Charfty registration number 10155461England and Wales) Company registralion number 02752793 DORCHESTERARTS ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
DORCHESTER ARTS LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees P Smith A Eigeland H Trevorrow A Conslable M Willdridge S Veale A Wakeman H Hutchinson T Frere (Appointed 20 August 2024) Secretary M Tattersall Charity number 1015546 Company number 02752793 Registered offlce Magistrates. Room Corn Exchang8 High East Street Dorchester Dorset DT1 1HF Independent examiner CB Reid Lifflited Wadebridge House 16 Wadebridge Square Poundbury Dorchester Dorset DT13AQ
DORCHESTER ARTS CONTENTS Page Trustees. report Independent examinerfs report Statemenl of financial activities Balance sheet Notes to the finanaal statements 10-18
DORCHESTER ARTS TRUSTEES. REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The twstees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting poli¢ies set out in note 1 to Ihe financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and 'A¢ntIng and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to ¢harities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)° (as amended for ac£ounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016) Objeclives and actsvitle8 a. POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES The principal objeclive of the company is to promote, maintain, improve and advance education particularly by the encouragement of the Arts. Dorchester Arts aims both to respond to the needs of the community and to promote events of the highest quality, and in doing so creat8 well informed and enthusiastic audiences, to enab18 creativity, talent and skills of local people. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidan on public benefft when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objedives they have set. b. ACTIVITIES FOR ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES Dor¢hester Arts meets its objectives by running a professional and Community arts programme. c. MAIN ACTMTIES UNDERTAKEN TO FURTHER THE CHARIP('S PURPOSES FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT Dorchester Arts contributes to the cultural and social lrfe of Dorset's county town and the wider county through programming arts events every week of the year. We seek to provide work SLSited to a very wide range of audiences, including specialist work for marginalised or little-served audiences such as those with Profound and Multiple Leaming Difficulties. In addition, we either dire¢tly organise or support a number of regular groups that allow local people to further their own Creativity, including: Dorchester Youth Theatre (7-18), Connect drama (all ages} and Dorchestra Community orchestra (all ages). In addition, we organise arts activities for specific groups. such as our regular Parkinson's Dance classes and Rise {art therapy for post-natal depression and anxiety) as well as supporting annual events for young people and parti¢ipatory activities linked to our performance programme. We continue to deliver this health and wellbeing through the arts programme in Sherbome as well as Dorchester. We organise major participatory projects every few years, involving participation activities for musicians, dancers, visual artists and those living with chronic health conditions and disabiliti8s. The health and social cohesion benefits of providing a regular, integrated programme of arts perfomiances and adivities are well recognised and are reflected in our Funding Agreements with Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council. We maintain ac$$1b1e pricing across our program and offer dis¢ounts for those on low income and for young people. Essential ¢arers can attend all performances free of charge. We provide opportunities for audiences and artists to meet and discuss their work {e.g. through post-show Q&A sessions or arlist talks al exhibitions} to further our educative aims and broaden public appreciation of the arts. We support local creative talent through providing a platfomi for developing and perfomiing new work {music, dance. drama and film) and through small- and large•scale projects drawing on local talenL We work closely with our partner arts and cutture organisations (including Activate Performing Arts, Dorset Museum, Shire Hall, New Hardy Players, Dorset Community Play Association and a variety of local festivals et¢} and non-arts organisations (induding local Councils, healthcare providers, and venues suited to performances and participation activities) to ensure that a rich mix of interlinked arts adivities is available to the local population throughout the year.
