Our digital platform showcases and profiles the work of over 1,000 artists, making it a significant resource for contemporary visual arts in the UK. Artists featured on our platform are carefully selected through applications or nominations, highlighting the importance of situating their work alongside their peers. This approach fosters community, shared inspiration, and collective exposure.

The Axis platform goes beyond merely listing artists; it serves as a vital link between artists and art enthusiasts. Here, curators discover new talents, and art lovers find inspiration, ensuring that artists' work reaches a diverse and engaged audience. By presenting the work of over 1,000 artists, we have expanded the visibility of contemporary visual arts, leading to increased opportunities for artists to be discovered by curators, commissioners, and art enthusiasts.

This year, we have enhanced our platform to make exploring contemporary visual art an engaging journey of discovery. From community galleries to virtual showcases, we have created clear pathways for visitors to experience and interact with the work of our artists. Our efforts on social media, with regular posts of curated programmes like Five2Watch and Highlights, have become highly anticipated events, offering fresh perspectives and discoveries.

The impact of our showcase and curated programme has been significant. By sharing content across our social media channels, we have amplified the reach and influence of the showcased artists. This exposure has led to increased opportunities for artists, as their work is more likely to be discovered by curators, commissioners, and art enthusiasts. The results are inspiring, with more than 500 artists' work highlighted, demonstrating the breadth and depth of talent among our members.

Axis Graduate Programme

The Axis Graduate Programme is an innovative, artist-led professional development initiative tailored for thirdyear fine art students and recent graduates transitioning from academic study to the professional arts sector. Designed to empower emerging artists, the programme offers guidance, resources, and insights from experienced artists and art professionals, equipping participants with the tools and confidence needed to establish and sustain their practices.

In 2023, the Axis Graduate Programme provided a comprehensive framework to ease the transition into the professional art world. Our programme included a series of Pathway Talks, Development Talks, workshops, and mentoring sessions that collectively offered practical advice, career insights, and networking opportunities.

Pathway Talks: Featured insights from fine art graduates who have successfully navigated their postgraduate careers, including Kinnari Saraiya, Edd Carr, Charlotte Cullen, Rebecca Halliwell Sutton, Josh Johnson, and Ginny on Frederick.

Development Talks: Focused on essential skills for professional growth, covering a wide range of topics. These talks featured Leomi Sadler on illustration and contemporary art, Nicola Singh on performance and post-colonial feminism, Ayla Dmyterko on painting and eco-feminism, Roy Parker on eco-art, Ashley Holmes on sound installations, and Katrina Cowling on sculpture.

Workshops and Mentoring Sessions: Featuring Fundraising Workshop: Led by The Uncultured, Mentoring Sessions: Provided by Nicola Singh, Ayla Dmyterko, Claye Bowler, and Edd Carr, Zine/Artist Book Making Workshop: Led by Sam Hutchinson and Artist-Led Opportunity Intro: Hosted by Umbrella.

The six-month programme culminated with the PRAXIS Exhibition, hosted at Umbrella, an artist-led space within Axis' Vacant Space initiative at The Capitol Centre, Cardiff. This exhibition highlighted the exceptional talent of recent graduates in their inaugural exhibition since university, marking a significant milestone in their professional journeys. The exhibition featured the works of Iulia Hulea, Charis Copp, Yveline Burton, Sarah Grossey, Niamh O’Dobhain, Kristina Nenova, Hannah Henson, Esther Harbord, and Coralie Rebekah Braddock.

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Vacant Space Initiative

The Vacant Space programme continues to make a significant impact by transforming unused commercial properties into vibrant hubs for creative activity. This initiative not only supports artists but also engages communities, making contemporary visual arts a part of everyday life.

In 2023, we activated 17 spaces across Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Hastings, Bournemouth, Barnsley, Bradford, Sunderland, Pontefract, and Guildford. These spaces have been utilised by artists, providing unique opportunities for development and showcasing their work.

Artist Paisley Randell Shillabeer from Cardiff Umbrella articulated the importance of support and space provided by Axis: “I think one of the best things about being in the building [Vacant Space] at the moment is that we've built such an incredible community of artists. I mean, it's just so wonderful to feel like there are people doing exciting things all around you and you're not isolated, and that can really help us when we're trying to move forward with the work that we're doing.“

Our Vacant Space initiative has also been instrumental in fostering community engagement. Thousands of people have participated in a wide range of creative and social activities hosted in these spaces, turning vacant properties into cultural destinations. The initiative has helped to build stronger connections between artists and local communities, promoting cultural appreciation and participation.

