Company Registered Number 03320538 Charity Registered Number 1061012
Birmingham Royal Ballet
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Report and Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
CONTENTS
| Officers and professional advisers | 3 |
|---|---|
| Foreword by Sir David Normington GCB | 5 |
| Directors’ report (including Strategic report) | 7 |
| Trustees’ responsibilities statement | 27 |
| Independent auditor's report | 28 |
| Consolidated Statement of financial activities | 30 |
| Chairty Statement of financial activities | 31 |
| Balance sheets | 32 |
| Consolidated Cash flow statement | 33 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 34 |
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
DIRECTORS
Sir David Normington (Chair) Mr Ian Squires Mr Michael Elliott Ms Deborah Spence Ms Hemma Patel Mr Anthony Coombs Mr Barry Allen Ms Jeanetta Laurence OBE - Resigned 19 February 2024 Ms Jane Hackett - Resigned 1 August 2023 Ms Sandra Crossley Mrs Marverine Duffy Ms Shireenah Ingram Mrs Christine Ondimu Councillor J Tennant Sir Luke Rittner - Appointed 19 March 2024
SECRETARY
Ms Anna Williams FCA, DChA - Resigned 1 September 2023 Mr Christopher Rogriguez FCCA - Appointed 1 September 2023
REGISTERED IN ENGLAND & WALES
Company Number: 3320538
Registered Charity Number: 1061012
REGISTERED OFFICE
Thorp Street Birmingham B5 4AU
BANKERS
HSBC Bank plc 130 New Street Birmingham B2 4JU
SOLICITORS
Veale Wasborough Vizards LLP Second Floor, 3 Brindley Place Birmingham B1 2JB
Level Law 20-22 Sheldon Street London WC2H 9JJ
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
INVESTMENT MANAGERS
Evelyn Partners (formerly Smith and Williamson) 9 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2BJ
AUDITOR
Azets 1[st] Floor Capital House 8 Pittman Court Pittman Way Fulwood Preston PR2 9ZG
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
Foreword by Sir David Normington GCB, Chair of Birmingham Royal Ballet
There were many highlights in the year 2023/24, but one stands out above all others: the opening night of Black Sabbath – the Ballet on 26 September 2023.
No one who was there that night will ever forget the excitement, the noise, the sheer exuberance of the music and dancing, the whole audience on its feet through much of the final act, the presence of rock royalty, including members of the original band. When Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath’s great bass guitarist, made a special appearance on stage to play in the final moments of the ballet, the audience went totally wild.
It was, of course, our Director, Carlos Acosta’s, idea to build a ballet around the music and life story of Birmingham’s greatest heavy metal band. When he first floated the idea with me, my eyebrows shot to the ceiling and I wondered aloud whether anyone would come. However, within 24 hours of the tickets going on sale in Birmingham, they were sold out – eight months before the opening night. There was similar excitement when sales opened for the Plymouth Theatre Royal and Sadlers Wells Theatre in London.
Wherever we have taken it so far, the ballet has had standing ovations from both ballet lovers and Black Sabbath fans alike. It has brought people into the theatre who have never seen ballet before. It has won new admirers for the music of Black Sabbath, including yours truly. It reminded us also, if we needed it, that Carlos brings to the company not only great artistry and high standards, but fresh ideas and thinking, pushing at the boundaries of ballet and reaching audiences we have never reached before.
There were also of course traditional and classical moments in the year. It has always been part of Carlos’s vision for the company that new works with new choreographers should be balanced with works from the classical canon and from the company’s extensive back catalogue. As an example, in the early summer of 2023 he created another wonderfully varied triple bill: Balanchine’s exquisite Apollo, an early return for the touching Interlinked and David Bintley’s much loved Still Life at the Penguin Café. It was our most successful summer triple bill for many years, helped of course by the popularity of Penguin Café, which still looks ahead of its time 35 years after it was created.
After a highly successful run of the Nutcracker, the company embarked in the winter/spring of 2024 on a country- wide tour of Sir Peter Wright’s Sleeping Beauty. If you are thinking that this 40 year old production may be showing its age, think again. Helped by some refurbishment it looked absolutely magnificent and from Manchester to Bristol, Sunderland to Southampton, it was enthusiastically received.
There were two other unforgettable highlights. April and May saw the first tour by our junior company, BRB2. The gives opportunities to train, develop and perform to young dancers straight out of ballet school and in the first years of their professional careers. There were only five dancers in the first cohort so they were helped out on tour by some dancers from the main company. But what a talented five they are, so talented that before long they were gracing our main productions. Needless to say, towards the end of the 2023/24 year, all were offered permanent contracts with the main company.
This was also the year of the 21st anniversary of Freefall, our company for dancers with learning disabilities. In November they gave two stunning performances in the Hippodrome’s Patrick Centre of a double bill, comprising a new 'Still Life' at the Freefall Café, and the return of a Freefall favourite, the ever-popular Chairs. Many of the dancers in Freefall have been with the company from the start and their performances were as fresh and joyful as if they were just starting out. Our ambition for the future is to take what we have learned from Freefall about the possibilities for changing lives through dance to a much wider audience. With that in mind the Freefallers worked with students from Fox Hollies School, Hazel Oak Sixth Form, Uffculme School and All Saints Youth Group and Reddi Support to create and choreograph the new piece; and some of the students joined our dancers at the performance.
Freefall is, as the Dancing Times once described it “a Birmingham treasure… to be cherished and supported”. I pay tribute to the dancers, their families, the supporters and our own remarkable LEAP team, led by Pearl Chesterman, without whom none of the last 21 years would have been possible. Most of all our thanks must go to Artistic Director, Lee Fisher, whose commitment and passion for this company has made it the undoubted treasure that it is today.
Freefall is but one example of how we continue to fulfill our mission to reach out and move people with great ballet and music. Despite financial pressures we continue to tour extensively around the UK; and BRB2 enables us to reach even more towns and cities, some of which would otherwise see no live ballet at all. At a time when many companies are using more recorded music, we cherish our orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and know how much our audiences appreciate live music. We remain committed to expanding our community and outreach activities, where we can, and to providing more opportunities for young people to learn from the many skills the company has to offer. Of course, all this comes at a price and it is only possible because audiences come to see us in large numbers and because of the continuing generous support from donors, large and small, public and private. We are immensely grateful to all of them.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
Foreword by Sir David Normington GCB, Chair of Birmingham Royal Ballet
My final thanks go to Carlos Acosta and to our Chief Executive, Caroline Miller for their vision, ambition and leadership and to everyone who works with and for Birmingham Royal Ballet, whatever their role. I am constantly in awe of their skill, their professionalism and their hard work. It is a joy to be the Chair of a company with such a brilliant team of people.
Sir David Normington Chair of the Board
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT)
The Trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report together with the consolidated financial statements of the charity and its subsidiaries for the year ending 31 March 2024, which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the charities Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland; FRS 102) issued in October 2019.
The Directors of the charitable company who are also trustees for the purpose of charity law, are referred to in this report as "Directors” or “the Board of Directors".
OUR PURPOSES, STRATEGY AND ACTIVITIES
Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB), a registered charity, is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital.
BRB Production Services Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham Royal Ballet. The principal activity of the company is theatrical production. BRB Trading is a wholly owned subsidiary of BRB, the principal activity of the company is responsible for commercial services including commercial sponsorships. There was no activity for the financial year
Our purposes are the objects of Birmingham Royal Ballet in accordance with the Articles of Association are to advance the education of the public in the arts and sciences of ballet, dance, music and drama.
We are driven by our vision to reach out and move people with great ballet and music everywhere. We will tour worldclass classical ballet to the widest possible audience in the UK and internationally; create new works that reflect the world we live in; and release the creative potential in people of all ages and backgrounds.
To meet our aims and objectives we will:
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Be bold and inspiring in our artistic vision; performing the great classical ballets alongside new works telling stories reflecting today’s society
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Bring exceptional artists and creatives together, creating work of scale and ambition which both entertains and helps us reflect on our own lives and those around us
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Provide opportunities for young people to realise their creative potential and pursue careers in the performing arts
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Build a “digital stage” to connect with new and global on-line audiences
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Pursue diversity, equity and inclusiveness in every thought and action
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Invest in the creativity and wellbeing of our talented and passionate team
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Be ambassadors for our home city of Birmingham
To put these strategies into action we have the following major areas of activity:
Touring of classical and new ballets to large and medium-sized venues
The Birmingham Royal Ballet group of companies (Birmingham Royal Ballet and its subsidiaries BRB Production Services and BRB Trading) produce and perform ballet dance and music of the highest quality ensuring access to world class performances to audiences throughout the United Kingdom as well as internationally.
Creating new ballet is an essential part of ensuring that the art form remains vibrant and relevant. Birmingham Royal Ballet creates new one act and full-length narrative ballets and regularly commissions new music for these works, adding richness to the national cultural ecology. Birmingham Royal Ballet plays an important role in preserving the classical and heritage repertoire, in particular those works associated with the English tradition of classical ballet, ensuring their continued existence for future generations to enjoy.
With the support of its major funder, Arts Council England, Birmingham Royal Ballet presents world-class performances of the widest possible range of repertory throughout the United Kingdom in both large scale and middle scale venues. The company also tours internationally.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
Participation, education and development
Birmingham Royal Ballet offers free talks, open classes and activity days to support performances and membership schemes such as Birmingham Royal Ballet Friends and The Dancers’ Circle give opportunities to attend talks, rehearsals and other special events that help to give a greater insight into and understanding of the work of the company.
Birmingham Royal Ballet extends its reach and accessibility through learning, engagement, access and participation (LEAP) work. Through LEAP, BRB plays a pivotal role, particularly in Birmingham, in introducing children and young people from diverse backgrounds to ballet and developing their talent.
Programmes include Dance Track - a free ballet training programme for talented individuals age 6 upwards, Repertory based programmes for dance students, schools and community groups, disability led work and continuing professional development for professional dancers and teachers. Many projects include free access to a Birmingham Royal Ballet performance. Birmingham Royal Ballet continues to expand and develop how it takes work into the community, presenting it in new and unusual settings and co-creating works and performances with community groups.
Digital
Access to performance, engagement and participation activity is amplified through Birmingham Royal Ballet’s growing digital offer which includes both free and paid for content which can range from a brilliant still images to made for digital films like Empty Stage. Whatever the format, BRB’s digital content shares the same production values and striving for excellence that drives all of BRB’s artistic work. Digital production is no longer limited to ‘show marketing’ but is part of the artistic and cultural aims of the Company and based on fundamental principles to ‘Entertain, Educate or Inspire’
Our volunteers
We are grateful to our volunteers who support the delivery of our major activities. In return, we offer career development opportunities and experience with a large arts organisation to over 35 volunteers including LEAP ambassadors.
Our values
Above all, Birmingham Royal Ballet believes in the importance of taking the arts to everyone and will work hard, through ballet, dance and music, to break down barriers perceived or real that prevent people from the pleasure of experiencing or engaging with the arts in its many and varied forms.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance ‘public benefit: running a charity (PB2) and the guidance on feecharging’. We rely on Arts Council England and other significant grants, major and membership donations, and income from performances and hires to cover our operating costs.
Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the UK’s most creative and exciting ballet companies and aims to inspire audiences with work that is entertaining, relevant, exciting and technically excellent. It is committed to inclusion and access as ballet, dance and music are art forms for everyone to experience, participate in and enjoy.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
Economic Impact
Arts Council England’s research suggests that “For every £1 of GVA generated by the arts and culture industry, an additional £1.30 of GVA is generated in the wider economy through wider indirect and induced multiplier impacts of the industry.”
Using this multiplier on BRB’s spend, the charity can be seen to generate significant economic impact in the UK and outside London.
----- Start of picture text -----
Place GVA 2023/24
Birmingham £33,219,489
London £860,131
Northampton £25,036
Peterborough £25,036
Plymouth £808,908
Southampton £502,838
City of Salford £376,510
Sunderland £329,050
South West England £190,900
----- End of picture text -----
Our research by external consultants found that in communities where BRB tour their main productions, they account for 41% of all ballet. In communities where BRB2 perform in smaller venues, they account for 65% of all ballet.