DORCHESTERARTS TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achievements and perfomiance a. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES Dord)ester Arts aims to "bring the best of the arts to Dorset's county town, give our community creative opportunities and nurture local talent because we believe that where the arts thrive people and places do too". This is done through a programme of community arts activities and professional perfonnances. t)orchesler Arts operates from the Com Exchangelmunicipal Buildings in the centre of town and enjoys ex¢ell8nt relations with the Dorchester Town Council. the owners of the premises. A wholly owned subsidiary, Dorchester Arts Trading Limited. operates the bar located at the Com Exchange and provides bar services for events held at other venues. Our mission is to place the arts at the heart of our community, so as to involve, inspire and entertain people all year round. Our goals are.. To inspire and entertain people through eXlIent, diverse and innovative work across all art fomis. To involve the whole community, especially young people, in a wide range of participatory activities. To leam about and develop our relationship with our existing and potential audiences. To collaborate with arts and non-arts organisations in developing a vibrant arts infrastructure in the ¢ommunty. To actively support the development of new work. To be an ambitious but sustsinable organisation. In recent years. we have taken over the management of the Com Exchange building through our agreement wilh Dor¢hester Town Council. This arrangement continues to work well and both sides are happy that it is achieving its aim of making the building operate more efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the whole community. Regular meetings continue to be held to monitor progress towards the outcomes laid out in the Partnership Agreement. As well as our own very busy programme, we have new regular hirers starting to use the building every year and it is heavily booked for oneff events, ranging from meetings and award ceremonies to weddings and parties. In addition. we continue to see the clear beneffts of the Town Council's improvements to the building's infrastructure - redd utility bills as a result of the biomass heating system, solar panels and improved insulation; improved aCsS to toilet facilities; and Offi spa, dressing rooms and storage that meets our needs and those of our hirers and visiting artists. The major development during this period was the extensive refijrbishment of the front of house areas of the Corn Exchange, funded by Section 106 monies from Poundbury and CIL Contributions {both administered by Dorset Council), and the Town Council. We worked closely with the architects and contractors throughout the prOsS to ensure that the result was both functional and respectful of the heritage of the building. Alongside the previously refurbished auditorium, the resulting art gallery, new toilets. bar and café area will finally provide the county town with an arts hub thal it has needed and deserved for so long. The refurbished Hardye Theatre continues to provide another wel¢ome improvement to the arts infrastructure of the lown and wider county. Not only is it allowing us to bring bigger acts to the town, but this is also translating into box office gross reip1S in excess of £10000 for single shows, a level that would have been impossible without this facility being in place. We continue to programme work into other indoor and outdoor venues throughout the year, induding St Mary's Church, Maumbury Rings, Athelhampton House and the Gransden Hall at Sherborne Girl's School. We continued to present a varied programme of more than 120 professional arts perfomiances in a variety of venues, both indoors and outdoors, from new and local performers to well-known names. Highlights included perfomances by the graduates from the BA course in ¢ir¢us at Circomedia, The Kanneh-masons and Friends, The Lord Chamberlain's Men, Lost Dog Dance, Focus, Dorsetborn (a new Dorset-based theatre company), James B Partridge, and Tenebrae. Another huge success was a collaboration belween Dorchester Arts, New Hardy Players and Shire Hall Histori¢ Courthouse Museum to re-stage Six Men Of Dorset. The play, first perfomied for the ntenary of the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and now revived for a large community Cast across hvo venues, proved so popular that we programmed a second series of dates and attracted more than 1000 audience members across the run.