Member and Vacant Space Artist, Rey Hope from Dyddiau Du shared: “It came about originally wanting to have a space for a little sort of self-sustaining bookshelf and very quickly grew and grew, we were really lucky to be able to have access to this space and realising that there was a real gap for queer and neurodivergent communities.“

Key Impacts

Trustees' Visit to Cardiff

A notable highlight of the year was the visit by Axis trustees to Cardiff, where they explored the impact of the Vacant Space initiative first-hand. They visited several activated spaces and engaged with artists, gaining valuable insights into how access to these spaces has transformed artistic practices and enriched the community. During the visit, trustees were particularly moved by the personal stories shared by artists. One artist remarked, "Having access to a space through Axis has been a game-changer. It has allowed me to experiment and grow in ways I never thought possible. The support from Axis has been incredible."

The trustees' visit underscored the importance of the Vacant Space initiative in providing artists with the resources they need to thrive and in making contemporary art accessible to broader audiences.

Giving a Platform for the Artists' Voice

Axis supported the Aberdeen Summit, a pivotal event addressing the issue of artists' exploitation. Our role was to produce and publish a comprehensive publication, ensuring the vital discussions from the summit reached a wider audience.

Axis was honoured to publish "Artists' Exploitation," a collection of texts from the summit. This publication includes contributions from Dr Susan Jones, Ben Callaghan, Simon Poulter, and Lindsay Seers, with a summation by Dr John Wright.

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

These pieces reflect diverse perspectives on exploitation, contributing to a broader understanding of the challenges artists face.

The publication has sparked essential conversations within our community, highlighting the need for systemic change. Axis remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that advocate for artists' rights, ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued.

Access Manifesto

In 2023, Axis took significant steps towards enhancing accessibility and inclusivity within the arts community by developing and launching the "Axis Access Manifesto." This initiative, commissioned from artist Lady Kitt, reflects our commitment to creating an environment where everyone can engage with and benefit from contemporary visual arts.

Lady Kitt, an artist renowned for her dedication to inclusivity, spearheaded the creation of the Access Manifesto. Guided by the principle "Assume Nothing, Ask Everything," the manifesto outlines key principles and guidelines aimed at fostering flexible, transparent, and welcoming practices across all our initiatives. It is a testament to our dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring that art is accessible to all.

The Access Manifesto is a living document, continually evolving to meet the needs of our diverse community. We remain committed to upholding its principles and enhancing our practices to ensure that contemporary visual arts are truly for everyone.

Care Commitment

In 2023, Axis reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment through the establishment of our Care Commitment. This initiative was developed in response to feedback from our community and collaborators, emphasising the importance of a compassionate and empathetic approach in all our interactions. It is designed to ensure that our working relationships are based on respect, transparency, and mutual support.

Our Care Commitment has been integrated into all aspects of our operations and is an evolving pledge, continually refined based on feedback and experiences.

Web Development and Digital Engagement

In 2023, Axis made significant progress in developing our new website, set to launch on 17 April 2024. This new digital platform is designed to better support artists and engage audiences, enhancing the overall experience and accessibility of contemporary visual arts.

Our efforts this year have focused on creating a platform that meets the needs of our members and the broader community. Key features of the new website include:

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Benefits for Artists and Audiences

Looking Ahead

As we look towards 2024 and beyond, Axis remains dedicated to supporting artists, engaging audiences, and fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable arts community. Building on our achievements, we will continue to empower artists through resources, mentorship, and visibility, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive.

Our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability will be furthered through ongoing initiatives, ensuring that our practices remain welcoming and environmentally conscious. The launch of our new website will enhance our digital presence, making it easier for audiences to discover and connect with contemporary visual arts.

We will increase our curated output, showcasing the diverse and innovative work of artists through more exhibitions, digital features, and social media engagement. By doing so, we aim to amplify artists' voices and make contemporary art more accessible to a wider audience.

We aim to strengthen community support by expanding networking events, peer support sessions, and professional development opportunities. This will foster a collaborative and supportive environment, enhancing the sense of community among our members.