Birmingham Royal Ballet is committed to the principle that cost should not prohibit access to performances. Tickets for performances in the UK are priced across affordable ranges (between £10 and £85) which reflect the regional economies where the company performs. A wide range of concessions and special offers are available on tickets including discounts for school groups. Access to live performances is supported through a programme of children’s performances, touch tours, audio description and relaxed performances.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Performance and Productions
Overview
BRB’s artistic and performance related objectives for the 2023/24 period were to:
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Deliver the inaugural BRB2 tour to medium size venues in the spring of 2023/24
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Prepare detailed programme plans to December 2026 and outline plans through to summer 2027, including post pandemic return to international touring
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Raise the quality and profile of BRB by working with different choreographers that artistically stretch our dancers and offer audiences programmes ranging from classical, heritage and contemporary repertoire
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Work with leading creative artists to create new work including commissioning new music or orchestral arrangements for ballet
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Develop our ‘Music and Dance’ programme as an accessible and varied showcase for our artform. This includes programmes aimed at schools and families.
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Progress the integration of digital culture through a cost-effective production to deliver both show-promotional content and innovative creative content to ‘Entertain, Educate and Inspire’
In 2023/24, BRB continued to build post pandemic resilience and Carlos Acosta’s vision for Birmingham Royal Ballet, engaging live audiences with a dynamic programme of classical canon and new work i.e. a successful Black Sabbath - The Ballet tour. We increased our UK presence and audiences through our inaugural BRB2 tour to medium scale venues.
New works were major investments in BRB productions, with the productions showing strong success and potential investment cost recovery in the medium term as they join the future cycle of programming.
We were disappointed that Royal Albert Hall’s scheduling could not include BRB’s The Nutcracker in December 2023. This negatively affected our projected plans, reduced budgeted net income, along with reduced audience reach. However, we are delighted that The Nutcracker will return to Royal Albert Hall in December 2024.
In 2023-24 the company gave 93 performances; 54 in Birmingham and 39 on tour across the UK (2022/23: 100 performances: 54 in Birmingham and 46 on tour). Live audiences are approximately 120,000 (2022/23: 139,000). The number of touring performances and live audiences were affected by The Nutcracker not appearing at Royal Albert Hall.
BRB2 Inaugural tour
We opened the year with BRB2’s inaugural tour of Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection with a total of 11 performances and audiences of 5,200 persons in medium-scale venues across Northampton, Nottingham, Peterborough, Wolverhampton and the Linbury at the Royal Ballet and Opera (formerly Royal Opera House). The performances were very well received although technical changes were made during the tour to meet varying requirements of the venues. BRB2 is a company of some of the very best young ballet graduates from around the world. The company offers a two-year performance programme, providing vital employment for the next generation of exceptional ballet dancers (aged 18-22) to transition from training into jobs at BRB or other leading ballet companies, impacting the dance sector worldwide.
Triple Bill – Still Life at the Penguin Cafe
We delivered the summer triple bill at Birmingham Hippodrome from 8 – 10 June 2023. The programme included Balanchine’s Apollo, David Bintley’s Still Life at the Penguin Café, and Juliano Nunes’ Interlinked, which we commissioned for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It was the most successful summer triple bill for ten years, exceeding budget targets for income and tickets by 20% and 47% respectively.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
International tour to Orlando and New York
Twenty-one BRB dancers travelled to Orlando, Florida to perform an Evening of Music and Dance at the Steinmetz Hall. Repertoire included extracts from Interlinked, Carmen, Swan Lake, Rhapsody and Le Corsaire. Conducted by Paul Murphy, this performance was well danced and warmly received. The dancers then travelled to New York City heralding BRB’s first return there in 20 years. There were two performances of Interlinked at the Fall for Dance Festival at New York’s City Centre Theatre. Both performances received enthusiastic responses from the audience. Four dancers from the BRB touring group were invited to the Vice British Consule to be part of the British Government’s 10th anniversary of being involved in New York Pride. The US tour was an investment in raising the company’s visibility towards our US touring plans in 2025. The tour was generously supported by a gift from a individual donor.
Black Sabbath – The Ballet
Black Sabbath - The Ballet premiered in September 2023 to sold out audiences in Birmingham, London and Plymouth. The ballet has been recognised as one of the most ambitious and exciting new works in the company’s history – a ballet inspired by the origins of the heavy metal genre in Birmingham. An audacious new work, the ballet was artistically ambitious, with Black Sabbath’s music reworked for the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and with the full approval and support from the original band members of Black Sabbath.
Survey Responses
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77% of audiences surveyed at Birmingham Hippodrome would see another BRB production
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92% of audiences surveyed at Theatre Royal Plymouth would see another BRB production
The ambitious size and international nature of the creative team that involved three choreographers, three composers, a dramaturg, designer and lighting designer helped to deliver BRB’s ambition for diversity in terms of race and formative backgrounds. Black Sabbath demonstrated BRB’s delivering on its goal to be a “laboratory for creativity”.
Naritional Dance Awards 2024: Outstanding Creative Contribution: WINNER – Carlos Acosta for the concept of Black Sabbath: The Ballet.
Reviews: The Telegraph ★★★★ “a headbanging triumph” “a triumphant world premiere that celebrates Birmingham’s local heroes”. The Times ★★★★ “a generous-spirited crowd pleaser” Evening Standard ★★★★
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
The Nutcracker
BRB’s production of The Nutcracker at the Birmingham Hippodrome in early November to early December 2023 was one of our most successful. Income and ticket sales exceeded budget targets. The magnificent new rebuilt and reimagined sets done in the last financial year, designed by John McFarlane, continued to sparkle and dazzle with an intensity of colour that had faded after 30 years use of the original sets.
Sleeping Beauty tour
The Sleeping Beauty tour achieved BRB’s mission to distribute high quality ballet and live music at the largest scale nationally, performing to 7 large scale venues (north east, north west, midlands, south-west, London). BRB played the full Tchaikovsky score, 62 players at all venues making BRB the only ballet company still touring England extensively with a large scale orchestra. The production continued to raise the technical and artistic standards of BRB’s dancers. The Sleeping Beauty is one of the most technically challenging classical ballets giving opportunities for rising stars in the company to take on principal and solo roles, developing the talent pipeline in BRB. BRB2 dancers had multiple opportunities to gain experience with the main company, including Alyssa Garkavenko, performing featured fairies and Mason King performing the lead consort. We continued to bring famous artists to coach BRB’s dancers, Darcey Bussell and guest, Matthew Ball. Darcey’s masterclass was filmed and streamed in Plymouth. We also live streamed a rehearsal with Carlos and Darcey Bussell.
Headlines for the Sleeping Beauty tour include April 2024 performances at Bristol Hippodrome and London Sadler’s Wells (2024/25 financial year).
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Total number of venues for the tour: seven
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Total number of tickets sold for the tour: 52,306 (target was 51,994)
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Total ticket income for the tour: £1,688,638.12 (budget target was £1,531,055.96)
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Total number of shows: 40
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Plus, one Sleeping Beauty Dreams at Birmingham Hippodrome (community project)
4 and 5 star reviews were received, including the Financial Times: “Soloists shine in classic production. A revival in London of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s classic production is always welcome”.
Music & Orchestra
BRB’s orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia (RBS), had an extraordinary year of external projects in addition to its BRB performance schedule. It worked with the Royal Ballet And Opera (formerly Royal Opera House) on Sleeping Beauty May-June 2023 conducted by Jonathan Lo.
Australian Ballet engaged our orchestra for their production of Jewels , a full-length ballet with original choreography by George Balanchine at the Royal Ballet and Opera in August 2023. The programme also included a Triple bill.
RBS was the chosen orchestra for Nureyev Legend and Legacy performance at Dubai Opera – UAE, on 10 November 2023; a dazzling array of highlights from Nureyev’s transformative career with each piece selected to represent different aspects of Nureyev’s incredible life and work.
An Evening of Music and Dance featured Tchaikovsky classics at the beautiful Symphony Hall in Birmingham’s Centenary Square. We fell short of our budget targets achieving 90% of our target tickets. However, we were delighted with the positive audience response.
Yi Wei was our Constant Lambert Conducting Fellow working on Tchaikovsky Classics at Symphony Hall and will make his debut with the company in the 2024-2025 season.
Previous Constant Lambert Conducting Fellows, Thomas Jung and Charlotte Politi continued to work with BRB during 2023-2024, Thomas on Nutcracker, Charlotte Sleeping Beauty and Nutcracker.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
Key leadership staff changes
Anna Williams – outgoing Chief Operating Officer left BRB after a 30 year career with the company. Anna has been integral to shaping the charity’s delivery over three decades.
John Beadle – outgoing Orchestra Director, November 2023. We cannot pay enough tributes to John Beadle who is a cornerstone to the growth, evolution and leadership of BRB and Royal Ballet Sinfonia for over 50 years, first playing with the Orchestra at Sadler’s Wells in 1972.
Michael O’Hare left the company after 40 years in December 2023. Michael joined Sadlers Wells Ballet in 1980, rising from Principal dancer to senior repetiteur with the company.
Rachael Magson - Director of Development joined in November 2023. Rachael joins us from extensive work with arts organisations and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in fundraising and development.
Digital
Selected to participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator programme, BRB explored the use of immersive technology with the first project of a Swan Lake VR experience.
Engagement and Participation
Offering opportunities to connect with Birmingham Royal Ballet through learning, engagement, access, and participation (LEAP) programmes is one of the ways in which the company can take ballet and associated activities out beyond the traditional theatre presentations making ballet, dance, drama and music accessible art forms for everyone.
In 2023/24 BRB has delivered 831 LEAP sessions to around 14,930 participants (2022/23 758 LEAP sessions, 13,072 participants).
Our LEAP objectives for the year were to:
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Continue to strengthen engagement and connections with participants and stakeholders across BRB’s LEAP programme, aiming to enhance and expand the regular schedule of ‘in-person’ workshops and classes throughout the 2023/2024 year.
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Celebrate the graduation of another successful cohort of Dance Track Students. 24 of whom received places on the associate courses of either The Royal Ballet School Junior Associates, or Elmhurst Ballet School Young Dancers. Again highlighting the impact, the programme has had on the lives of the students and their families.
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Produce and direct Sleeping Beauty Dreams Ballet project in February 2024 to provide 60 dance students aged 8 – 60 the opportunity to dance an adapted version of Petipa’s Sleeping Beauty, on the Birmingham Hippodrome stage in full costume alongside BRB dancers taking the principal roles. This gives an insight into the workings of life in a professional ballet company and is supported by 108 hours of intensive training and rehearsal time.
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Build on the success of the fully re-established ‘wrap around’ events, including pre-performance talks/discussions, class on stage, insight events, audio description, and touch tours, by expanding and enhancing these offerings throughout Birmingham, Sadler's Wells, and The Lowry in the 2023/2024 year.
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A celebration of Freefall Dance Company at 21 took place in November 2023, including an exhibition, performance opportunities and a collaboration with other SEND Schools and community groups, who were mentored by the Freefall artists, to also perform in the Anniversary event. Consultations with parents/guardians and other project stakeholders have been sought to help inform the future of the company and project.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
Dance Track - The Dance Track programme is a specialised initiative designed to identify and nurture young dance talent from diverse backgrounds. It typically targets children from local schools, offering them the opportunity to receive high-quality dance training regardless of their financial or social circumstances. The programme aims to develop their technical skills, artistic expression, and overall appreciation for dance. 2022 was the 25th anniversary of this programme and over the years Dance Track has touched the lives of some 42,000 primary school children in Birmingham. From relatively modest beginnings, Dance Track has now grown to operate in more than 40 Birmingham primary schools. The programme has nurtured raw dance talent in primary schools across Birmingham and had a positive, life-enriching impact on thousands of young people aged six to eight. The programme has also provided topquality dance training to talented young people in Birmingham who might otherwise not have the opportunity to benefit from dance training.