DORCHESTER ARTS TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We continued to develop our support for writers, specifically those writing for performance. This project hinges around our festival, The Script's The Thing, which takes place every 18 months and features the perf0mlan of 100 scripts across 5 venues and more than 25 tslks and workshops from industry professionals. In the year in question. we held several 'Little Bit of The Script's The Thing, events across Dorset, maintaining the profile of the project and continuing to give local writers a platform for their work. Our community engagement programme in both Dorchester and Sherborne has continued to flourish under the guidan of our Community Engagement Manager. As reported last year, we are still finding that the funding for the whole creative health programme is becoming harder to find. Although we have CDntinued to find piecemeal funding for several programmes, we still need to find a more sustainable solution in the long term and are working with various partners, including the Arts Development Company, to try to achieve this. Financial revlew The accompanying accounts. which have been independently examined, show that the financial performance of Dorchester Arts during 24125 was not as strong with a small loss of £3,220 as compared with the generation of an operational surplus of £21,891 in the previous year. This refleded both an increase in general costs, as was the case across the UK economy, and increasingly tight margins in several areas of operation. Box office receipts at at £262k were 320/0 higher than the previous year but performance and direct ticketing costs were higher, resulting in an increase of only £10k to £42k compared with the previous year in the perfomian programme surplus, d8monslrating the lightening of margins mentioned above. DA reiVed a total of £31.3k in grant support from our fvio sponsoring bodies, namely Dorset Council (£20k> and Dorthesler Town CouncAI1£11,3k) and is immensely gratefvl for this level of assistance. Donations and Gifts remained at a healthy £47k. Although within this total figure income from membership sales and fundraising events both slipped back slightly, we were heartened by the generosity of our individual donors, most notably to our Bridge Another Gap crowdfunder appeal, which provided valuable funds to make up for the disruption in our business caused by the building works. The income arising from room hire within the Corn Exchange decreased from £43k to £30k. Income from regular hirers remained static, so this was largely due to a drop-off in one-off hires. due to the poor condition of some of the spaces available prior to refurbishment and to the busy performance programme eating into available dates for hires. The recently Completed improvements to the front of the building are already showing a turnaround in this pattem, supporting the theory that this was not a long term trend. Income from the DA subsidiary company, Dorchester Arts Trading Ltd. was £14k which was a slight decrease from the £15k generated in the previous year. Once again, the increasing costs of staff and stock combined with pressures on consurller spending made for challenging conditions and this was refiected across the hospitality sector both locally and nationally. The majority of this surplus arose from operating the bar in the Corn Exchange. The improved bar facilities at the front of the building should provide sGope for increased income from this area once the new business is established and the cafe, though unlikely to generate significant additional income, should attract far more casual visilors, encouraging engagement with Dorchester Arts and leading lo increased sales in multiple areas of business (memberships. ticket sales. gallery etc). There were, as in previous years, some significant movements within these totals for Administration and Fundraising costs some of which relate to the perfomiance, venue and direct ticketing costs referred to above. In spite of much higher ticket income, both Stationery and Print & Advert15ing costs were kept under tight control. Telephone and Bank Charges were both reduced through renegotiation with the respective suppliers of those services. Staff costs rose by £6.9k to £148.5k principalty reflecting a more modest across-the-board salary increase than had been the case in the previous year when an element of 'cat¢h-up' had been needed. The charge for depreciation has risen to £5.9k as the result of a further increase in expenditure on capital items, primarily in The Corn Exchange as we Gonlinue to make improvements to the facilities there. DA'S Pro$$ in respect of capital purchases is detailed under para 1.6 of the Accounting Policie5 but in essen¢e items are written off over a four year period on a straight-line basis.
DORCHESTER ARTS TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Property Costs (including repairs and maintenan) showed a modest increase to £35k and can therefore be considered to have 5tabilized after the large decrease commented on in last year's report. The closing Restricted Reserve figure stands at £55,583 and this has been fulty reconciled wilh the individual balanS of all our current projects as at 31 March 2025. The substantial increase in this fund is largely due to increased Project Income relating to our outreach and creative health aclivities and to Dorchester Youth Theatre now retuming under the umbrella of DoichesterArts after some years of semi-independence. As a result of these movements the balance on our Unrestricted Reserves Account at the year-end stood at £94,232. Although the small loss for the year was disappointing. this level of reserves is comfortably above the Charity Commission's minimum recommended level and reflected the resilien of the organisation in being able to conduct extensive capital works while remaining open and maintaining perforfflan in all areas of its business model in spite of this disruption in operating conditions. We therefore remain confident that we can continue to provide Dorchester and the wider County with an ambitious wellbeing programme and range of first-class entertainment and educational events for the benefil of the whole community. Thus, whilst a¢knowledging that we operate within a challenging environment, both socially, financially and commercially the Board views the future with confidence and positivity. Stru¢ture, governance and management a. GOING CONCERN The trustees have Considered the financial position of the charity. both during the period and as a result of the Current economic climate and have assessed both financial and operational risk. They are of the opinion that the Charity has sufficient financial resources to continue to operate as a going concern for the foreseeable future. Accordingly. the trustees continue lo adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the financial statements. For further infomation please refer to the financyal review sedion of the trustee's report. b. RESERVES POLICY The Trustees. policy regarding reserves is to aim to maintain sufficient funds to ensure tunning of the organisation for at least 3 months. This policy is normally based on the total of last year's non programme expenditure. Although the general free reserves have decreased in the year due to the exceptional factors indicated above, this target c£>ntinues to be met. The trustees are aware that the reseNes policy needs to be monitored closely moving forward. c. CONSTITUTION The company is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by Articles of Association. The company is constituted under Articles of Association. The company registered number is 2752793 and the charity regISted number is 1015546. d. METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OR ELECTION OF TRUSTEES Trustees are elected annually at the AGM but casual vacancies may be filled during the year subject to fomial election at the AGM. Trustees, who are also directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of the signature on the financial statements were- P Smith A Eigeland H Trevorrow A Conslable M Willdridge S Veale A Wakeman H Hul¢hinson T Frere (Appointed 20 August 2024)
DORCHESTER ARTS TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Veale Trustee 03 Dec 2025 Date..
