UNITY THEATRE
INDEPENDENTLY EXAMINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023
Company Number. 03333987
Charity Number. 1[￿2463
Unty Theatre
1 Hope Place
Liverpool
L198G
Illlllllllll
*ACICMPGI4*
1411212023
COMPANIES HryJSE
#191

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES
Mr L Clark
Ms E Ethvards
Mr D Fletcher
Ms S Jones
Ms A Marshall
Mr G Millar
Ms L Mconey
M5 A Perera
Mr D Sebuyange
Ms G Buttoo (resigned ￿ February 2023)
SECRETARY
Ms E Manson-sawko (apwinted 6th t)ecember 2022)
Ms R Palmer {resigned 6 December 2022)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mr G Millar
REGISTERED OFFICE
Unity Theatre
1 Hope Pla
Liverpool
L19BG
COMPANY NUMBER
03333987
CHARITY NUMBER
1062463
BANKERS
The Co-operative Bank
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Matthew Brown, CPFA
Adding Value Consullancy Ltd
studio 6. Bluecoat Chambers
School Lane
Liverpool
L13BX

UNITYTHEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
CONTENTS
Page
Chairs Report
Report of the Trustees
5-17
Independent Examinerfs Statement
18
Statement of Financial Activrties
19
Balan￿ Sheet
20
Notes to the Accounts
21-29

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
CHAIR'S REPORT
Reflectin9 on the last 12 months. l am incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment
that has gone into ensurirvJ Unity's resilien￿ in vthat has continued to be eXt￿melY
challenging circumstances. The economic crisis and long tail of the pandemic has had a
crushing effect on many combined arts venues like our own. yet our eX￿P110nal1Y dedicated
and skilled team of staff, freelanors and trustees have remained stea¢Jfast in their
commitment in delivering on Unity's core charitable aims to benefit and enrith the lives of
our local audien￿$. creatives and communities.
Despite the challenges in the sedor. we have been able to deliver a diverse and exciting
programme, that upholds crtjr value of promoting an accessible and supportive society. with
a string of new successful projects and initiatives supporting our communrty in Liverpool. and
beyond.
H￿hlIghts of these ir)cluded the ever growng su￿sS of our Youth Theatre in association
with 20 Stones High, acclaimed national touring produdions. ¢￿prOduCtIonS with local
companies and our critical partners Disabled Artist led festival. DadaFest, and Queer Arts
Festival, Homotopia. Our Talent Develowient programme. 'Crealive Pool. funded by Esmée
Fairbaim Foundation has proved rapidly successful desprte the devastats.ng impaGt of the
pandemic upon touring crealive productions.
The aim of the programme is to train crea.ves in producing skills $0 as to enable them to
tour their work nationally. To date 85% of supported artists have embarked upon national
tours. Our communrty arb.st programme Open Call again supported over 20 indtyidual
companies. each receiving a guaranteed income. rehearsal space. technical support and
mentoring from our team. All of these have had their work filmed so as to appear on Unity's
sector leading 'ProPortal' database for venues lo programme work from.
l am most pleased that we are the only known theatre to make all of their programme 100%
accessible either through BSL interpretalion. captioning. audio description or streamed
production. This is a commrtment we set OLrt to athieve two years ago and one we have
steadfaslly held onto.
I want to give personal thanks to Liz Edwards our fonner stand in Chair. who I sUC￿eded at
Ihe 2022 AGM. Liz ￿MaInS a valued member alongside other outstanding board members
who make a signfficant contribution to Unty. I would like to extend my thanks to thern all for
their increased their support as we navigate a financial mrtigalion plan, and new slrategy to
ensure we strengthening our reputation as a national theatre with a safe arKI creative space
to v￿rk.
Unity could not survive without its Members arKI supporters, we are extremely gratefvl for
your continued support and donations which has enabled us to build on our programme. I
want to give particular thanks to those that have continued to fund Unity's work in an
increasingly challenging environment, most signthcantty Arts Council Eng5and for their
ontinued commitment to Unity's ambrtions for the future and regular fvnding and Cultural
Recovery Funds. Liverpool Cty Counal. Esmée Fairt)aim Foundation, The Garfield Weston
Foundation and The Granada Foundation.
31Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Unity has a bright future ahead. The past two years have been the most economically
drfficult we have sustsined, alongside many of our sector partners. But the board has
develoFed a revolutionary and robust strategy, that will lead to an eGonomically stable future,
that will best serve Liverpool's audiences, participants. communtties and artists.
Sarah Jones
Chair
41 Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT
The trustees present their report and finan￿al statements of the charity for the year ended
31 March 2023.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note
1 to the accounts and comply wilh the charity's memorandum and articles of association. the
Companies Act 2006 and 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of
Recommended Practice applicable to chanb.es preparing their a￿ount$ in accordance with
the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (as
amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 20161" The charity is a Public
Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
Oblecllves and activitSes
The charitable objectNes are:
'To advance the education of the public in all aspects of the art of drama. dance. mime and
music and to develop the public appreaation of such art and to provide and manage a
theatre within the postal district of Liverpool without distinction of age. sex. race. political or
religious or other opinions, by associating wth statutory aLrthoriti"es, voluntary organisations,
institutions and inhabitants and to promote all or any objects for the benefit of the community
which now or hereafter may be deemed by law to be charitable."
Unity Theatre aims to=
Advance the educ*i¢)n of the public in all aspects of the art of drama, dan￿. mime,
and music.
Provide and manage a theatre. to promote all other obj'ects for the benefit of the
communty which now or hereafter may be deerned by law to be charitable.
Our purpose is to share the stories of diverse individuals, working acros5 three core
Providing high quality cTratbve experiences
Developing and supporting local artists
Platforming and celebrating local communities
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in
deciding what activities the chanty should undertake.
Public benefit
Unity exists for the communities of Liverpool diversity 15 part of our history and remains at
th8 heart of our ambrtions to creale ex￿lIent creatr¥e exFerIen￿s. We have an industry-
leading reputation for high-quality programming that is fully informed by the experien￿ of
our communities. Our approach to ￿atIOn is dynamic and responsive. This in turn ensures
relevancy for a broad range of audiences both in Merseyside and nationwide, who represent
cultural, geographic. and SOCiOwecorK)mic dpiersity.
51Pa8e