The Dance Track programme exemplifies the transformative power of arts education, providing significant benefits to individuals and communities by fostering talent, promoting inclusivity, and enriching cultural life.
Freefall Dance Company (talented adults with severe learning difficulties) – Freefall Dance Company is an ensemble of exceptionally talented dancers with severe learning disabilities. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Freefall celebrated its 21st anniversary by actively engaging with the community and schools to promote arts inclusivity and attract newer members to the company. The highlight of the celebrations was a special event at Birmingham Hippodrome, hosted by Freefall’s Artistic Director, Lee Fisher. Esteemed guests included Caroline Miller, Carlos Acosta, Sir David Normington, and other key funders. A memorable moment was Carlos Acosta joining a warm-up class during the rehearsal week, creating an inspiring experience for the dancers. There was an exhibition in residence at Birmingham Hippodrome, depicting the 21 years of the programme from November 2023 to March 2024. During the year Freefall reached: 10 core company members, 48 participants from 5 SEN schools & community groups (over 36 workshops = 1,728 engagements) trained 15 teachers, live audiences of 600+ and over 350,000 You Tube views
LEAP Ambassadors – The LEAP Ambassadors Programme is a free professional development initiative for individuals aged 16-25, designed to provide skills and experience for those with limited access to ballet, the arts, culture, and education. The programme aims to equip young people considering a career in the arts with essential workplace skills. Over a nine-month period, participants engage in both individual and group training sessions across various disciplines, including stage management, costume design, and digital marketing. Each ambassador is placed in a BRB department with a mentor to maximize their learning and productivity.
The 2023/24 cohort consisted of 10 ambassadors. They received group training sessions delivered by BRB staff, providing insights into various industry roles, with a particular focus on backstage and non-performing careers. Additionally, ambassadors participated in individual training, shadowing BRB staff to gain hands-on experience with BRB projects and productions. At the end of the year, ambassadors collaboratively curated a celebration event at the Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, showcasing their learning and achievements throughout the programme.
Ballet Repertoire – Ballet Repertoire classes have taken place in Birmingham, Plymouth, Salford, Bristol, Sunderland, and Southampton during the 2023/24 season. The repertoire is delivered by a BRB professional, who teach dance students the adapted choreography of the current repertoire being performed by the company. The classes are graded from pre Primary up to Advanced plus and have been very well received in Birmingham and on tour. They are designed to strengthen students’ passion for and enjoyment of dance.
Unwrapped Schools Programme : We have continued to develop our Nutcracker Unwrapped schools’ workshop and now also have resources and have delivered Still Life at The Penguin Café schools workshops through the summer term (May/June 2023). These have been well received and alongside delivery in schools we have facilitated Teachers CPD workshops, to empower, inspire and give knowledge to primary school teachers to allow confidence for them to deliver dance competently as part of their curriculum. Music workshops have also been developed to support this programme and delivered by members of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
Other LEAP Projects:
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We have worked closely with Dowdales School in Cumbria on an extended project – targeting schools in a ‘Levelling-Up’ area. The schools have paid for workshops in both Birmingham and Salford, as well as bringing their dance students to watch performances of The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. Following an eighteen-month partnership this has culminated in a festival at Dowdales bringing together their dance students, local primary schools and private sector dance schools.
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We have worked extensively in Peterborough in collaboration with New Theatre and two local primary schools. Ballet workshops were undertaken monthly from September 2023 to April 2024 with a festival performance at the Theatre in May. There are no plans to repeat this project.
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We continue our partnership with Performers College – offering industry professional workshops in their fresher’s week, a chance for the first years to participate in an annual performance project and other workshops and collaborations through the year.
Audience & Digital Growth
The primary Audience Development objective for 2023-24 was to build sustainable audience growth.
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Recovering to pre-pandemic ticket volume – Following work with audience consultants TRG (through Culture Recovery Funding) and BRB’s venue partners, the focus was on.
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Building and growing relationships with new audiences – We undertook a series of ‘listening’ projects with ‘new to ballet’ audiences in Birmingham (largely drawn from first-time attendees of Black Sabbath – The Ballet ). Pre-school family groups in Plymouth, Access groups in Salford, and non-return (had been to the ballet once) audiences in Peterborough. Working with our venue partners, we will use the insights from these projects to inform marketing and audience development strategies for future tours.
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Growing new audiences through innovative programming - Our strategy for the 2023-24 season was to leverage the creativity of new programming such as Black Sabbath – The Ballet and a programme to take ballet to ‘unexpected places’. This campaign took Black Sabbath and Swan Lake to a post-industrial food truck venue in central Birmingham and The Sleeping Beauty to Bristol’s 11th-century cathedral. Campaigns that (trackable by use of promotional QR codes) brought younger and more diverse ticket buyers to BRB main stage productions
Box office returns showed that ballet was back in 2023/24. BRB2’s (BRB’s new junior company) first-ever tour sold 5,189 tickets (£78k) £7k ahead of target and an amazing 40% more tickets per show (on average) than the equivalent full Company ‘midscale’ tour in 2019. At 76% capacity, the Summer Triple Bill at Birmingham Hippodrome was the most successful mixed programme in over a decade. Black Sabbath – The Ballet rewrote every record book – over 26k tickets sold, revenues of almost £920k, the fastest selling shows in BRB history, the highest capacity of any tour. To follow this with the highest revenue producing The Nutcracker run yet (£1.59m) and a strong The Sleeping Beauty Spring tour (£50k over budget) delivered a hugely successful year - £4m in net box office revenue was £284k (7.6%) ahead of target. Total tickets sold were 119,662 (6,079 tickets /5.4% ahead of goal) which is 6,802 (6%) ahead of the last pre-pandemic year (19/20).
Black Sabbath – The Ballet also transformed BRB’s web presence. March 23 – March 24, BRB’s website received 270k visitors up 66.5% on the previous period. Typically, BRB’s website has 2k visits per month. In May 23 (when Black Sabbath was announced at Sadlers Wells) that shot up to 8k and again to 4k in October (the tour itself). Over the whole year, BRB’s website received over 1million views – 11% of these were to the Black Sabbath show page, making it the most visited page on the entire site (2k more than the home page)!
We have increased Facebook subscribers to 153,000 (2021/22: 147,000. 2022/23: 152,000) and Instagram subscribers to 74,000 (2021/22: 60,500. 2022/23: 65,000) because of Instagram-specific content (like dancer takeovers) to attract the younger demographic of Instagram followers. Overall BRB’s social media channels achieved 18.7m Impressions and a Reach of 12m.
15
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
RAISING FUNDS
As in previous years our principal funding sources are:
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Arts Council England – £8,036,194 (2022/23: £8,036,194) revenue funding to contribute towards Birmingham Royal Ballet’s core operating costs and the costs of delivering performances and activities including touring nationally, middle scale- touring, audience development activity and our learning and outreach programme.
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Birmingham City Council – £157,850 (2022/23: £157,850) revenue funding to contribute towards BRB’s core operating costs and the costs of delivering performances and learning and outreach activities primarily in Birmingham.
Core revenue funding from our major revenue funders, Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council, accounted for 50% of total income (2022/23: 50%).
Birmingham City Council announced they would halve their grant in the next financial year (24/25) and this will reduce to £0 in 25/26. Whilst this did not affect our 23/24 funding from the City Council, it will impact in the future on our work with Birmingham Arts institutions to make a collective impact for the cultural life of the city and for its residents Arts Council England funding is committed as standstill until 31 March 2026. However, Arts Council England has extended the National Portfolio Investment Programme for a further year, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, that will be a simple, non-competitive application process, requiring similar information to what is already provided for monitoring and reporting.
Total income from donations, membership schemes and other fundraising activity during the year was £2,175,494 (2022/23: £2,046,053) of which donations (excluding legacies) from private individuals were £1,213,898 (2022/23 £878,298).
Income from trusts and foundations for the year was £855,635 (2022/23: £849,061).
We thank all the trusts and foundations that have supported Birmingham Royal Ballet during 2023/24.
Our Approach to Fundraising
We have primarily focused our fundraising activity on:
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Securing donations from private individual donors
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Raising income through our Dancers Circle and Friends Supporter Schemes
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Applying for support from Trusts, Foundations and other grant sources
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Support through Corporate Sponsorship, Membership and Donations
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Grateful receiving gifts left in wills
We do not undertake door to door, street fundraising or community fundraising.
Our fundraising is undertaken by fundraising staff in our development team and freelance fundraisers where required.
We have not engaged any third party, professional fundraising, commercial participators or volunteers in fundraising during this financial year.
Fundraising Standards
BRB is registered with the Fundraising Regulator (and pay the associated levy fee). We comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice and use this in the training of our staff and have a Fundraising Promise which is published on our website.
During the year we engaged two freelance fundraisers as Interim Deputy Directors of Development. They were contracted with obligation and monitored the companies with the Charities Act of 2022.
There were no complaints received by the company or our freelance fundraisers for our fundraising activities during the year.
16
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
Protecting Vulnerable People
We required and monitored protection around vulnerable people and members of the public from:
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unreasonable intrusion on a person’s privacy (in line with our privacy policy)
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unreasonably persistent approaches for the purpose of soliciting or otherwise procuring money or other property on behalf of the charity
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or placing undue pressure on a person to give money or other property.
These fit with our safeguarding policy on all activities and we operate in line with the best practice guidance in relation to vulnerable donors as per the Code of Fundraising Practice.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The group results for the period are set out in the financial statements on page 31 onwards.
Income from charitable activities in 2023/24 was £5,609,566 (2022/23: £5,866,668).
Birmingham Royal Ballet received Theatre Tax Credit income of £1,673,200 in respect of 2023/24 (£1,818,252 in respect of 2022/23). The high Theatre Tax Credit income is due to significant investment in Black Sabbath – The Ballet and the new work for Autumn 2024 during the year. The Theatre Tax Credit regime remains a vital contribution to BRB’s income mix and a positive recognition of the contribution that both commercial and subsidised theatre makes to the economy. Theatre Tax Credit enables BRB to continue its commitment to investment in both new works and major revivals.
Expenditure on charitable activities in the year was £15,872,488 equivalent to 96% of total expenditure (2022/23: £16,140,888 equivalent to 96% of total expenditure). 2023-24 was the third year of investment in Carlos Acosta’s new artistic vision including Black Sabbath – The Ballet and Luna a dynamic new work inspired by the pioneering women of Birmingham and exploring contemporary universal themes.
We have commenced a comprehensive review of processes, systems and controls to support management accountability and control through dynamic budgeting to match resource to strategic priorities and active cost control which responds to a changing economic environment.
We implemented a new accounting system that went ‘live’ in September 2023, that improves efficiency in financial processing and give budget holders access to real time information.
Financial Stability will be supported through:
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Formulating detailed financial resilience plans for 2024 – 2026 to rebuild general, unrestricted reserves (excluding capital reserves) to the equivalent of 8 weeks turnover.
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Completing the review of financial systems, controls and management information and to ensure that these are fit for purpose and future proof to support BRB’s artistic and financial strategy for the next 10 years
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The period to 31 March 2024 ended with a deficit on activities of £105,124 (2022-23 deficit £444,779) giving total accumulated reserves of £7,962,503 (2022-23 £8,067,627).
The deficit analysed across funds was as follows:
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General unrestricted funds – Deficit – £(498,510)
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Designated funds - £(258,830)
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Restricted funds – Surplus – £304,466
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Endowment funds – Surplus – £347,750
Unrestricted revenue reserves excluding designated funds presently stand at £1,240,189 (2022-23 £1,738,699). Our strategy for the period from 2024 – 2027 will be to rebuild these reserves back towards £2.3m in line with our stated reserve policy.
17
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
RESERVES POLICY
The reserves policy was reviewed and approved by the Board in March 2021.
The covid pandemic has brought renewed consideration to the level of reserves held by arts organisations such that the Culture Recovery Funding programme included a criteria that funding could be used for reflating reserves up to the equivalent of up to eight weeks’.
It was agreed that BRB’s reserves policy be revised to increase our target for general, undesignated reserves to the equivalent of eight weeks turnover which is approximately £2.3m.