Through these efforts, we remain steadfast in our mission to champion contemporary visual arts, making it accessible and engaging for all. We look forward to continuing this journey, guided by our values of inclusivity, sustainability, and support for artists.

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Financial review

The net income for the year was £-23,109, including net income of £-23,109 on unrestricted funds and net income of £0 on restricted funds.

Reserves policy

The charity's free reserves, excluding fixed assets, at the year end were £227,465.

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Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees report and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and UK Accounting Standards.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Charities SORP (FRS102)), and in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by the board of trustees on 6/12/2024

Lisa Stansbie (Trustee)

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Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Axis Web

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 14 to 21.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charitable company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a fellow of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act.

I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a fellow of ACIE which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Simon Bostrom FCIE

16/12/2024

West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO

Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW

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Statement of Financial Activities

(including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Notes
2024
Unrestricted
funds
£
Income from:
Grants and donations
(2)
119,696
Members subscriptions
217,396
Digital programme income
17,740
Income from group undertakings
1,669
Bank interest
5,449
Total income
361,950
Expenditure on:
Salaries NI and pensions
(3)
140,439
Vacant spaces costs
39,016
Insurance scheme for members
35,723
Artists fees, commissions and projects
16,407
Artists bursaries
14,532
Marketing
12,145
Platform and programme
98,562
General admin expenses
451
Charity insurance
1,625
Travel and subsistence
838
Book keeping
1,295
Bank / fincance charges
12,020
Computer expenses
-
Governance costs
2,744
Legal and professional
7,133
Independent examination
1,050
Depreciation
655
Staff development
424
Total expenditure
385,059
Net income / (expenditure)
(23,109)
Fund balances brought forward
250,930
Fund balances carried forward
(4)
227,821
2024
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2024
Total
funds
£
119,696
217,396
17,740
1,669
5,449
361,950
140,439
39,016
35,723
16,407
14,532
12,145
98,562
451
1,625
838
1,295
12,020
-
2,744
7,133
1,050
655
424
385,059
(23,109)
250,930
227,821
2023
Total
funds
£
265,453
177,225
8,178
158
1,645
452,659
121,702
103,839
27,559
70,266
-
15,250
50,094
515
1,562
206
1,162
9,186
183
1,500
1,035
1,050
993
-
406,102
46,557
204,373
250,930

All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

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Balance sheet

as at 31 March 2024
2024
Unrestricted
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
(5)
355
Investments
(6)
1
Total fixed assets
356
Current assets
Debtors and prepayments
(7)
2,927
Cash at bank and in hand
(8)
380,175
Total current assets
383,102
Current liabilities:
amounts falling due within one year
Creditors and accruals
(9)
155,637
Total current liabilities
155,637
Net current assets / (liabilities)
227,465
Net assets
227,821
Funds
Unrestricted funds
227,821
Restricted funds
-
Total funds
227,821
2024
Restricted
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2024
Total
£
355
1
356
2,927
380,175
383,102
155,637
155,637
227,465
227,821
227,821
-
227,821
2023
Total
£
1,010
1
1,011
7,530
408,311
415,841
165,922
165,922
249,919
250,930
250,930
-
250,930

For the year ending 31 March 2024 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime and with FRS 102 (effective January 2019).

The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 6/12/2024

Lisa Stansbie (Trustee)

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Notes to the accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting policies

Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) and with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year.

No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.

Going concern

The trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, if it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Grants and donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Where grants are related to performance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.

Donated assets, facilities or services are valued at their estimated value to the charity. This is the price that the charity estimates it would pay in the open market for equivalent items; or services and facilities of equivalent utility to the charity.

Investments

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. The SOFA includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year.

Expenditure and liabilities

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Taxation

As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.

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Notes to the accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting policies continued

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £500 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Gifted assets are shown at the value to the charity on receipt. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over their expected useful economic lives as follows: Fixtures, fittings and equipment: over 3 years

Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. The costs of contributions are recognised in the year they are payable.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.

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Notes to the accounts continued

for the year ended 31 March 2024

2 Grants and donations
Donations in relation to space for artists
Arts Council England
3 Staff costs and numbers
Gross salaries
Social security costs
Employment allowance
Work from home allowances
Pensions
2024
Unrestricted
funds
£
119,696
-
119,696
2024
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
2024
Total
funds
£
119,696
-
119,696
2024
£
121,416
10,479
(5,000)
1,373
12,171
140,439
2023
Total
funds
£
205,731
59,722
265,453
2023
£
109,851
8,873
(5,000)
-
7,978
121,702

The average number of employees during the year was 5, being an average of 4.4 full time equivalent (2023: 5, 4.1 FTE). There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000.