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
All of Unity's artistic offerings are designed in dose consumation with Merseyside creatNe
communities. with strong feedback loops built in at all levels of planning. Close partnership
work with organisations speoalising in diversity and access ensures that our aim to see 70 %
of creatives involved in our programmes come from diverse backgrounds. is consistently met
and exceeded. l•Ve remain committed to making our programme accessible to audienGes,
through..
Low ticket pri￿$, with 15% given free via partners. supported by our online
streaming platfom that allows anyone to access Unity wherever they live
Develoyng integrated partnerships with those working with artists from diverse
backgrounds
A commitment lo 100% accessible productions inffrson (BSI-
captionedlrelaxedlaudio-described) and online (captionedlaudio4escribed)
Inlegrated community advocacy. running targeted adivty wrth key partners (TP
Spider Project, IAfjrral, Knowsley Carers).
The trustees have been consulted in compliance with the Charity Cornmi$sion
guidance on public benefrt, in detennining the fees for perfomiances
Achiavements and performance
Unity remains integral to the communiti'es, artists, aUdIen￿S and partiupants of Liverpool.
We have upheld our reputation as the region's leading combined performing arts
organisation, promoting an accessible and supportive society- Post pandemic has left the
sector is a stale of crisis. Unrty has not been immune to the challenges faced across the
economy but is proving ￿SI11enI and has adapted lo a new partnership model vthich will
ensure thè future of the venue moving forward.
Our creative programme welcomed aUdIen￿S to our building to celebrate diverse
storytelling from talented companies from across the County. Creatives featured in our
programme this year have included David Hoyle. Leo and Hyde. and numerous popular
comedians that thallenge the status quo. With a sharp post pandemic dedine in national
touring work. we had a greater emphasis on local artists. This was ￿uple with collaboration
wilh Liverpool-based acdaimed festivals Homotopia and DaDa Fest. We also collaborated
on 20 Stories High's tounng production of. 'Touchy'. charting the joumey of six characters as
they navigated young adu￿hood. which won the 2022 Oncomm Award
"Acces5 and excellen￿ for all ￿rna1n the pillars of our operation and we continued a range of
initiatives desgned to grow equalrty of opportunfy for artists and aud￿nCeS..
61Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT Icontinued)
100% of our perfomiances. both in person and online, were made accessible through
BSL interpretation arml captioning. This is a commitment we strive to continue as we
welcome back full-capacity audiences to our building
Gave 15Oh of our tickets away for free via communrty partners" 96% of those on our
'Community Ticket Programme, were first-time attendees
Integraled communty advocacy a(Yoss our programmes, running tar9eted activity
with key partners (The Spider Projed, Wrral, Knowsley Carers)
We grew 'Unty Online., our digital performance ￿attOrm which features all our locally
produced work, filmed in our spaces. and hosted online to bring Merseyside talent to
a national audience. 30%+ of those engaging with paid online content were from
outside north-west England, and S+% were watching intemationally
Our seGorKI 'Associate Producer, (funded by the Esmée Fairbaim Foundation)
George Soave joined Unty in January 2022 and has been integral in building our
programme of support for artists, as well as strengthening relationships with creatives
and organisations across the city.
Through Open Call. we ensured the continued support and sup4ival of 80+ local artists
Working with Unty has bèen a revelation. They always go the extra mile to make theatre
npore accessible to underseNed communities and we canl wait to come back to
Merseyside.°_ Matt Wo¢>Jhead, LUNG
INhilst the programme was still seriously hampered by Covid, the programme that emerged
from the pandemic has matured and led to some excellent outwmes for artists. community
members, audiences and participants..
Our annual Open Call season opened our stages to the very best perfO￿nanCe talent
from across all six boroughs of Mefseyside
Our long-term partnership wrth 20 Stories High co-provided their hugely successful
Youth Thealre at Unity. inviting young people aged 14-21 to make plays Ihal mash
up dance. spoken word. music. song. St￿et dan￿ and puppetry
Together with RAWD, a company who shares our dedution to providing
opportunities in the arts. we CO&provided a year rear-round weekly creative sessions
for leaming disabled parts"cipants, leading to an annual perforrnar￿ on our main
stage
Our talent development programme Creative Pool comprised over 120 workshops
and events for creatives wants.ng to increase their woducing skills. These have
ranged from 1'.1's held with our team and nefv￿rkIng sessions involving over 20 loGal
producers. Over 600 artists from across Metseyside have engaged so far, with 560
being new to the creative industry
71PaBe