Other designated funds include:
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Thorp Street Refurbishment - being the funds relating to the Thorp Street refurbishment works. This fund is expended over 25 years from 2014/15. This fund could only be realised by disposal of the BRB Thorp Street premises which is leased by Birmingham Royal Ballet from Birmingham Hippodrome on a 125 year lease from 2001
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Community Engagement Fund – represents funds received from the sale of investments by Birmingham Royal Ballet Trust prior to the winding up of the Trust on 31 March 2005 to support educational activities particularly in association with dance and choreographic training. The use of these funds has been widened and re-designated to support further development of our community engagement activity in accordance with our 2015-18 Business Plan. This fund will be used to support the development of our participation and engagement programmes in Birmingham and on tour particularly in support of open access opportunities with the intention that the fund will be expended by 2025
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New Productions Fund - to support investment in new productions that will increase the repertory available for performances where funding is not available from private philanthropic sources. This fund will be used to support productions of new one act ballets in the NPO period to 2026.
Restricted funds - Restricted funds include donations, gifts, grants and legacies received whose use is restricted to purposes specified by the donor.
Endowment funds - Endowment funds are amounts that have been donated with the intention that they be invested to produce income, whose use is restricted to purposes specified by the donor. There is presently one endowment fund.
The Catalyst/Cadbury Family Expendable Endowment Fund for the purpose of funding dance fellowships (The Robin Cadbury Dance Fellowships) to support young dancers with teaching, training and mentoring in perpetuity. The donations received are matched by funding from Arts Council Catalyst Endowment Scheme. This endowment period is 25 years until 1 November 2037 after which the fund is expendable.
Investments:
General objectives - The cash and other investments of Birmingham Royal Ballet must be managed in such a way as to safeguard the capital value of those assets to enable Birmingham Royal Ballet to carry out its charitable purposes effectively in both the short term and over the longer term. Where possible, the value of invested assets should be enhanced so as to at least keep pace with inflation.
Short-term cash and cash contingency funds - To retain flexibility and availability of these funds, current account monies in excess of monthly operating requirements are transferred to higher rate call accounts or short-term fixed interest money market deposit accounts to maximise interest rates received. Cash investments mature on a rolling basis to ensure availability of funds and no cash investment is invested for notice periods exceeding 12 months.
Medium-term investments - Where there are surplus cash funds available for investment in excess of one year but likely to be required for expenditure within a three to five year time frame fixed interest vehicles such as gilts, bonds including index linked bonds can be considered. Investment in such vehicles should be assessed for:
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Financial return;
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Protection against inflation in addition to offering a financial return;
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Risk of default; and
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Tradability in the event of the need to liquidate assets.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
There are no medium term investments held by Birmingham Royal Ballet at present.
Long-term investments and endowment funds - Funds held for the long term (a minimum of three years but more likely to be in excess of five years) or as expendable endowment funds are held for the purpose of securing a financial return which can be applied in the furtherance of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s charitable objects and cannot be used in a way which would erode the capital of the fund, subject to any special provisions which would allow the expenditure of capital in certain circumstances.
Acceptable risk - Funds invested for the short to medium term will be held in low risk deposit accounts or fixed interest investments in order to avoid significant reductions in capital value and will be available to liquidate over a maximum of 12 months. Long term investments and endowments will be held across a mixed portfolio of investments to achieve both capital growth and return over the long term (minimum of five to seven years). It is accepted that some investments within the portfolio may be higher risk but overall the portfolio should not be exposed to more than a medium risk profile to balance the opportunity for increased investment returns against the risk of capital loss. It is accepted that the investments held for the long term are likely to see volatility over the short to medium term and may even have periods of negative return for certain asset classes.
Funds are managed in accordance with the investment strategy agreed with Smith and Williamson and the performance of the fund to date is in line with our policy of achieving a balance between income and capital growth in accordance with the investment policy for endowment funds.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Birmingham Royal Ballet has a comprehensive strategic business plan setting out the major opportunities available to the charity and the risks to which it is exposed. The Directors review the plans regularly. As part of this process, the Directors have implemented a risk management strategy, which comprises:
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biannual review of the risks which the charity may face;
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the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the plan; and
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the implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should any of those risks materialise.
The primary risks during 2023/24 were identified as
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key person dependency
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cost and pay pressure
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inflationary cost increases against standstill funding from Arts Council England
During 2023/24 BRB has successfully managed risk through a combination of:
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Prioritising pay awards and finding compensating savings elsewhere across BRB budgets
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Adapting performances to manage cost and reduce labour requirements
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Focussing our marketing and communications activities to raise awareness of forthcoming performances and maximise sales, and strengthening of fundraising strategies and processes.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
FUTURE PLANS
Spring – Summer 2024
BRB2 – Carlos Acosta’s Classical Vision tour
We completed the second mid-scale tour of BRB2 with the final outing of Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection . It has proved successful with both audiences and venues who have used it to provide quality ballet for audiences in a market where there isn’t a lot of high quality ballet product available to mid-scale theatres.
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Total number of venues for the tour: 5 - Cheltenham, Northampton, Peterborough, Poole, Canterbury
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Total number of tickets sold for the tour: 7220 (target was 5270)
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Total ticket income for the tour: £153,297 (target was £97,107)
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Total number of shows: 11
Interlinked at Glastonbury
BRB performed Interlinked at Glastonbury Festival 2024, including BBC broadcasting part of BRB’s performance with interview with Carlos Acosta – Sunday 30 June, 11am.
BRB at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
To ensure that BRB is present and visible in Birmingham in July 2024, we collaborated with BMAG for an interactive display and public sharing of the making of costumes and set pieces to demystify ballet and show the intense, unseen effort behind our work.
International touring
We are delighted to continue rebuilding our post-pandemic international touring around our new productions:
Black Sabbath – The Ballet:
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As part of Holland Dance Festival in Rotterdam, 12-15 June 2024
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The Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, 19-20 June 2024
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Hamburg Ballet / John Neumeier, 9-10 July 2024
Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection show:
- Reykjavik, Iceland 26 June 2024.
Autumn tour 2024
We are fulfilling our mission to provide classical works and hold the heritage of these, along with new work that brings contemporary issues to the fore to build ballet’s relevance to all generations through our tours of:
Luna , a new work inspired by the women of Birmingham in Birmingham Hippodrome and Sadler’s Wells, London, with an all-female, international creative team, including choreographers Iratxe Ansa (Spain), Wubkje Kuindersma (Netherlands), Seeta Patel (UK), Arielle Smith (UK), Thaís Suárez (Cuba) and music composed by Kate Whitley (UK), Luna is the final part of Carlos Acosta’s Birmingham trilogy ( City of a Thousand Trades, Black Sabbath ). Luna has been generously supported by the Oak Foundation through a 5 year commitment to developing new ballet works.
Sir Frederick Ashton’s La Fille Mal Gardee will be in Birmingham, London and Plymouth.
The Nutcracker in its new splendour will be at Birmingham Hippodrome and returning to Royal Albert Hall.
Winter tour 2025
Cinderella ballet – a timeless classic
Spring – Summer 2025
BRB 2 touring to mid-scale venues
20
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
International touring 2025
USA:
Black Sabbath – The Ballet Kennedy Center, Washington DC, 4 – 8 June 2025
Japan:
The Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella
LEAP
LUNA : Open auditions have been held to cast 30 children for Carlos’ next world premier ‘Luna’ in Birmingham and London. These children have been chosen to depict the future of both Birmingham and London and will be performing with the main company at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Sadler’s Wells respectively. We are working in partnership with Ex Cathedra with the music for this ballet having been composed by leading British composer Kate Whitley. The children’s chorus will act much like a Greek Chorus, tying together the different sections of the ballet, and working particularly closely with Dutch choreographer Wubkje Kuindersma and British choreographer Arielle Smith. Part of their role is to sing UK composer Kate Whitley's I am I Say and There is Silence , which will be taught by members of the Education and Participation team from Birmingham-based vocal ensemble Ex Cathedra.
Working in partnership with the Hippodrome, we will also be co-producing a curtain raiser for LUNA.
College of Creativity
2024/25 will be the first delivery year of the Birmingham based College of Creativity (CoC), a skills development partnership to nurture a strong pipeline of creative talent with specialist skills, diversifying the creative industries’ workforce in the West Midlands. Initiated by BRB in partnership with The Rep, Birmingham Hippodrome and CBSO, CoC will create resources and map pathways that detail the variety of exciting job roles and required skills in the creative industries’ and are aimed at engaging young people aged 14+. This follows an extensive period of research and development, generously supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Birmingham Royal Ballet, as a company limited by guarantee, is governed by a board of non-executive directors (charitable trustees). In accordance with the Articles of Association the Directors are also the members of the company.
The Governors of the Royal Ballet have the right to nominate one of their members to be a member of the Board of Directors; Birmingham City Council nominate one representative (usually a Councillor) to be a member of the Board of Directors. All such nominations are approved and appointed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is responsible for the appointment of a Chair.
Appointment, induction and training
The Board of Directors’ membership includes those with appropriate professional experience of dance, education, arts and culture, fundraising, marketing and communications, general management and financial management.
Directors at the time the Articles were revised and approved 3[rd] December 2020 may serve a first term of 5 years and second term of 3 years. Directors after that date may serve up to two concurrent 4 year periods. After a board member has served two consecutive terms in office, they are eligible for re-appointment only after a year has elapsed since they retired as a board member, unless the board considers it would be in the best interests of the company for a board member to be eligible for re-appointment on his or her retirement for such number of further terms as the board shall resolve.
All new Directors receive a comprehensive information pack, a tour of the company and opportunities to meet with The Director, Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Resources and other senior members of staff. All Directors have regular access to performances, other events and activities so that they are familiar with the work of the company.
Organisation and Governance
The Board of Directors are responsible for decisions covering the significant areas of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s affairs including:
strategic decision making including setting strategy and plans to respond to Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation funding programme.
21
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
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strategic decision making including setting strategy and plans to respond to Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation funding programme.
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appointment of the key management personnel the Chief Executive and ‘The Director’. The day-to-day management of the affairs of Birmingham Royal Ballet is delegated to the Chief Executive, Caroline Miller, who is responsible for overall organisational management. The Director, Carlos Acosta, is responsible for artistic vision and strategy and for managing artistic activities.
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approval of budgets, approval of major capital expenditure projects, and development of key policies including general treasury and risk management policies.
To enable the Directors to perform their duties all directors have full access to relevant information and to services of the Company Secretary and the Officers of the Company. If necessary, the Directors may take independent professional advice at the Company’s expense.
The primary governance and organisational objectives for the period were to:
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Formally constitute the Audit & Risk Committee (May 2023) and implement an annual meeting cycle
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Undertake a Theory of Change process for better measurement, monitoring and reporting of the social impact of BRB’s activities, and led by external consultants
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Continue to review and plan for BRB’s medium and long-term sustainability against standstill ACE funding and Cost of Living increases
In 2023/24, the Board of Directors met 5 times, including an extended Board meeting on 1 March 2024 to discuss the strategic outlook and future artistic plans to 2026/27.
In 2024/25, the company will undertake a UK Charity Governance Code Audit and Board Effectiveness Review.
Sub-committees
In order to carry out their duties as effectively as possible the Board of Directors is assisted by a number of sub committees including:
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The Finance and General Purposes Committee - responsible for detailed review of financial reports, planning documents, budgets and policies prior to recommendation for approval.
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The Audit and Risk Committee – responsible for the oversight of the external audit and auditors including agreeing scope and fees and receiving auditors report and annual report and accounts. Advising the Board on any actions required to ensure that the organisations risk profile and risk management procedures remain effective. Advising the Board on any actions to maintain the effective governance of the organisation in line with statutory, funders and Charity Commission requirements.
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The Nominations and Governance Committee – is responsible for the review of general governance including BRB’s response to the recommendations of the Charity Governance code as well as recommendation of candidates for appointment as Directors bearing in mind the particular needs of the Board at the time as well as the future needs of the Board (succession planning). The Nominations Committee is also responsible for ensuring the appropriate induction and training of new directors. It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors as a whole to approve candidates for appointment.