DORCHESTER ARTS INDEPENDEKf EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF DORCHESTER ARTS I reFth to the tru$t8es on my examInati( of the fln8nclal stst•monl8 of Dorchester Arts (th8 charity) fr)r the year ended 31 March 2025. Rospon•lbilitles and ba•18 of r•port As the trustees of the charfty (and also Sts dlredors for the purposas of company law), you are responslble for the preparatlon of finandal stslements in aCConCe th tho Mulrem•nts of the Companl8s Act 2006. Havlng 8ati8fied myself that th• financial slatem8nts of the charty are not requlred to be audllad urKler Part 16 of Ihe Companl8s Act 2006 and are eligibh for Independent examination. l rnport in respect of my exemlnalion of the tharlty's finandal ststements Caled out under secilon 145 of tho charIrt Act 2011. In catyng Out my examinaliDn I have followed the Dlr8ctlon8 g6v8n by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) d Ihe Chariti6sAct 2011. Ind#pArthnt examhe$ stal•m•nt Since the charitys gross Income exceedod £250.000, the Independent ex•mln•r mu8t be e member of a body listed In section 145 of Ihe Chariknes Act 2011. 1 nffirrn that l am qualtfied to undgrtake the examlnation because l am a member of The Insltute of Chgrtered Accountants In England and Wales, bvhich is one cl the Ilstsd bodles. I hav• cornpl8ted my examinatton. I confirm that no matters have come to my attenlon In o)nnecllon wlth the examlnallon giving me cause to believe that In any rnatorial respecL' accnting records were not kept In respect of the chwity as requlred by 8•¢tion 386 of tho Comp8n18S Act 2006. the financlal statements do not accord wlth thos8 reo)rd$: or the flnanclal statements do n¢t comply with the accountkng requlrements crf 8ectlon 396 of tho COmni88 Act 2006 other Ihan any requlremenl that Ihe fin8ncRI statements glve o tNe and falr vlaw, WI Is not a m8tt8r consEdered 88 part of an indeporent examir10. or the financlal ststements have not been prepared In a¢rance wlih tho method8 and prfndpl8s of tl Statèment of Recommended Pr8Ctlce for accounllng and mporbng by charities appllcable to charftles prpparing their financlal Btaternents In a(wrdance wlth Ihe Finandal Reportlng Stsnd8rd appllcable In the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). I have concems and have come across r other matters In eonn8Ctlon wlth th8 examlnation to vthich attention should drawn in th18 roport In order to enable a proper under3tsndlng of th• linandal stalements to Laura Evan8 FCCA CB Reid Limlted Wadebrldge House 16 Wad•bridge Square PouThJbury Dorchester DT13AQ Dated: .Q8.,.J2..25.,.