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT Icontinued)
Provided ProPortal, our free-to-access online library of touring Y￿rk (Wise Children,
Complicite, emerging companies) promoted to 200+ wogrammers nationwide IV&A
Museum. Slung Low, Manchester Royal Exchange).
Over the year, Creative Pool and ProPortal have directly supported over 20 tours including:
Multidisaplinary artist Dorcas Seb's WI￿ Versa (ttpproduced with HOME and
Eclipse Theatre)
Physical theatre company Ugly Bucket's Good Grief (supported by Slung L¢)w)
Dance artist Fabiola Santana's A Home for Grief (C￿prodUCed with Contaci).
The Impact of the economic downturn
Despite an abundance of successful projects and initiatives to support our communrties,
creatives, and audiences this period has continued to be an unprecedented thallenge off the
back of the pandemic arKI the economic impact of higher costs and k)wer income
experienced across many industries and households.
We have attracted 45% fewer audiences as a resuft of the economic uncertainty. This is
slowly rising. but the loss of licket income and secondary spend at the bar has been
substantial. More noticeably, because other charities are facing significant drops in income,
we are facing greater competition for attracting grants from Trusts and foundations than ever
before arKd this has caused the largest dent to our funds. Such is the case that the board of
Trustees has fashioned a new model to be more appealing Ixrt less ￿lIant on Trusts and
Foundations. and to grow audiences. through partnerships.
Despite these challenges. the structural changes we had made in 2020 alongside our
serves levels have allowed us to continue with our commitment to deliver a high-quality
artistic experience and truly ac￿SIble communty work that speaks lo the people of
Liverpool. Our outsourced finance function continues to strengthen our work in this area.
wrth current processes across budget setting. bookkeeping and payroll. More transparent
finanGial reporting has allowed members of our team from across the business to feel mtjre
empowered in making financial decisions, supported by robust checks and balances.
IAle have had to adapt our business model in light on the last few years and are confident
that our bu&ness model is fully sustainable. wrth the hard work put in plaGe over the last bNo
years meaning that our reputation for presenting and SUPPOfting ground-breaking creative
experiences only continues to grow. Imiat's more we a￿ proud that this work has
empowered a new generation of diverse Merseyside artists to develop ambitious work that
tells their own unique stories. seen by an increasingly national audience.
81Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT Icontinued)
Ensurlng Financial and Business Sustsinability
Unity's Board of Trustees meets quarterly with separate financial and risk management
quarterly meetings.
Our cuffent Chair, Sarah Jones, stsrted her tenure in 2022. replacing LE Edwards. who has
remained a valued member of the board. Apart from a Commitlee Chair. memberslNp is
rolling with all trustees attending ￿lce annually at minimum to govem and interrogate the
core operations. Addilional Wofking groups are formed when required (Major policy change,
funding applications, business planning etc).
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Overvi•w
Unity has a successful future ahead bui is temporarily experiencing financial challenges,
alongside nearly every building-based arts organisation in the Gountry, this is due to
continuing Unp￿cedented economic. societal and sector change. Resullantly, Unity will
adapt 2023124 plans for a consKlered, Ins￿n￿g and sustainable model from 2024125
onwards.
In the midst of ongoing unprecedented economic times. Unity. like many organisations has
suffered serious finanoal setbacks. Unity ended the 2022123 finanual year with an
unrestricted general fund deficit of £40.948.
We are experiencing the challenges of radically increased-.
o operats.ng costs
production costs
whilst simultaneously incorne is lower due to=
haritable sector giving to venues of our scale has decreased
o individual giving has decreased due to the cost crisis
secorKlary spend has decreased due to the cost crisis
o sector standstill ACE funding
City wide reduction in Local Authority fvndirKJ.
So. the board has dynamically reacted now to generate a new model fit for these
economic times, to ensure we remain vilal and rekvant to participants. audiences and
artists. We are capable of Ihis. We achieved it with our pandemic response to the extent
that we were acknowledged as Liverpool City Region Cultural Organisation of the Year.
We can achieve it again.
Details of the plan are outlined in future plans below
91Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT {Gontinued)
Rlsk management
The risks faced by the organisation are reviewed regularly throughout the year. A
comprehensive risk ￿lster encompassing all areas of the business is kept and upjated
regularty by the CEO aThJ Executive Director and is scrutinised at every Risk and
Compliance SU￿CoMMittee before going to Board each quarter.
Our risk management policy is supported by wider organisational policies including finance.
fundraising, HR. and safeguarding. Risk management is factored into all organisational
decisions including business planning. art15tic programming, audit, finance management arKI
commercial and fundraising opportunities. Risks are splrt into fve key categories."
Artistic Reputation - induding consideration of Unty's standing within the sector
regarding programming ar¢d participation activities" the continued understanding of
trends in Ferformance and presentation,. the standard and risks associated with
artistic partnerships.
Flnanclal Dlverslty - induding the range and variety of income streams coming into
the organisation.. Unity's relationships with key funders,. strength of financial controls..
progress against reserves policy; extemal factors such as current govemment policy.
Audience Development- considering qualty of communications and strength of
brand., strength of engagement with current audien￿ and participants.. size and
growlh of engaged database: audience engagement in the face of extemal factors
such as the pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis.
Staffing and Governance- including regular review of expertise held within Board
of Trustees, Senior Management. and wider staff base. staff retention rates., review of
diversity of Board and stsff team ensuring they refiect organisation equality and
diversty policies.
Organisational - encompassing wider business considerations such as health and
safety and data managemenL
Principal funding sources
Key fvnders for our core activity in the period were Arts Council England and Liverpool City
Council. We have secured funding from the Esmée Fairbaim Foundation to support the
development of our Creative 'Pool talent develownent tKogramme untsl December 2023.
IOIPage

UNITYTHEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
The Senior Management team are working to further diversify our income streams in the
coming year through private fundraising and commercial opportunities.
Invoslment pollcy and review
Due to the current percentage of income re￿IVed from ststutory sources and fundraising,
the appetite for investment risk is judged as low. This appetite is reviewed annually by the
Board and may change as incorne streams continue to diversify. All future investments will
be agreed be￿een the ADICEO and Chair of Finance Committee. signed off at Board level.
Unity cuffently holds all funds in accounts connected wrth HSBC, split between standard
Cu￿ent accounts and a deposrt account. To aid with petty cash spending. the leam have
introduced purchasing cards to key budget holders., individual debit cards have a fixed
monthly spend cap, imbursed frorn the ￿aniSatIon.S main bank account.
Rtserves
Unity has sel a tar￿ for free reserves (unrestrided funds not invested in fixed assets or
otheNise designated) for the charty of 12 weeks operating costs, judged to be £103k. This
takes account of the funding and trading environment in which the chanty operates. and of
its stralegic plans. The unprecedented circurnsiances of 2020 - 2023 . wtth the sector crisis
and ongoing fragility of the economy. have been severely challenging to trade in. As of
March 2023, free resep4es were at a deficit level of £40.948 equivalent to 40.10 of the target
level.
Going concern
These financial statements have been prepare on a going COn￿M basis.
Unity has a successful future ahead bui has experienced considerable financial challenges.
due to continuing. unprecedented economic, social and sector change. The sector is
experiencing an existential crisis unlike any in memory. Unty no longer has reserves, is in a
deficit position and would be at risk were it to have continued with a previously successful
but now defunct operating model. So, the trustees have reacted dynamically to build back
reserves by..
Undertaking a financial mitigation plan
Reducing overheads to sustainable levels
Shaping a programme model that is"
o not reliant on Trusts and Foundation bui rather partnerships. whbch have been
secured
Can fiex up or down
Seeking working capital to assist with the cashflow
Acquiring funds to cover essential building works
Unity retains sizeable funding arKI support from Arts Council EnglarKI and Liverpool Crty
Council.
IIIPage