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The Appointments and Remuneration Committee - responsible and overseeing the appointment of The Chair of the Board, senior officers and for reviewing their remuneration and making appropriate recommendations for the Board of Directors as a whole to approve.
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The Investment Committee - responsible for overseeing implementation of the investment policy and monitoring performance of invested funds.
In 2023/24, the F&GP and Audit & Risk Committee held three quorate meetings and the Audit & Risk Committee:
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Met with Auditors to receive the Auditors’ report and annual report and accounts
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Reviewed BRB’s Risk Register and key policies for further enquiry or recommended to Board for approval
22
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
Directors' Interests in Related Bodies
Body Director Governors of the Royal Ballet Sir David Normington Sir Luke Rittner
Birmingham City Councillors
Councillor Jamie Tennant
KEY POLICIES
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The BRB Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Staff Group started in early 2023. The group is supported at a senior level by Board member Christine Ondimu an expert on diversity and inclusion in the workplace through her role at HSBC, Director of Finance Christopher Rodriguez and HR Director Claire Owen. The group thanks former Digital Apprentice Henry Mc Nab for leading and administering its early stages.
The group has set its own mandate to look at:
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What current data say about how diverse we are
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Action plans for addressing gaps and changes in recruitment strategy
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Updating BRB’s EDI policy
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The transparency of BRB’s EDI journey including stats on website and plans, progress on plans
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Training & education for staff on EDI
Environmental Responsibility
BRB monitors its environmental performance through Julie’s Bicycle creative green tools. BRB has reduced its carbon footprint by reducing the office space it occupies and through adapting performances to reduce their scale for transport. The refurbished Nutcracker sets are made of lighter more durable materials which means they will outlast the 30 year life of the original sets and are easier to transport.
Financial Management:
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Board authority - the Board is responsible for agreement of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s overall strategy including agreement of business plans and approval of key organisational policies to meet Birmingham Royal Ballet’s legal obligations, operational requirements and/or strategy implementation. This includes approval of the Annual Budget prepared in accordance with agreed activity plans, approval of proposals for significant capital investment projects over £50,000, approval of fundraising programmes, significant changes in financial procedures and other internal controls, approval of the Annual Report, the appointment of Bankers and investment managers, approval of changes to banking arrangements and approval of the reserves, investment and remuneration policies.
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Budget setting and control – the Senior Leadership Team is responsible for proposing their departmental budgets based on the planned activity for the year. These departmental budgets are reviewed and combined to build a master budget for Birmingham Royal Ballet as a whole. The Director of Finance and Resources and Chief Executive are responsible for proposing a final balanced budget for approval by the Board of Directors. Senior Managers are authorised to commit expenditure in accordance with their final approved budgets unless these are subject to further revision during the course of a financial year in the light of prevailing circumstances (see under financial reporting and review). All expenditure is reviewed and approved for payment by the Finance Director or Director of Finance and Resources.
23
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
- Financial reporting and review – A company finance report and forecast to the year-end is presented at each Board and Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting. All Senior Managers receive a copy of this finance report in addition to their individual monthly budget reports. Where significant variances against budget are identified, compensating actions are identified and agreed by the Senior Management Team. This will usually involve identifying cost savings as performing activity for the year is fixed at least a year in advance and our major sources of income are also fixed. The major financial risk that faces the organisation is a shortfall in earned income sources such as box office income and fundraising income. Both these income sources can be highly variable and are subject to a number of influences that are outside the direct control of Birmingham Royal Ballet. As a result the key to financial stability is careful cost control in conjunction with growing existing income and identifying and developing new income streams.
Management remuneration
BRB is committed to paying staff fairly and in a way to attract and retain the right skills to deliver its charitable objectives.
The Board is responsible for agreeing the annual pay award for the staff as a whole and a sub-committee of the Board will be convened as necessary to consider the remuneration of the Chief Executive and The Director.
The main responsibilities of the Board in respect of remuneration are to:
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Determine the remuneration package of the key management personnel - the Chief Executive and ‘The Director’;
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Approve the annual percentage increase in the payroll for all staff (which can be zero) taking into account prevailing inflation rates and recommendations from the Chief Executive; and
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Approve pension arrangements and pension policy.
In determining BRB’s remuneration, the Board takes into account all factors which are deemed necessary and remuneration policy, benefits and rewards strategy is reviewed as part of the strategic planning process. Investing in skills and employment is a priority as delivery of BRB’s charitable objectives is dependent on our highly skilled performers and staff.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Carlos Acosta Director Caroline Mliller CEO Christopher Rodriguez Director of Finance and Resources Paul James Chief Commercial Officer Rachael Magson Director of Development Dominic Antonucci Assistant Director Paul Grace Technical Director Paul Murphy Music Director Claire Owen Director of HR Judith Patrickson Deputy Finance Director Claire Dersley Head of Orchestra Operations
24
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
DIRECTORS’ REPORT (INCLUDING THE STRATEGIC REPORT) (continued)
GOING CONCERN
After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
BRB has successfully applied for NPO funding for 2023-2026 period for funding of £8,036,194 per annum which means that BRB has confirmed funding through to 31 March 2026, and will meet the extended application for 2026/27. BRB is well placed to respond to the expectations of Arts Council England’s new 10 year strategy, ‘Let’s Create’. Carlos Acosta’s programming is gaining UK and international recognition.
Budgets for the period through to 31 March 2025 have been approved and outline financial modelling to 2026 has been included in our Business Plan.
The financial strategy for the new NPO funding period 2023-26 comprises three elements to ensure cost effective, flexible and efficient delivery of BRB’s complex and ambitious artistic and creative skills programme. These plans are set in a financial context of real terms funding erosion, soaring inflation and uncertain box office making 2023-26 the most financially challenging period the company has faced
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Stabilise – establish an affordable cost base and a leaner infrastructure by balancing fixed and variable costs to deliver BRB’s response to ‘Let’s Create’.
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Consolidate – deliver core activity within agreed cost base. Driving accountability through improved financial management information systems to drive financial awareness and collective management responsibility
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Grow - Enhancement and amplification of activity through partnerships, co-production and fundraising. Improving return on investment by growing earned income from performances through a combination of audience growth and strategic pricing.
BRB’s Box Ofiice sales for 2024/25 exceeded targets and advance sales for 2024/25 are strong, along with additional income with the return of The Nutcracker to Royal Albert Hall and Cinderella tour tracking at expected levels. Successful grants in 2023/24, 2024/25 and other funding will significantly contribute to BRB’s 2024/25 new work and international touring costs and meet BRB2 costs in 2024/25.
The Directors continue to take all available steps to maintain sufficient resources in order that Birmingham Royal Ballet can continue. Based on projections and available information, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the company will have sufficient funds to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements and therefore have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis.
Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in note 1 of the financial statements.
TAXATION
The Company is a charity for tax purposes and is entitled to claim charitable tax exemptions. The Company has no liability to tax on its charitable activities.
This Directors Report (including the Strategic Report) was approved and authorised for issue by the Directors on:
Sir David Normington
Date: 3 December 2024
Chair of the Board
25
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
The directors (who are also trustees of Birmingham Royal Ballet for the purposes of charity law) are responsible for preparing the Directors' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements 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 that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Auditor
We have been appointed under the Companies Act 2006 and section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with those Acts.
Disclosure of information to auditor
In so far as the directors are aware:
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there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware; and
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the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
26
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS OF BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Birmingham Royal Ballet (the “parent charitable company”) and its subsidiaries (the “group”) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise of the Group and Charity Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Group and Charity Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the related Notes to the Financial Statements including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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In our opinion, the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and parent charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group and Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s or parent charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the trustees’ report (incorporating the directors’ report) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the trustees’ report (incorporating the directors’ report) has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
27
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS OF BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us;
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns;
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certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit.
Responsibilities of the trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charitable Company and Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charitable Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Extent to which the audit was capable of identifying irregularities, including fraud
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience, through discussion with the directors and other management, and from inspection of the charitable group’s regulatory and legal correspondence. We discussed with the trustees and other management the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance during the audit.
The charitable group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including related companies and charities legislation), pensions legislation, taxation legislation and further laws and regulations that could indirectly affect the financial statements, comprising environmental, health and safety and employment legislation, and, in the current climate, Covid regulations. We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items. Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. These procedures did not identify any potentially material actual or suspected non-compliance.
28
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS OF BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud we considered the opportunities and incentives and pressures that may exist within the charitable group to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included: enquiry of trustees and other management to understand the high level policies and procedures in place to prevent and detect fraud and reading Board minutes. We communicated identified fraud risks throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of fraud during the audit.
As a result of these procedures we identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas:
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income recognition and in particular the risk that restricted income is incorrectly recognised within unrestricted income; and
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subjective accounting estimates.
As required by auditing standards we also identified and addressed the risk of management override of controls.
We performed the following procedures to address the risks of fraud identified:
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identifying and testing high risk journal entries through vouching the entries to supporting documentation;
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assessing significant accounting estimates for bias; and
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testing the recognition of income and in particular that it was appropriately recognised or deferred.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it.
In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to detect material misstatement. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Charity’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Julie Flintoff (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Azets Audit Services Limited
Date: 9 December 2024
Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor
8 Pittman Court Pittman Way Preston United Kingdom PR2 9ZG
29
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including consolidated income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2024
Notes Income from: Grants, Donations and Legacies 3 Charitable activities: Performance and related activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities Production and Performance 8 Orchestra Projects 8 Education Projects 8 Other expenditure Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains and losses 10 Net gain/(loss) on investments Net income/(loss) for the year Transfers between funds 18 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds for the year Total funds carried forward 18 |
Unrestricted 2024 £ 8,926,308 5,609,566 45,351 2,915 14,584,140 588,040 13,731,638 391,565 630,237 - 15,341,480 (757,340) - (757,340) - (757,340) 4,307,243 (757,340) 3,549,903 |
Restricted 2024 £ 1,423,514 - - - 1,423,514 - 1,042,833 - 76,215 - 1,119,048 304,466 - 304,466 - 304,466 994,265 304,466 1,298,731 |
Endowment 2024 £ - - - 81,318 81,318 - - - - 16,328 16,328 64,990 282,760 347,750 - 347,750 2,766,119 347,750 3,113,869 |
Total 2024 £ 10,349,822 5,609,566 45,351 84,233 16,088,972 588,040 14,774,471 391,565 706,452 16,328 16,476,856 (387,884) 282,760 (105,124) - (105,124) 8,067,627 (105,124) 7,962,503 |
Total 2023 £ 10,147,226 5,866,668 485,334 76,802 16,576,030 616,345 15,442,583 149,936 531,113 17,256 16,757,233 (181,203) (263,576) (444,779) - (444,779) 8,512,406 (444,779) 8,067,627 |
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There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those listed above and the net income for the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
See note 12 for comparative Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31 March 2024
30
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
CHARITY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including charity income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2024
Notes Income from: Grants, Donations and Legacies 3 Charitable activities: Performance and related activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities Production and Performance 8 Orchestra Projects 8 Education Projects 8 Other expenditure Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains and losses 10 Net gain/(loss) on investments Net income/(loss) for the year Transfers between funds 18 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds for the year Total funds carried forward 18 |
Unrestricted 2024 £ 8,952,031 5,609,566 45,351 2,915 14,609,863 588,040 13,731,638 391,565 630,237 - 15,341,480 (731,617) - (731,617) - (731,617) 4,281,520 (731,617) 3,549,903 |
Restricted 2024 £ 1,423,514 - - - 1,423,514 - 1,042,833 - 76,215 - 1,119,048 304,466 - 304,466 - 304,466 994,265 304,466 1,298,731 |
Endowment 2024 £ - - - 81,318 81,318 - - - - 16,328 16,328 64,990 282,760 347,750 - 347,750 2,766,121 347,750 3,113,871 |
Total 2024 £ 10,375,545 5,609,566 45,351 84,233 16,114,695 588,040 14,774,471 391,565 706,452 16,328 16,476,856 (362,161) 282,760 (79,401) - (79,401) 8,041,906 (79,401) 7,962,505 |
Total 2023 £ 10,147,226 6,210,620 92,873 76,802 16,527,521 616,345 15,419,797 149,936 531,113 17,256 16,734,447 (206,926) (263,576) (470,502) - (470,502) 8,512,408 (470,502) 8,041,906 |
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There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those listed above and the net income for the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
31
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
BALANCE SHEET As at 31 March 2024
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 13 Investment assets 14 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 15 Debtors 16 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 Net Current Assets Total Assets Less Current Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling after one year NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted funds: General Funds 18 Designated funds 18 Restricted funds 18 Endowment funds 18 |
2024 Group £ 2,617,796 3,113,869 5,731,665 106,757 2,562,016 1,426,912 4,095,685 (1,864,847) 2,230,838 7,962,503 - 7,962,503 1,240,189 2,309,714 1,298,731 3,113,869 7,962,503 |
2023 Group £ 2,713,077 2,766,119 5,479,196 79,202 4,483,382 281,971 4,844,555 (2,256,124) 2,588,431 8,067,627 - 8,067,627 1,738,699 2,568,544 994,265 2,766,119 8,067,627 |
2024 Charity £ 2,617,796 3,113,871 5,731,667 106,757 2,562,016 1,426,912 4,095,685 (1,864,847) 2,230,838 7,962,505 - 7,962,505 1,240,189 2,309,714 1,298,731 3,113,871 7,962,505 |
2023 Charity £ 2,713,077 2,766,121 5,479,198 79,202 4,052,428 256,165 4,387,795 (1,825,087) 2,562,708 8,041,906 - 8,041,906 1,712,976 2,568,544 994,265 2,766,121 8,041,906 |
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These financial statements of Birmingham Royal Ballet registered number 3320538 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 3 December 2024. They were signed on its behalf by:
Sir David Normington
Chair of the Board
Company Registration Number: 03320538
32
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT Year ended 31 March 2024
| Notes Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities 22 Cash flows from investing activities: Dividends, interest and rents from investments Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets Purchase of fixed assets Proceeds from the sale of investments Purchase of investments Net cash flows (used in) by investing activities Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Reconciliation to cash at bank and in hand: Cash at bank and in hand Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents |
Total 2024 £ 1,361,031 84,233 - (235,333) 134,259 (199,249) (216,090) 1,144,941 281,971 1,426,912 1,426,912 - 1,426,912 |
Total 2023 £ (929,760) 76,802 - (211,390) 371,167 (247,746) (11,167) (940,927) 1,222,898 281,971 281,971 - 281,971 |
|---|---|---|
33
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies are set out below.