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DORCHESTER ARTS BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets Investments 13 14 11.630 13.122 11,481 15,000 24,752 26.481 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 15 11,100 175,532 5,603 164.466 186,632 170,069 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 (61,569) (60.0) Net current assets 125,063 110,063 Totsl assets less current liabilities 149,815 136,544 The funds of the charity Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds 17 55,583 94.232 38.967 97.577 149,815 136,544 The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to a¢¢ounting records and the preparation of finan¢ial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in acrdanCe with section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. 03 Dec 2025 The financial statements were approved by the truslees on ......................... eale Trustee Company registration number 02752793 (England and Wales)
DORCHESTER ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng policies Charity information Dorchester Arts is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Magistrates. Room. Corn Exthange, High East Street. Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1 HF. 1.1 Accounting convention The financial statements have been prepared in accordan¢e with the charty's governing document. the Companies Act 21))6, FRS 102 -The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" ('FRS 102") and the Charities SORP "Attounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their aCntS in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefft Entty as defined by FRS 102. The charity has laken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounls in these financial statements are rounded lo the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the histOTical Cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Going concem The trustees have considered the financial position of the charity, both during the period and as a result of the current economic climate and have assessed both financial and operational risk. They are of the opinion that the charity has sufficient ffinancial resources lo continue to operate as a going Conrn for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the trustees Continue to adopt the going concem basis in the preparation of the financial statements. For further information please refer to the financial review section of the trustee's report. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Irustèes in furtherance of their Charitable objectives. Designated fvnds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specif purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the noles to the financial statements. RestrÉGted funds are subject to specific Conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial ststements. 1.4 Incoming resources Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, Ihe amounts can be measured reliably. and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. other donations are recognised On the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otheiSe rf the charity has been notified of an impending distribLrtion, the amount is known. and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known. the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. Government grants are recognised based on the performance model. Grants that do not impose specified future perfomiance-related conditions are recognised when the grant is reived. Grants that impose specified future performance-related conditions are only recognised when these conditions are met. 10-
DORCHESTERARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng pollcies {Continued) 1.5 Resources expended Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlemenl, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated d1ctlY to that adivty. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which a not attributable to a single activity are apportioned beeen those activities on a basis consistent wilh the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of lime spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Expendilure is recognised once there is a legal or ¢onslructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and Ihe amount of Ihe obligation Can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the lotal of direct costs and shaied Costs, including support St$ involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated didIY to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which a not attributable to a single adivity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resource5. Central staff ¢osts are allo¢aled on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Governance costs are those incurred in Connection with administration of the company and compliance with ¢onstilutional and statutory requirements. Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the company's educational operations, induding support costs and costs relating to the governance of the company apportioned to Charilable activities. 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at Cosl or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairm8nl losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: Fixtures and frttings 25r*h straight line The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is detemiined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the stalement of financial activities. 1.7 Fixed asset Investments Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured al fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are re¢ognised in net incomel(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. A subsidiary is an 8ntity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and op8rating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. 11