**5 ** Defined contribution pension scheme
Costs of the scheme to the charity for the year
Amount of any contributions outstanding at the year end
Tangible assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for year
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
2024
£
12,171
1,406
£
45,550
-
45,550
44,540
655
45,195
355
1,010
Fixtures,
fittings &
equipment
2023
£
7,978
1,153
Total
£
45,550
-
45,550
44,540
655
45,195
355
1,010

18

Axis Web

Notes to the accounts continued

for the year ended 31 March 2024

6 Fixed assets investments
Balance b/f
Additions
(Disposals)
Total
7 Debtors and prepayments
Amounts owed by subsidiary company
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other debtors
8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank
Cash in hand
9 Creditors and accruals
Creditors
Memberships received in advance
Other fees received in advance
Accruals
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
2024
Shares in
subsidiary
£
1
-
-
1
2024
£
1,827
-
1,000
100
2,927
2024
£
380,175
-
380,175
2024
£
11,998
84,458
-
48,085
9,293
1,803
155,637
2023
Shares in
subsidiary
£
1
-
-
1
2023
£
158
300
6,972
100
7,530
2023
£
408,311
-
408,311
2023
£
2,775
75,801
8,000
66,884
10,868
1,594
165,922

10 Related party transactions

Trustee expenses

During the year 5 trustees were paid a total of £931 in respect of travel and accommodation.

Trustee remuneration and benefits
Holly Slingsby
Allowance for trustee board meeting attendance
Fiona Grady
Allowance for trustee board meeting attendance
Name of trustee
or related party
Relationship to
charity
Description of transaction
2024
£
600
800
1,400
2023
£
500
800
1,300

Remuneration and benefits received by key management personnel

The total employee benefits received by key management personnel were £46,004.

19

Axis Web

Notes to the accounts continued

for the year ended 31 March 2024

10 Other related party transactions

At the balance sheet date the Charity was owed £1,827 (2023: £158) by Axis Web Development Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary company) which is included within debtors. Admin recharges to the subsidiary during the year were £300 (2023: £nil).

20

Axis Web

Statement of Financial Activities including comparatives for all funds (including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2024

2024
2023
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
£
£
Income
Grants and donations
119,696
205,731
Members subscriptions
217,396
177,225
Digital programme income
17,740
8,178
Income from group undertakings
1,669
158
Bank interest
5,449
1,645
Total income
361,950
392,937
Expenditure
Salaries NI and pensions
140,439
121,702
Vacant spaces costs
39,016
103,839
Insurance scheme for members
35,723
27,559
Artists fees, commissions and projects
16,407
28,675
Artists bursaries
14,532
-
Marketing
12,145
15,250
Platform and programme
98,562
31,963
General admin expenses
451
515
Charity insurance
1,625
1,562
Travel and subsistence
838
206
Book keeping
1,295
1,162
Bank / fincance charges
12,020
9,186
Computer expenses
-
183
Governance costs
2,744
1,500
Legal and professional
7,133
1,035
Independent examination
1,050
1,050
Depreciation
655
993
Staff development
424
-
Total expenditure
385,059
346,380
Net income / (expenditure)
(23,109)
46,557
Fund balances brought forward
250,930
204,373
Fund balances carried forward
227,821
250,930
2024
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2023
Restricted
funds
£
59,722
-
-
-
-
59,722
-
-
-
41,591
-
-
18,131
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
59,722
-
-
-
2024
Total
funds
£
119,696
217,396
17,740
1,669
5,449
361,950
140,439
39,016
35,723
16,407
14,532
12,145
98,562
451
1,625
838
1,295
12,020
-
2,744
7,133
1,050
655
424
385,059
(23,109)
250,930
227,821
2023
Total
funds
£
265,453
177,225
8,178
158
1,645
452,659
121,702
103,839
27,559
70,266
-
15,250
50,094
515
1,562
206
1,162
9,186
183
1,500
1,035
1,050
993
-
406,102
46,557
204,373
250,930

21