Company and charitable status
Birmingham Royal Ballet, a public benefit entity, is incorporated in the UK and registered in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital. Each member has undertaken to contribute to the assets in the event of winding up a sum not exceeding £1. The charity is a registered charity. The registered office is given on page 3.
BRB Production Services Limited and BRB Trading Limited are a wholly owned subsidiaries of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Basis of accounting
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which have been included at market value, in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2019)” applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), effective 1 January 2019 and the Companies Act 2006.
The company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 102 and has therefore taken advantage of the disclosure exemption available to it in respect of its separate financial statements in relation to presentation of a cash flow statement.
Basis of Consolidation
Group financial statements have been prepared in respect of the company and its wholly owned subsidiaries BRB Production Services Limited and BRB Trading Limited. These financial statements have been consolidated on a line by line basis and the results of the subsidiary undertaking are disclosed in note 14.
Preparation of financial statements - going concern basis
These accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis.
The group and company’s activities and future plans are set out in the directors’ report.
The company’s forecasts and projections are cautious with the option to withdraw funding from the Endowment Fund if required. The continued rate of Theatre Tax Relief shows that the company should be able to continue to operate on this basis.
Revenue grant funding represents the company’s largest income stream and Birmingham Royal Ballet is dependent on the continuing financial support of Arts Council England which has confirmed its commitment to fund Birmingham Royal Ballet to 31 March 2026; committing revenue funding of £8,036,000 per annum for the period.
The directors review and manage short-term fluctuations in our other income streams: box office, commercial and development income.
The company also relies on support from other funders including individuals, trusts, foundations and corporate bodies for maintaining the high standards and diversity of its output.
Based on the above, the directors believe that the company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully.
The directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being at least 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.
34
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Income
Box office income, performance related fees and programmes
Box office income, performance related fees and income generated from the sale of programmes are recognised in the period of the related performances which is the point at which the charity is considered to meet the income recognition criteria (probable, entitlement and measurement) as per the accounting standards.
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies are credited to the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed and the income is probable to be received unless donated for a specific future period by the donor in which case income will be deferred to the relevant period.
Deferred income
Amounts invoiced in advance and other income, which is subject to conditions imposed by the donor relating to the charity’s entitlement to the funds, are carried forward as deferred income in the balance sheet. Amounts are recognised as income when the services are performed or the conditions imposed by the donor are satisfied.
Grants receivable
Capital grants receivable are recognised in the year of receipt. Revenue grants receivable are recognised in the year to which the grants relate. Revenue grants received in advance of the year to which they relate are carried forward as a creditor in the balance sheet.
Capital funds comprise grants/donations towards the cost of fixed assets to be used by the company for its charitable purposes. Such income may not be treated as a deduction from the capital cost.
Investment income
Investment income is recognised on an accruals basis.
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure categories include salaries, depreciation and other costs as analysed in note 9.
Expenditure on raising funds is the costs associated with generating core funding grants, legacies and donations. These include any direct costs associated with these activities as well as an appropriate proportion of relevant staff costs, support costs, premises costs and depreciation.
Costs of activities for generating funds are the direct costs of our membership schemes, sponsorship and merchandising activities including direct staff costs and an appropriate proportion of support costs, premises costs and depreciation.
Costs of charitable activities include all costs relating to delivering the charitable objectives of the company as stated in the Directors’ report plus an appropriate proportion of support costs, premises costs and depreciation.
Support costs include general administration, management and governance costs including allocations of Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer salaries, HR functions, finance, IT, audit fees, certain legal fees meetings and appropriate proportion of premises costs and depreciation. These costs are necessary for delivering activities but do not directly produce or constitute the activity.
Costs (including support and governance costs) have been allocated on a direct basis whenever possible and on an appropriate alternative basis primarily based on staff numbers or relevant head count. Chief Executive and Chief Operating officer salaries have been allocated based on an estimate of time spent in relation to governance of the organisation.
35
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
New production and revivals
The costs to the company of sets and wardrobe for new productions are charged in full to the relevant production’s initial performance season. Where the performance season spans more than one financial year the costs are amortised evenly over the total number of performances of the tour.
Revival costs are written off on the first night of the relevant production’s performance.
Costs incurred in the transport and set up of a production are assigned to the appropriate tour, in the year in which the tour occurred.
Prepayments for the next season are made in respect of productions to be presented in the next financial year.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds are those which are expendable at the discretion of the Directors in furtherance of the objects of the charity.
Restricted funds
Restricted funds include donations, gifts, grants and legacies received whose use is restricted to purposes specified by the donor. Such purposes must be within the overall aims of the charity.
Designated funds
Designated funds are amounts which have been put aside at the discretion of the Directors and comprise funds for specific projects.
Expendable endowment fund
Endowment funds are amounts that have been donated with the intention that they be invested to produce income, whose use is restricted to purposes specified by the donor. Such purposes must be within the overall aims of the charity.
Taxation
The parent company is a registered charity and has no liability to corporation tax on its charitable activities under the Corporation Tax Act 2010 (chapters 2 and 3 of part ii, section 466 onwards) or Section 256 of the Taxation for Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent surpluses are applied to its charitable purposes.
Current tax for the subsidiary company, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. Timing differences are differences between the company’s taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of gains and losses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in the financial statements.
Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis.
36
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Depreciation is provided on cost in equal annual instalments over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The rates of depreciation are as follows:
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 10 – 50% Straight Line Computer equipment 10 – 25% Straight Line Leasehold property 4% Straight Line/Life of the lease
Investments
Investments are included in the financial statements at market value. The Statement of Financial Activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals on a quarterly basis.
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are measured at cost less impairment.
Stocks
Stock consists of ballet shoes and merchandise for sale and are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Operating leases
Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term, even if the payments are not made on such a basis. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are similarly spread on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Employee benefits
All permanent employees of the group and company are eligible to be members of one of the following defined contribution pension schemes:
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Birmingham Royal Ballet Pension Scheme; and
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Musicians’ Union Pension Scheme.
The pension costs charged to the statement of financial activities represents the amount of contributions payable by the company to the pension schemes in respect of the accounting year.
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the group and company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs).
The group and company has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
2. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY
In the application of the group and company’s accounting policies, which are described in note 1, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The Directors do not consider there are any critical judgements or sources of estimation uncertainty requiring disclosure.
3. INCOME FROM GRANTS, DONATIONS & LEGACIES
| Charity Arts Council England Revenue funding Digital Transformation Project Culture Recovery Fund Birmingham City Council Revenue funding Donations Grants – Trusts and Foundations Donations Legacies Group Arts Council England Revenue funding Digital Transformation Project Culture Recovery Fund Birmingham City Council Revenue funding Donations Grants – Trusts and Foundations Donations Legacies BRB Trading Limited Charity Group |
2024 Unrestricted Funds £ 8,036,194 - - 157,850 2,895 668,729 60,640 8,036,194 - - 157,850 2,895 668,729 60,640 25,723 8,952,031 8,926,308 |
2024 Restricted Funds £ - - - - 878,075 545,439 - - - - - 878,075 545,439 - - 1,423,514 1,423,514 |
2024 Total Funds £ 8,036,194 - - 157,850 880,970 1,214,168 60,640 8,036,194 - - 157,850 880,970 1,214,168 60,640 25,723 10,375,545 10,349,822 |
2023 Unrestricted Funds £ 8,036,194 - - 157,850 498,061 878,298 12,769 8,036,194 - - 157,850 498,061 878,298 12,769 - 9,583,172 9,583,172 |
2023 Restricted Funds £ - - - - 351,000 - 213,054 - - - - 351,000 - 213,054 - 564,054 564,054 |
2023 Total Funds £ 8,036,194 - - 157,850 849,061 878,298 225,823 8,036,194 - - 157,850 849,061 878,298 225,823 - 10,147,226 10,147,226 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
38
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
| 4. INCOME FROM PERFORMANCE 2024 Unrestricted Funds £ Charity Box office income 3,145,416 Production sales and hires 103,292 Programmes 172,368 Livestream and video on demand - Orchestra projects 259,727 Education 192,692 Other fees and services 62,871 Theatre tax credit 1,673,200 Group Box office income 3,145,416 Production sales and hires 103,292 Programmes 172,368 Livestream and video on demand - Orchestra projects 259,727 Education 192,692 Other fees and services 62,871 Theatre tax credit 1,673,200 Charity 5,609,566 Group 5,609,566 5. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 2024 Unrestricted Funds £ Charity Memberships 44,756 Sponsorship 595 Royal Albert Hall - Group Memberships 44,756 Sponsorship 595 Royal Albert Hall - Charity 45,351 Group 45,351 |
AND RELATED ACTIVITIES 2024 2024 2023 Restricted Total Unrestricted Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ - 3,145,416 3,393,011 - 103,292 118,442 - 172,368 87,578 - - 70,000 - 259,727 92,041 - 192,692 51,943 - 62,871 747,412 - 1,673,200 1,650,193 - 3,145,416 3,393,011 - 103,292 118,442 - 172,368 87,578 - - 70,000 - 259,727 92,041 - 192,692 51,943 - 62,871 235,401 - 1,673,200 1,818,252 - 5,609,566 6,210,620 - 5,609,566 5,866,668 2024 2024 2023 Restricted Total Unrestricted Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ - 44,756 86,442 - 595 6,431 - - - - 44,756 86,442 - 595 39,763 - - 359,129 - 45,351 92,873 - 45,351 485,334 |
2023 Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2023 Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - |
2023 Total Funds £ 3,393,011 118,442 87,578 70,000 92,041 51,943 747,412 1,650,193 3,393,011 118,442 87,578 70,000 92,041 51,943 235,401 1,818,252 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6,210,620 5,866,668 |
|||
| 2023 Total Funds £ 86,442 6,431 - 86,442 39,763 359,129 |
|||
| 92,873 485,334 |
39
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
| 6. ANALYSIS OF INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS 2024 2024 Unrestricted Endowment Funds Funds £ £ Charity and group Bank interest 2,915 - Dividends - 81,318 Total 2,915 81,318 7. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDIRE ON RAISING FUNDS 2024 2024 Activities Undertaken Support Directly Costs £ £ Charity and group Raising donations, grants and legacies 295,591 268,513 Memberships and subscription schemes 23,936 - Total 319,527 268,513 |
2024 2023 2023 Total Unrestricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ 2,915 2,422 - 81,318 - 74,380 84,233 2,422 74,380 2024 2023 2023 Activities Undertaken Support Total Directly Costs £ £ £ 564,104 328,400 232,473 23,936 55,472 - 588,040 383,872 232,473 |
2023 Total Funds £ 2,422 74,380 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 76,802 | |||
| 2023 Total £ 560,873 55,472 |
|||
| 616,345 |
All expenditure relates to unrestricted funds.