DORCHESTER ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies Icontinued) 1.8 Impairnient of fixed assets At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of ils tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any suth indication exists. the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). 1.9 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand. deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments wrth original maturities of Ihiee months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. 1.10 Financial instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basi¢ Financial Instruments. and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and Ihere is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle Ihe liability simultaneously. Baslc Ilnancial assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently ¢arried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangernenl constitutes a financing Iransaction, where the transaction is measured al the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. where the debl inslrumenl is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debl instruments are subsequently carried al amortised cost, using the effedive interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are dassified as current liabilities if payment is due wilhin one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction Pri and subsequently measured at arnortised cost using the effective inlerest method. Derncognition of Ilnanclal liabilities Finanaal liabilities are derecognised when the charit5 contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 12-
DORCHESTER ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Grnnts, membership and donatsd income Unrestricted funds general 2025 Total 2024 Donations and gifts Grants from public bodies 47,013 31,308 50,871 64,864 78,321 115,735 Grant income represents local aLrthority grants from Dorset Council {£20,000) and Dorchester Town Council {£11,308). Income from other trading activities Unre$tri¢ted Restrfcted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestrl¢ted Re8trlctsd funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Other fundraising activites Box office admission charges Project income 30,681 30,681 44,565 44.565 262,372 49,091 262,372 170,714 198,907 9,074 198,907 81,686 121,623 72,612 Fundraising income 342.144 121,623 463,767 252,546 72,612 325,158 Incom8 from Investments Unrestrlcted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 Interest re1vable 3,067 1,813 Other Income Unrestrlcted Unrestrfcted funds funds 2025 2024 Distributions from subsidiaries 13,979 14,999 13-
DORCHESTER ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Expenditure on raising funds Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 Fundraising and publicity Other fundraising costs 8,041 3,215 Expenditure on Charltsble actlvltles 2025 2024 Direct costs Staff costs Depreciation and impairment Programmes and perfomiers Printing and advertising Stationary Property costs including repairs and maintenan Travel and training Insurance Bank charges Miscellaneous, materials and sundry Telephone Venue costs Project expenditure 148,478 5,901 206,195 13,527 1,276 35,144 49 2,518 141,603 4,388 151,456 16.895 1,454 32,306 450 2,069 13,487 3,155 4,927 1,840 93,012 3,706 2,682 2,105 105,132 536.022 467,042 Share of 8UPPOrt and governance costs (see note 8} Govemance 1,800 1,500 537,822 468,542 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds- general Unrestricted fvnds- designated Restricted funds 432,690 359,987 7,500 101,055 105,132 537,822 468.542 14-
DORCHESTER ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Support costs Support Governance ¢osts costs 2025 2024 Independent Examiners fees 1.800 1,800 1,500 1,800 1,800 1.500 Analysed between Charitable adivities 1,800 1.800 1,500 The Independent Examiner's remuneration amounts to an Independent Examination fee of £1,800 (2024 £1,500) which includes £1,00012024 - £)0> for preparation of the accounts. Net movement in funds 2025 2024 The net movement in funds is ststed after chargingl{crediting): Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 1,800 5,901 1.500 4,388 10 Thistees None of the trustees lor any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or beneffts frorn the charity during the year. 11 Employees The average monthly number of employees during the year was: 2025 Number 2024 Number Employment costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries 148,478 141,603 No employees received tolal employee benefits of more than £60,000 {2020 - NIL). There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. 15-
DORCHESTERARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12 Taxation The Charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. 13 Tangible fixed assets Flxture5 and ffttlng5 Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions 38,704 6,050 At 31 March 2025 44,754 Depreciation and impaimient At 1 April 2024 Depreciation Charged in the year 27,223 5,901 At 31 March 2025 33,124 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 11,630 At 31 March 2024 11.481 14 Fixed asset investments other investrnents Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 & 31 March 2025 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 2025 2024 Other investments comprise: Notes Investments in subsidiaries Loans to subsidiaries 21 21 13.121 14,999 13,122 15,000 16-
DORCHESTER ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 15 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 9,448 452 1,200 3.820 1,783 11,100 5,603 16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Deferred income Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals 33,367 23,553 850 3,799 52,322 2,918 1,643 3,123 61,569 60,006 17 Restricted fund8 The restticted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on twsl subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. Incomin9 Resources resources expended Transfers At 31 March 2025 2024 38,967 121,623 (105,132> 125 55,583 Previou5 year. At 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Trdnsfer5 At 31 March 2024 74.576 72,612 (101,055) (7,166) 38,7 18 Unrestricted funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comptise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. At 1 April 2024 Incoming Resources resources expended Transfers At 31 March 2025 General funds 97.577 437,511 (440.731) {125) 94,232 17-