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT {continued)
The Trustees have considered the level of deficit held and the expected level of income and
expenditure for the twelve months from authorising these accounts. The Trustees assess the
charrty to be a going concem based on review of financial performance of the 23124 year to
date, the management accounts forecast for the remainder of 23124. the rolling cash fl¢)w
forecast. future funding commitments. the financtal mtligation plans, the levels of existing
funding and the implementation of a sustainable mcwJel. As a result. the trustees are
onfident about the financial fulure of the chanty and satisfied that these accounts and
prepared on a going concem basis.
FUTURE PLANS
Our team and Board have interrogated a new model for implicalion in 2024 onwards that
speaks to our core aims of-.
Promoting an accessible and supportNe society through
High quality creative exreriences
Developing and supporting local artists
Plaffomiing and celebrating local communities
Ensuring financial arKI organisation viabilty-
To achieve this the Board believe a new model is required that still delivers on the aims of
our core fundef. Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council but can attract new funding
and unlock new possibilities across our aims.
NEW MODEL
The Board is most confident that the following new model delrvers financial certainty. is
considerably more appealing to all those we already serve with distinction. and has capacity
to benefit the lives of people we do not currently engage.
For 24125 onwards, On￿ exists'ng programming commitrnents have been honoured,
Unity requires a new model.
24125 will be divided into 7 seasons, that are based on a theme, containing programme
of 34 weeks each. Each 'season' will have various streams that would deliver all
aspects of our programme.
This model will deliver Unity's inclusNe, dIVe￿e programme for audiènces, artists and
participants, be sustainable from the outset.
It will enable Unity to build bath a secure level of reserves.
It combines aspects of our programme into fundable groupings.
The model is dynamically flexible and allows Unty to deliver its programme but not over
commit when finance is not available.
It will not assume funding but will attract funding ahead of time.
Unity's Output is appealing to fvnders. but the exists'ng model needs to change from
sporadic and divergent programme to a collated model that matches funder
reqLtirements in a competitive market.
This model ean respond when new funds emerge. e.g.. City Council project funds or
monies raised by the new Liverpool City Region Culture Network
121Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
The work will be much more appealing and marketable to audiences and participants,
with cross over opportunities throughout each season
Be￿n seasons the venue is available to hire for commercial and community
purposes.
24125 Flnancial Model Fixed Cosls
Fixed Annual Income
Arts Council England and Local Authority
Commercial Income (nel of costs)
Sub Total
Amount
£340.000
£50,0
£390.000
Flxed Annual Expenditure
Operational and Salaries
Sub Total
Amount
£351.CQO
£351,000
Total
£39,000"
Yhe surplus would contribute to the rebuilding of reserves until such time as this is met. All
costs of the programme would be secured through other income sources outlined below.
24125 Programme
The creative programme will be six or seven seasons of three to four v￿ekS each. focussing
on a theme of importan￿. The streams will be..
Comblned Arts
Our diverse and inclusive perfomance programme of lo￿1 and national touring
work, onsrte, offsite and online
Artists of the Future
Comprised of local Children aThJ Young People, local Universittes. Open Call for
tocal creatives and our producerftalent development programme °Creative Pool.
Unity Community
o This will provid8 opportunrties for the groups we ￿rrentlY work wsth on a weekly
basis to be deeper embedded in Ihe organisation by perfO￿ing or programming
or hosting workshops in each season. These groups are:
RAWD (Dldeaf Disabled company)
20 Stories Hwh (with whom we partner on Youth Theatre)
131Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
We Mll host community events around perfo￿nan￿$ that encourage interaction
belween dNergent groups.
The annual cost of the programme would be £160,950. These costs would be covered by
the f(Alowing income sources.
Stream
Annual I long
temi Income
One off grant I
sponsorship
£12,¢J)O
Ticket Income
Donations (in-
venue l online)
£1,200
Combined Arts
Artists of thè
Future
cyp
Higher
Education
Open Call
Creative Pool
Unity Community
Community
Experiences
Dldeaf
Disabled
Programme
Youth Theatre
TOTAL
£28,51XI
£36,000
£1,500
£450
£450
£15.000
£3,750
£3.750
£3,gJO
£450
£36.000
£3.250
£450
£6.500
£2,750
£450
£1.500
£32.250
£2.750
£37.900
£450
£3.900
£87,000
Annual l Long temi Income is in the Pro￿5$ of being completed through combination
of HE funding and TrustslFoundations
One off grants and sponsorship are in the process of being secured
Ticket Income has been set conservatively in line wrth Current sales trends
Donations in venue l online viill indude 'pay extra if you Gan, and the introdudion of
digtsl donation stations in the venue
141Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT Icontinued)
STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is a company limited by guarantee govemed by its Memorandum and ArtiGles of
Association dated 11 March 1997, as amended by special resolutions dated May 1 1997 and
September 27 2016. It is a registered chartty with the Charity Commission.
Members of the company
The members of the company are the directors and any other persons or organisations
adrnitted to membership by the directors. Currently the only members of the company are the
directofs.
Appointment of trustees
The directors, who are the trustees of the charty. are appoinled by the members in general
meeting. The Directors have the power to Co-opt to fill a casual vacancy and such persons
hold office unts"I the next AGM. The directors are appointed inilially for a three-year term arKI
are eligible for r&election for a second consecutive three-year term. In extraordinary
circumstan￿5 a direGtor may be, with the Board's approval. appointed for a third
onseGutive three-year term but not beyond that.
Only retsring directors or those woposed by the Board are e1￿ible for election at the general
meeting unless due notice has been given by a member of their Intent￿)n to propose
someone.
Trustee Induction and training
All new Trustees receive an induction prior to stsrting their first tenn, led by a member of the
Risk and Compliance Commrttee andlor Executive Director. This induction covers the history
of the organisation. its current work and the rote and expectats.ons required of a Trustee.
Shortly after the election of a new group of Trustees. a training session is arranged covering
governance and current charity legislation. run by an extemal consultant.
We have meaningfully improved dr¥ersty in the last 5 years, particularfy around disability
arKJ cultural representation. and age has dropped significantly
wrth ages spanning 2649-
meaning lived experiences fully reflect our communrties. Though core skillsets of creative
industry, HR. finance. fundraising and d￿rtaI are all represenled, we prioritise curating a
diverse range of viewpoints and experience, wrth our Chair creating a supportive culture to
aid collective problem-sotving.
151Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
Oryanisallon
The Board, which musl be no less than three and not rn0￿ than 15 peopte. meets as
required and nornially 4 times per year. Day to day management of the charity is delegated
lo Ihe Chief Executive and the other members of the Senior management team who together
with ￿ diredors constrtute the key management personnel of the charity.
Pay and remuneration for senlor staff
All roles are formally reviewed prior lo each vacancy being advertised. wifft adjustments
made to ensure our Structure meet5 the business. current and future needs. ￿ere there is a
vacancy in our senior team. pay and remuneration packages are benchmarked against a
minimum of three regional peer venues arKI advertised within a range to remain competitive.
Staff pay at all levels of the organisation is reviewed annualFy to achieve fair salary bands
and avoid discrimination.
Co-operation with other organisationslcharities
Unity is regularfy fvnded by Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council.
Across our ne￿orkS Y￿ foster a commÈtment to divetsty and the employment of local
creatives within communrties. Wle are core members of the Liverpool Arts Regeneration
Consortium and Shift sustainatxlity network, plus Big Imaginations, Dan￿ Consortium
Northwest and Venues North. Regular local creative partners indude Homotopia. DaDa Fesl
and 20 Storie5 High. We work closely with LiverpooS's Everyman and Playhouse and Royal
Court to strenglhen the rity's C￿atiVe ecology.
161Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
ststement of Trustees, Responsibilities
The trustees, who are also the ￿1￿ClOrS of Unrty Theatre for the purpose of company law. are
responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year
which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charrty and of the incoming
resources and appliCat￿n of ￿sources, induding the in¢(xne and expenditure, of the
charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to..
select suitable accounting wlicies and then apply them consistently..
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP..
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent..
-state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been folbwed, subject to any
material departures disck)sed and explained in the financial statements,. and
prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to
P￿sUme that Ihe charity will continue in operakn'on.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose wilh
reasonable aGwracy at any time the financial FQSition of the tharity and enable them to
ensure that the financial stslements comply with the Companies Act 2006_ They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charty and hence for takn.ng reasonable steps
for the p￿ventIon and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Small company provisions
This report ha5 been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to srnall
companies within Part 15 of the Companies Acl 2006.
The trustees. report was approved by the Board of Tmstees.
ones
Trustee
171Page

UNITYTHEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report to the trustees on our examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 March
2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the weparation of the accounts in
accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (Ihe Act.) The trustees consider
that an audit is not required for this year under section 144{2} of the Act and that an
independent examination is needed.
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts camed out under section 145 of
the Art and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions gNen
by the Charity Commission under section 145(51(b) of the Act.
Independent examinevs statement
I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matenal matters have come to my
attention in Gonnertion with the examination giving me cause to ￿lieve that in any material
respecl.
. accounting records were n(A kept in respect of the Trust as required by SeCt￿n 130 of the
Act.. or
2. the accounts do not accord wth those records.. or
3. the accounts do not comply with Ihe applicable requirements conceming the form and
conlent of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulations'2008 other
than any requirement that the accounts give a and fair view which is not a matter
considered as part of an irKleFendent examir)ation.
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection wtlh the
examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Matthew Brown, CPFA
Adding Value consu￿anCY Ltd
Accountants and Finanaal Management Consultants
D*e:
181Page

UNITYTHEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
T•t•llw
1023
2023
2023
Oonètwlhs •hd lews
a69￿￿4
68.445
"24.7&5
77
384,814
6B.44S
24.?66
77
4JB.968
63HI
9J09
164
OiherTradir* A¢ikdit
Other Incw
T•tal lTrr•n•
463.103
478.103
492m2
. Ralwo Fund#
ChJriiJblEkttrdit*s
37.931
37.931
610.485
1&484
612.152
347.567
24563
3B.356
T•tsl W•nd*4re
585.498
24J63
38.356
648.416
630.636
.112W51
P>.J56J
. T[￿Sle¥S betY•een ILW)ds
14J20)
' 14•tlll•¥•lll•llllnknds
jk2721$1
119.7431
1233561
11703111
1138.6141
I￿ndba￿n￿5 br￿j&hil0rwafrt
86J61
L741975
L894A
2.033.462
140J
l714JJ2
1724sa4
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and.expenditure derive from continuing actiw'ties.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and
expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
191Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2023
FIXEDASSETS
Tan&ble Asseis
1,724.230
1.743.973
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at Bank and in harKI
1.647
26.123
57.158
84328
1.811
85.656
105,892
193.359
14
CREDITOILS
ArrKJunts fallin8 wittsn0￿ year
84.6241
42,484
NET CURRENT ASSETS
150A75
TOTAL NET A55ET5
L72453S
IiY,848
FUNDS
Restricted Funds
Unrestricted F￿d5- deswated
un￿StrICted Fun(ts- eeneral
TOTAL FUN[6
41.250
1.724.232
140.9481
1.724,535
1,743,97S
86.267
1394.848
For Ihe year erKling 31 March 2023 the company was entitled to exempti¢)n under section
477 of the Companies Act relating to small companies. The members have not required the
company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilrties for complying with the requirements of the
Act with respect to accounting records and the preparalion of accounts.
These accounts have been p￿pared in aC￿rdan￿ wtth the provisions applicable to
companies suty.ect lo the small cornpanies, regime.
Approved by the board of trustees on and signed on their behalf..
Jones
rustee
Date:......
2r £kw4. tot3
20IPage