40
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
8. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
| Unrestricted | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charity Performance and production Orchestra projects Education projects Group Performance and production Orchestra projects Education projects Charity Group Restricted Charity and group Performance and production Orchestra projects Education projects Total |
2024 Activities Undertaken Directly £ 11,183,602 378,690 548,847 11,183,602 378,690 548,847 12,111,139 12,111,139 2024 Activities Undertaken Directly £ 981,118 - 76,215 1,057,333 |
2024 Support Costs £ 2,548,036 12,875 81,390 2,548,036 12,875 81,390 2,642,301 2,642,301 2024 Support Costs £ 61,715 - - 61,715 |
2024 Total £ 13,731,638 391,565 630,237 13,731,638 391,565 630,237 14,753,440 14,753,440 2024 Total £ 1,042,833 - 76,215 1,119,048 |
2023 Activities Undertaken Directly £ 12,782,198 138,789 458,648 12,804,984 138,789 458,648 13,379,635 13,402,421 2023 Activities Undertaken Directly £ 418,761 - 2,000 420,761 |
2023 Support Costs £ 2,157,123 11,147 70,465 2,157,123 11,147 70,465 2,238,735 2,238,735 2023 Support Costs £ 61,715 - - 61,715 |
2023 Total £ 14,939,321 149,936 529,113 14,962,107 149,936 529,113 |
| 15,618,370 15,641,156 |
||||||
| 2023 Total £ 480,476 - 2,000 |
||||||
| 482,476 |
41
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
9. ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS
| Staff costs Recruitment, training and development Office infrastructure Insurance Premises costs Depreciation |
2024 Raising Funds £ 92,421 7,389 46,473 15,545 91,535 15,151 268,514 |
2024 Production And Performance £ 838,848 67,064 421,804 141,089 830,804 310,143 2,609,752 |
2024 Orchestra Projects £ 4,432 354 2,228 745 4,389 726 12,874 |
2024 Education Projects £ 28,014 2,240 14,086 4,712 27,745 4,592 81,389 |
2024 Total £ 963,715 77,047 484,591 162,091 954,473 330,612 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,972,529 |
Governance costs included in the above amount to £280,009.
| Staff costs Recruitment, training and development Office infrastructure Insurance Premises costs Depreciation |
2023 Raising Funds £ 84,081 9,288 49,097 13,522 63,678 12,807 232,473 |
2023 Production And Performance £ 763,146 84,303 445,619 122,729 516,253 286,788 2,218,838 |
2023 Orchestra Projects £ 4,032 446 2,354 648 3,053 614 11,147 |
2023 Education Projects £ 25,485 2,815 14,882 4,099 19,302 3,882 70,465 |
2023 Total £ 876,744 96,852 511,952 140,998 602,286 304,091 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,532,923 |
Governance costs included in the above amount to £6,543.
10. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Income (Expenditure) is stated after charging: | ||
| Depreciation of owned assets | 330,612 | 304,091 |
| Rentals under operating leases | 224,293 | 225,007 |
| Auditor’s remuneration: | ||
| - Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the audit of the company’s annual |
||
| financial statements | 26,850 | 24,000 |
| - Fees payable for the audit of the charity’s subsidiaries |
5,000 | 8,000 |
42
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
11. ANALYSIS OF GROUP AND CHARITY STAFF COSTS, DIRECTOR REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES, AND THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
The average monthly number of employees for the Group and Charity was:
| The average monthly number of employees for the Group and Charity was: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Raising funds Charitable activities Support |
2024 No. 7 171 14 192 |
2023 No. 7 184 17 |
| 208 |
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs (including Dancers Career Development fund) |
2024 £ 8,291,050 739,060 776,079 9,806,189 |
2023 £ 7,823,747 763,833 358,467 |
|---|---|---|
| 8,946,047 |
The aggregate remuneration above includes termination payments of £nil (2022-23: Nil) including £nil additional pension contributions (2022-23 £nil). All amounts were fully paid in cash during the year.
The number of employees whose emoluments, excluding pension contributions but including benefits in kind, were in excess of £60,000 was:
| were in excess of £60,000 was: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| No. | No. | |
| £60,001 - £70,000 | 6 | 7 |
| £70,001 - £80,000 | 5 | 6 |
| £80,001 - £90,000 | 7 | 4 |
| £90,001 – £100,000 | 1 | - |
| £100,001 - £110,000 | - | - |
| £110,001 - £120,000 | - | - |
| £120,001 - £130,000 | - | - |
| £130,001 - £140,000 | 1 | - |
| £250,001 - £260,000 | - | - |
| £290,001 - £300,000 | 1 | 1 |
The total remuneration (including pension contributions and social security costs) of the key management personnel of the Group and Charity for the year totalled £488,899 (2022-23: £490,773).
Directors’ Remuneration
No Directors received remuneration during the current or prior year. Total travel and subsistence expenses of £715 (2023: £420) were paid to 4 directors (2023: One director).
43
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
12. COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Notes Income from: Grants, Donations and Legacies 3 Charitable activities: Performance and related activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities Production and Performance 8 Orchestra Projects 8 Education Projects 8 Other expenditure Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains and losses 10 Net gain/(loss) on investments Net income/(loss) for the year Transfers between funds 18 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds for the year Total funds carried forward 18 |
Unrestricted 2023 £ 9,583,172 5,866,668 485,334 2,422 15,937,596 616,345 14,962,107 149,936 529,113 - 16,257,501 (319,905) - (319,905) 180,544 (139,361) 4,446,604 (139,361) 4,307,243 |
Restricted 2023 £ 564,054 - - - 564,054 - 480,476 2,000 - 482,476 81,578 - 81,578 - 81,578 912,687 81,578 994,265 |
Endowment 2023 £ - - - 74,380 74,380 - - - - 17,256 17,256 57,124 (263,576) (206,452) (180,544) (386,996) 3,153,115 (386,996) 2,766,119 |
Total 2023 £ 10,147,226 5,866,668 485,334 76,802 16,576,030 616,345 15,442,583 149,936 531,113 17,256 16,757,233 (181,203) (263,576) (444,779) - (444,779) 8,512,406 (444,779) 8,067,627 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those listed above and the net income for the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
44
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS – GROUP AND CHARITY
| Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year Disposals At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 |
Leasehold property £ 3,011,066 - - 3,011,066 1,181,263 120,497 - 1,301,760 1,709,306 1,829,803 |
Computers £ 520,400 211,205 - 731,605 456,967 67,638 - 524,605 207,000 63,433 |
Fixtures, fittings and equipment £ 2,295,611 24,126 (209,055) 2,110,682 1,475,770 142,477 (209,055) 1,409,192 701,490 819,841 |
Total £ 5,827,077 235,331 (209,055) 5,853,353 3,114,000 330,612 (209,055) 3,235,557 2,617,796 2,713,077 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
45
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
| 14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS – GROUP AND CHARITY 2024 Group £ 2023 Group £ Investments listed or traded on a recognised stock exchange 3,113,869 2,766,119 Subsidiary undertakings - - 3,113,869 2,766,119 Investments listed or traded on a recognised stock exchange Market value at 1 April 2023 Additions Disposal proceeds Unrealised/realised investment gains/(losses) Movement in cash Closing value at 31 March 2024 2024 Market value % of portfolio £ UK equities 701,410 23% Overseas equities 1,401,198 44% UK fixed income 422,485 14% Alternative assets 281,954 9% UK property 216,079 7% Cash 90,743 3% 3,113,869 100% |
2024 Charity £ 3,113,869 2 3,113,871 2024 £ 2,766,119 199,246 (159,557) 282,761 25,300 3,113,869 Market value £ 707,070 944,243 243,340 579,388 226,634 65,444 2,766,119 |
2023 Charity £ 2,766,119 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,766,121 | ||
| 2023 £ 3,153,115 247,746 (247,013) (263,576) (124,153) |
||
| 2,766,119 | ||
| 2023 % of portfolio 26% 34% 9% 21% 8% 2% 100% |
The historical cost of the investments is £2,589,194 (2023: £2,308,137).
| Subsidiary undertakings Cost At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 |
2024 Group £ - - |
2023 Group £ - - |
2024 Charity £ 2 2 |
2023 Charity £ 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
46
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS (continued)
The company owns the entire issued ordinary share capital of BRB Production Services Limited (Company number: 09170372), incorporated and registered in England and Wales (registered office Birmingham Royal Ballet, Thorp Street, B5 4AU), whose principal activity is theatrical production.
The company owns the entire issued ordinary share capital of BRB Trading Limited (Company number: 13641651), incorporated and registered in England and Wales (registered office Birmingham Royal Ballet, Thorp Street, B5 4AU), whose principal activity is raising for BRB through trading services including commercial sponsorship, retail sales and other trading activity which are associated with ballet, arts and culture would not be classed as primary purpose for the charity.
The results of the Company’s trading activities through its subsidiary undertakings are detailed below:
| BRB Production Services Limited | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Turnover | - | 703,080 |
| Expenditure | - | (871,140) |
| Profit/(loss) before tax | - | (168,060) |
| Profit/(loss) after tax | - | - |
| Assets | 168,061 | 599,015 |
| Liabilities | (168,060) | (599,014) |
| Equity | 1 | 1 |
| BRB Trading Limited | 2024 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | |
| Turnover | - | 33,333 |
| Expenditure | - | (83) |
| Profit/(loss) before tax | - | 33,250 |
| Profit/(loss) after tax | - | 25,723 |
| Assets | 1 | 25,807 |
| Liabilities | - | (83) |
| Equity | 1 | 25,724 |
47
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
15. STOCKS - GROUP AND CHARITY
| Shoes Merchandise 16. DEBTORS Trade debtors Other debtors Amount owed by subsidiary undertakings VAT Prepayments and accrued income |
2024 £ 106,757 - 106,757 2024 Group £ 375,435 1,919,154 - 16,672 250,755 2,562,016 |
2023 £ 79,202 - 79,202 2023 Group £ 711,387 3,178,257 - - 593,738 4,483,382 |
2024 Charity £ 375,435 1,751,094 168,060 16,672 250,755 2,562,016 |
2023 Charity £ 280,434 3,010,196 168,060 - 593,738 4,052,428 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Other debtors include £63,375 (2023: £63,375) in respect of a rent deposit which is due in more than one year.