DORCHESTER ARTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18 Unrestricted funds Icontinued Prevlous year. At 1 April 2023 Incomlng Resource5 resources expended Transfer8 At 31 March 2024 General funds 63,597 385.093 (363,202) 12,089 97,577 19 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds 2025 Restrlcted funds 2025 Totsl 2025 At 31 March 2025: Tangible assets Investments Current assetsl(liabilities) 11,630 13,122 69,480 11,630 13,122 125,063 55,583 94,232 55,583 149,815 Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 31 March 2024: Tangible assets Investments Current assetsl(liabilities) 11,481 15,000 71,096 11,481 15,000 110.063 38,967 97,577 38,967 136,544 20 Rolated party transactions There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year. 21 Subsidlarfes These financial statements ar8 separate charity financial statements for Dorchester Arts. Details of the charity's subsidiaries at 31 March 2025 are as follows- Name of undertaklng Reglstsred office Nature of business Cla88 of % Held shares held Direct IndI¢t Dorchester Arts Trading Limited (Co. Number 09620457) England Retail sale of beverages Ordinary shares 100.00 18-
Dorchester Arts The Com Exchange High East Street Dorchester Dorset DT11HF Company Number: 02752793 CB Reid Limited Wadebridge House 16 Wadebridge Square Poundbury Dorchester Dorset DT13AQ 25 November 2025 Dear Sirs We confirm that the following representations are made on the basis of enquiries of management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience and, where appropriate. of nspection of supporting documentation. sufficient to satisfy ourselves that we can properly make each of the following representations to you, in connection with your examination of the charity's financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. We acknowledge. as trustees, who are also directors for Ihe purposes of company law, our collective responsibility under the Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006 for presenting financial statements, which give a true and fair view and confirm that we have approved the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. We also acknowledge our responsibility for making accurale representations to you. All the accounting records have been made available to you for the purpose of your assignment and all the transactions undertaken by the charty have been properly reflected and recorded in Ihe accounting records. All other records and related infomiation, including minutes of all trustee and management meetings. have been made available to you. We confirm that the charity is eligible for an independent examination of its financial statements, and that there are no circUmstanS which we should draw to your attention which would invalidate this eligibility. We acknowledge that the work performed by you is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK). We confirm that the accounting policies and estimation techniques adopted for the preparation of the financial statements are the most appropriate to the circumstances in which the charity operates. All grants, donations and other incoming resources, the receipt of which is subject to specific terms or conditions, have been notified to you. There have been no breaches of terms or conditions during the period in the application of such incoming resources. Other than those disclosed in the financial statements we are not aware of any malerial liabilities, provisions, contingent liabilities, contingent assets or contracted for capital commitments that need to be provided for or disclosed in the financial statements.
The charity has satisfactory title to all assets and there are no liens or encumbrances on the charty's assets except as disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Other than those disclosed in the financial statements, the charity has not entered into any transactions or has balances outstanding involvin9 trustees, officers or other related parties. which require disclosure under the law or the financial reporting framework adopted, including the Charities SORP. If relevant, appropriate disclosure has been made of the control of the charity. We acknowledge our responsibility for the design and implementation of internal controls to prevent and detect errors or fraud, and have disclosed to you the results of our assessment of the risk that the financial statements may be materially misstated as a result of fraud. We are unaware of any irregularities, including fraud and suspected fraud, involving management, employees or others who have significant roles in intemal control, or those employed by the charity where the fraud could have material effect on the financial statements. No allegations of such irregularities or breaches have come to our notice. We are unaware of any breaches or possible breaches of statute, regulations. contracts, agreements or the charity's conslitution which might result in the charity suffering significant penalties or other loss. No allegations of such irregularities or breaches have come to our notice. We confirm that the charity has had no non-routine communication with Charity Commission during or since the period of which you are unaware. 10 We have reviewed the affairs of the charity and confirm that no income is subject to income or capital gains tax. We have also reviewed the VAT treatment in relation to contractual seniices provided by the charity and confirm that VAT has bn correctly accounted for The financial ststements have been prepared on the going concem basis as we believe that adequate cash resources will be available to cover the charity's requirements for working capital and capital expenditure for at least the next twelve months. We are not aware of any other factors which could plrt into jeopardy the charity's going concern status during or beyond this period. 12 There have been no events since the balance sheet date which necessrtate revision of the figures included in the financial statements or inclusion of a note thereto. Should further material events occur, which may neSSitate revision of the figures included in the financial statements OT inclusion of a note thereto, we will advise you accordingly. Yours faithfully Signed on behalf of the board of trustees SuiteFIl08 [M8 SK)ling