48
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
17. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other creditors Amount due to subsidiary undertakings Taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income Movements in deferred income: Balance at 1 April 2023 Amounts released during the period Deferred in the current period Balance at 31 March 2024 |
2024 Group £ 286,850 512,452 - 182,450 883,095 1,864,847 Group 2024 £ 23,817 (23,817) 156,989 156,989 |
2023 Group £ 1,158,277 407,564 - 295,482 394,801 2,256,124 Group 2023 £ 69,534 (70,394) 24,677 |
2024 Charity £ 286,850 512,452 - 182,450 883,095 1,864,847 Charity 2024 £ 23,817 (23,817) 156,989 |
2023 Charity £ 727,323 407,481 - 295,482 394,801 1,825,087 Charity 2023 £ 36,201 (37,061) 24,677 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23,817 | 156,989 | 23,817 |
Deferred income at 1 April 2023 comprised grants, membership scheme income and donations and legacy income relating to activity in the periods to 31 March 2024.
Deferred income at 31 March 2024 comprised grants, membership scheme income, sponsorship and donations relating to activity in the periods to 31 March 2025.
49
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
18. MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS
- a) Restricted Funds (Group and Charity)
| Garfield Weston Foundation Skills Development Projects Jerwood Centre Equipment Carol Barrie Legacy Bloomberg Philanthropies David Laing Foundation Kirby Laing Foundation Linbury Trust Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Oak Foundation 23-24 Oak Foundation 24-25 Oak Foundation – Black Sabbath Big Give - Sleeping Beauty Pointe Shoe Appeal Investec Wealth BRB2 Prism Howard Fund Restricted funds < £10,000 each |
At 1 April 2023 £ 476,569 18,000 17,323 188,373 100,000 89,000 - 75,000 30,000 994,265 |
Income in the period £ - - - - 25,000 - 50,000 30,000 30,000 240,000 400,000 220,000 57,469 47,130 150,000 3,200 60,000 110,715 1,423,514 |
Expenditure in the period £ (61,715) - - (25,635) (90,058) (89,000) (50,000) (105,000) (49,126) - - (220,000) (57,469) (47,130) (150,000) (3,200) (60,000) (110,715) (1,119,048) |
Transfer in the period £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
At 31 March 2024 £ 414,854 18,000 17,323 162,738 34,942 - - - 10,874 240,000 400,000 - - - - - - - 1,298,731 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18. MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS (continued)
a) Restricted Funds (Group and Charity)
| Garfield Weston Foundation Skills Development Projects Nutcracker (Big Give 2021) Nutcracker (Big Give 2018 - 20) Jerwood Centre Equipment Carol Barrie Legacy Bloomberg Philanthropies David Laing Foundation Linbury Trust Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Peggy Dannenbaum |
At 1 April 2022 £ 538,284 18,000 112,700 226,380 17,323 - - - - - - 912,687 |
Income in the period £ - - - - - 213,054 125,000 91,000 75,000 50,000 10,000 564,054 |
Expenditure in the period £ (61,715) - (112,700) (226,380) - (24,681) (25,000) (2,000) - (20,000) (10,000) (482,476) |
Transfer in the period £ - - - - - - - - - - - - |
At 31 March 2023 £ 476,569 18,000 - - 17,323 188,373 100,000 89,000 75,000 30,000 - 994,265 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
There were a number of production and performance, engagement and education projects funded by restricted grants and donations:
Garfield Weston Foundation – Restricted funds are for the purchase and implementation of a new CRM system.
Skills Development Projects – Funds received for continuing skills development within the company.
Jerwood Centre Equipment – Restricted funds are for the purchase of equipment and an ultrasound machine.
Carol Barrie Legacy – Funds received to support BRB Apprentice Dancer
Bloomberg Philanthropies – Restricted funds were received for the Digital Transformation project which supports BRB’s evolving and growing digital content development programme.
David Laing Trust – Restricted funds were received to assist in establishing a new Junior Company, BRB2.
Kirby Laing Trust - Restricted funds to assist in establishing a new Junior Company, BRB2
Linbury Trust – Restricted Funds to assist in establishing a new Junior Company, BRB2
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation – Funds given to research and develop the ‘College of Creativity’
Oak Foundation – The funds have been received for various purposes
-
240,000 – These funds were received to assist with the BRB2 productions and performances during 2024-25
-
400,000 - These funds were received to assist with the Luna productions and performances during 2024-25
Big Give – Sleeping Beauty - The Big Give campaign raised funds for the refurbishment of our Sleeping Beauty costumes.
Pointe Shoe Appeal - The Pointe Shoe appeal represents a fundraising scheme which helps keep ballerinas on their toes.
Investec Wealth – These funds were specified to assist with the development and performances of BRB2.
Prism Howard Fund – Funds were received to assist with the New York BRB tour
51
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
b) Designated funds (Group and Charity) comprise amounts set aside by the Directors in respect of:
| Community Engagement Fund New Productions Fund Thorp Street Refurbishment Community Engagement Fund New Productions Fund Thorp Street Refurbishment |
At 1 April 2023 £ 177,276 650,000 1,741,268 2,568,544 At 1 April 2022 £ 177,276 650,000 1,850,098 2,677,374 |
Income in the period £ - - - Income in the period £ - - - |
Expenditure in the period £ - (150,000) (108,830) (258,830) Expenditure in the period £ - - (108,830) (108,830) |
Transfer in the period £ - - - - Transfer in the period £ - - - - |
At 31 March 2024 £ 177,276 500,000 1,632,438 2,309,714 At 31 March 2023 £ 177,276 650,000 1,741,268 2,568,544 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Community Engagement Fund – This designated fund represents amounts received following the decision to wind up Birmingham Royal Ballet Trust.
New Productions Fund – This designated fund represents income designated to support major new productions that will extend the repertory available for Birmingham Royal Ballet performances.
Thorp Street Refurbishment – This designated fund represents amounts spent on capital assets.
52
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
18. MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS (continued)
- c) Unrestricted, undesignated funds (Group):
| General funds General funds c) Unrestricted, undesignated funds (Charity): General funds General funds |
At 1 April 2023 £ 1,738,699 1,738,699 At 1 April 2022 £ 1,769,230 1,769,230 At 1 April 2023 £ 1,712,976 1,712,976 At 1 April 2022 £ 1,769,230 1,769,230 |
Net outflows in the period £ (498,510) (498,510) Net outflows in the period £ (211,075) (211,075) Net inflows in the period £ (472,787) (472,787) Net inflows in the period £ (236,798) (236,798) |
Transfer in the period £ - - Transfer in the period £ 180,544 180,544 Transfer in the period £ - - Transfer in the period £ 180,544 180,544 |
At 31 March 2024 £ 1,240,189 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,240,189 | ||||
| At 31 March 2023 £ 1,738,699 |
||||
| 1,738,699 | ||||
| At 31 March 2024 £ 1,240,189 |
||||
| 1,240,189 | ||||
| At 31 March 2023 £ 1,712,976 |
||||
| 1,712,976 |
53
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
18. MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS (continued)
- d) Endowment funds (Group):
| Catalyst/Cadbury Family Endowment Fund Catalyst/Cadbury Family Endowment Fund |
At 1 April 2023 £ 2,766,119 2,766,119 At 1 April 2022 £ 3,153,115 3,153,115 |
Inflows in the period £ 347,750 347,750 Inflows in the period £ (206,452) (206,452) |
Transfer in the period £ - - Transfer in the period £ (180,544) (180,544) |
At 31 March 2024 £ 3,113,869 3,113,869 At 31 March 2023 £ 2,766,119 2,766,119 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Catalyst/Cadbury Family Endowment Fund represents donations received specifically for the purpose of funding dance fellowships to support young dancers with teaching, training and mentoring. The endowment period is 25 years until 1 November 2037 after which the fund is expendable.
Included within charity endowment funds are investments in subsidiaries totalling £2 (2023: £2)
54
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
18. MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS (continued)
- e) Allocations of net assets between funds (Group):
| 2024 Unrestricted funds £ Investments - Cash at Bank and in Hand 560,358 Debtors 2,562,016 Stocks 106,757 Fixed Assets 2,185,619 Creditors (1,864,847) 3,549,903 |
2024 Restricted funds £ - 866,554 - - 432,177 - 1,298,731 |
2024 Endowment funds £ 3,113,869 - - - - - 3,113,869 |
2024 Total funds £ 3,113,869 1,426,912 2,562,016 106,757 2,617,796 (1,864,847) 7,962,503 |
|---|---|---|---|
2023 Comparatives
| 2023 Unrestricted funds £ Investments - Cash at Bank and in Hand 69,971 Debtors 4,195,009 Stocks 79,202 Fixed Assets 2,219,185 Creditors (2,256,124) 4,307,243 |
2023 Restricted funds £ - 212,000 288,373 - 493,892 - 994,265 |
2023 Endowment funds £ 2,766,119 - - - - - 2,766,119 |
2023 Total funds £ 2,766,119 281,971 4,483,382 79,202 2,713,077 (2,256,124) 8,067,627 |
|---|---|---|---|
55
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
18. MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS (continued)
- e) Allocations of net assets between funds (Charity):
| 2024 Unrestricted funds £ Investments - Cash at Bank and in Hand 560,358 Debtors 2,562,016 Stocks 106,757 Fixed Assets 2,185,619 Creditors (1,864,847) 3,549,903 |
2024 Restricted funds £ - 866,554 - - 432,177 - 1,298,731 |
2024 Endowment funds £ 3,113,871 - - - - - 3,113,871 |
2024 Total funds £ 3,113,871 1,426,912 2,562,016 106,757 2,617,796 (1,864,847) 7,962,505 |
|---|---|---|---|
2023 Comparatives
| 2023 Unrestricted funds £ Investments - Cash at Bank and in Hand 44,165 Debtors 3,764,055 Stocks 79,202 Fixed Assets 2,219,185 Creditors (1,825,087) 4,281,520 |
2023 Restricted funds £ - 212,000 288,373 - 493,892 - 994,265 |
2023 Endowment funds £ 2,766,121 - - - - - 2,766,121 |
2023 Total funds £ 2,766,121 256,165 4,052,428 79,202 2,713,077 (1,825,087) 8,041,906 |
|---|---|---|---|
19. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The company contributes to two group personal pension schemes. The cost to the company for the period ended 31 March 2024 is equal to the amount of employer contributions paid in the period to each scheme, and is detailed below:
| Birmingham Royal Ballet Pension Scheme Musicians’ Union Pension Scheme |
2024 £ 292,837 8,550 301,387 |
2023 £ 301,626 6,144 |
|---|---|---|
| 307,770 |
The company also contributes a fixed percentage of dancers’ basic salaries to the Dancers’ Career Development Fund. In 2023-24 the company contributed a total of £51,521 (2022-23: £49,644).
As of 31 March 2024, there were £61,523 outstanding contributions due in respect of the current reporting period (2023: £56,154).
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BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ended 31 March 2024
20. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS – GROUP AND CHARITY
Operating lease commitments
The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases:
| Charity - expiring within one year - expiring between one and five years - expiring after five years |
2024 Land and buildings £ Other £ 218,000 10,751 872,000 29,437 513,250 - 1,603,250 40,188 |
2023 Land and buildings £ Other £ 218,000 7,087 872,000 855 731,250 - 1,821,250 7,942 |
|---|---|---|
21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
No Director received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity during the year (2023: £nil).
Total donations received from the directors without conditions during the year was £12,198 (2023: £16,615).
All transactions between charity and the subsidiary, BRB Production Services Limited and BRB Trading Limited, are eliminated on consolidation.
22. CASHFLOW STATEMENT
Reconciliation of net income / (expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities:
| Net (expenditure) for the year Adjustments for: Depreciation charges (Gains)/losses on investments Dividends, interest and rents from investments (Loss) on the sale of fixed assets Operating cash flow before movement in working capital (Increase)/Decrease in stocks Decrease/(increase) in debtors (Decrease)/increase in creditors Net cash provided / (used) by operating activities |
2024 £ (105,124) 330,613 (282,760) (84,233) - (141,504) (27,554) 1,921,366 (391,277) 1,361,031 |
2023 £ (444,779) 304,091 263,576 (76,802) (1,529) 44,557 16,272 (1,716,662) 726,073 (929,760) |
|---|---|---|
All cash and cash equivalents in the current and prior year relate to cash in hand. There are no loans, overdrafts or finance leases.
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