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. Accounting Policies
Charity infomiation
Theatre is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. In
the event of the chanty being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limrted to
El per member of the charity. The registered office is 1 Hope Place. Liverpool. Ll 9BG.
1.1 Accounting Convenllon
The account5 have been prepared in accordance with the chaiivs goveming document, the
Companies Act 2006 and 'Accounts'ng and Reporting by Charities. Statement of
Recommended Pradice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with
the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)"
(a5 amended for accounting periods commenGing from 1 January 20161. The charity is a
Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The finanaal statements are prepared in sterlin9, which is the functional currency of the
charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal
accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going Concern
At the time of approving the accounts and as detailed in the Trustees, report the Trustees
have considered the recent economic environmental challenges on the charity and the
TTUStees have a reasonable exFeclation that the chanty has adequate resources to continue
in operational existence for the foreseeable fLrture. Thus. the Trustees continue to adopt the
'going concern. basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their
tharitsble objeclives.
Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees
for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in Ihe
notes lo the financial statements.
Restricted fvnds are suty'ect to SFecAfi¢ condrtions by donors as to how they may be used.
The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial
statements.
211Page

UNITYTHEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. Accounting Policies (continued)
1.4 Ineorne
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitied to li after any perfomiance
conditions have been met. the amounts can be measured reliably, and. rt is probable that
income be received.
Cash donations are rerngnised on re￿ipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity
has been notified of the donation, unless perfO￿nan￿ Condrtions require deferral of the
amount. Income tax reGoverable in rdation to donations received under Gift ￿"d or deeds of
covenant is ￿COgnIsed at the time of the donation.
Legacies are ￿cogniSed on receipt or otherwise rfthe charity has been notified of an
impending distribution, the amount is knovm, and receipt is expecled. If the amount is not
kn¢)wn, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
Income from trading activities include5 income earned from fundraising events and trading
activities to raise funds for the chanty. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods
armd servi￿$ in order to raise fvnds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive ot￿l9atIon to make a payment
to a third party, it is probable that the sett￿rnent will be required. and the amount of the
obligation can be measured rella￿y. Expendrture is classified under the following activity
headings=
Costs of raising funds.. induding those assouated wilh fundrai8ing actNities.
Charitable activities.. costs of undertaking the work of Charty.
The Charity is registered for VAT and can recover all inpLrt tax charged. Costs are stated
exclusive of VAT where tharged.
Support costs are those that assist the work of the chanty but do not direcuy represent
charitable activities and indude office costs, govemance costs, administrative payroll costs.
They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charlty and include
project management &irried out at Headquarters. bltrere support costs cannot be direcily
attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and
expenditure on chantable activrties on a basis consistent with use of the resources
22 |Pège

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. Accounting Policies Icontinued}
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets a￿ initially measured at cost and subsequently rneasured at cost or
valuab"on, nel of depreciation and any irnpairnent losses.
Oepreciation is recognised so as to write off the (¥)st or valuation of assets less their fesidual
values over their useful lives on the following bases..
Leasehold land arbd buildirrfJs
Over the period of the lease
Fixtures & fittings
25% straighl line basis
Computers
Over 7 years
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is detemiined as the difference between
the sale proceeds and the carying value of the asset and is recogntsed in net
incomel(expenditure) for the year.
1.7. Impaimient of fixed assets
At each rewting end date. the charty revMvs the carying am¢)unts of fls tangible assets to
determine whether the￿ is any indication that those assets have suffered an impaimient
loss. If any such indication exists. the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order
to detemine the extent of the impaimient loss (rf any)-
1.8. Sto¢ks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and ests'mated selling price less Gosts to complete and
sell. Cosl comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those
overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and
condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the loV￿r
of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimaled costs of completion and
costs to be incurred in markeling. selling and distribLrtion.
1.9. Cash and cash oquivalents
Cash and cash equivalents indude cash in harKI. deposits held at call with banks. and bank
ovefdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown wrthin borr￿wingS in Current liabilrties.
1.10 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 1 1 'Basic Fina￿la1 Instwments.
and Section 12 '0ther Financial Instruments Issues. ot FRS 102 to all of its financial
instruments.
Financial instruments are reMgnised in the chanty's balance sheet when the charity
becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
231Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. Accounting Policies (contlnued)
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial
statements. when there is a legally enfor￿able tight to set off the recognised amounts arKI
there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and setue the liabilty
simultaneously.
Derecognrfion of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the tharity's Gontradual obligati¢)ns expire or are
discharged or cancelled.
1.11 Employee bonefits
When employees have rendered services to the charity. short temi employee benefits to
vthiGh the employees are entrtled are recognised at the undiscounled amount expected to be
paid in exchange for that service.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the chanty's accounts'ng policies. the trustees are required to make
judgements, estimates and assumptions atx)ut the carying amount of assets and liabilities
that are not readily apparent from ¢)ther sources. The estimates and assoriated assumptions
are based on historical experien￿ and other faciors that are considered to be relevant.
Actual results may drfFer from these ests"mates.
The estimates arKI underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to
accounting estimates are recognised in the period in vthich the estimate is revised where the
revision affects only that period, or in the penod of the revision and future periods where the
revision affects both current and future periods.
241Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
3. Donations and legacies
I*W115
373.M•
4>4
375.]
ArtIC￿￿lEr*
Liwetyo¢llityctyry4.WP
Cutturè5PEcovoryFund
271
271.r
IL244
ty)
.4J&m6
4. Charitsble activilies
Lknre5trktEd
T+xal
Funds
F￿dS
F￿￿￿5
BDXOHI
Illary HO5￿tIl￿5*S
43JW&
25385
68.*M5
43J
25J85
6&445
43.437
20.244
63.681
43.437
20.244
63.681
S Other trading activities
Unrestricted
funds
general
2023
Unrestricted
funds
general
2022
Trading actswty Income
24.766
9,209
Included within these balances are commercial hire sales income for £24,566 (2022..
£8,627).
251Page

UNITYTHEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
6 Other Income
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
fund5
general
general
2023
2022
Other Income
7 Raising Funds
Uniestiicted
nds
Unrestrided
funds
general
2022
2023
OiredC05ts
Support Cosls
Fundraiwnv PMDDiJty
9.933
27.998
37.931
3.75S
14.729
8 Charitable activilies
Totsl
tre
Totsl
ThEatre
Fund5
Fwds
X+23
20
5talFcosts
Dlrectcosts
19.1*5
14.527
33.SlZ
221.733
91.503
313.316
212.577
133A03
345*BO
77.056
279.701
ShDreoFsupportC05ts (set note91
Share oFKty4ernan¢tcosts Ix¢ n¥*91
24.563
4.744
29).1
234,7>)
31.532
Z66,3ZZ
$47567
24563
3B.356
610,415
261Page

UNITYTHEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
9 Support costs
Costs 2023
C05
2022
sr•llC¢srs
01.910
24.563
12.2))
81,940
.24,563
12.233
68.967
30.174
5.571
72.751
30.322
10.228
8.495
10.942
3.118
30,174
5.571
72.751
srallrdaied¢o*ts
¥¥¥r
Mathebr•J costs
Sy5tern & I￿r￿b$
IhAuiane•
Offire & other 5VgOrtM515
Banh & other¢harGes
Trttstet *Xp￿se5
7.498
12.791
450
7.49B
12,791
49)
8.49$
10,912
3.118
8.762
B,762
29.415
I￿7
31A
1375
34.182
4.625
29.415
2,1*7
Le9al and woles*oThal
318 188
281 OD1
I￿ndraI￿￿￿
27.938
297.170
-14.729
14.729
286.2n
2W.170
31.
249 S19
Governance costs includes payfflents for independent examination fees of £2.375 (2022:
£4,500 for audit fees).
10 Trustees and related party transactions
None of the Irustees (or any persons connecled wilh them) receNed any renumeration
durtng the year for their role as trustee. Trustees were reimbursed for expenses to the value
of £260 during the year {2022-. £189)
The key management of the charity comprise of the tristees and senior staff.
The renumeration of key management personnel is as follows:
2023
2022
Aggregate remuneratson
108 052
127028
On February 4th 2020 the Chied Executive Officer G Millar was appointed as a trustee and
director of the company. He did not receive any remuneration for acting as a trustee. His
employment benefits in the year We￿ £51.555 (2022.. £53.618)
271Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
11 Employees
The Average monthly.number of emptoyees during the year was:
2023
Number
2022
Nufflber
Average no. of employee5
25
27
2022
2021
Employment cimts
Wages and salaries
Socia] security costs
Other pension eosls
248.429
21.854
6.372
276.655
328,319
22,T13
5.480
356.ST2
There were no employ8es whose annual rellum8ration was £60.000 or moT•.
12 Tanglble fixed assets
land and".
.buildingS'
.FlxDire5 and *
D¥r
*'fvi.1 ppril 2022-:
jAd'd￿.0n$
s.At 1 April 2023..
. 2,057,677
262,470
2,329.097
' 2,057 677
267 290
¥.8 950
2,333 917
Depreciation ond impairnient
.￿ri1 2022
i Depreciation'ciiarged.forlhe yeaF-
5"At 31 Marcii 2023;
321,960:.
201,885
..585.i24-.
4.341537.:
262.888
4.262
.,609.687,.
Carrying amollnt",
IAt 31 March.2023=
1.715.140
1-.724,230
At 31".M8ieh'2022":
,1.735.717
.7.671
,1.743.973 .
13 Stocks
2023
2022
Finistied goods and goods for sale
1,647
1,995
281Page

UNITY THEATRE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 hlARCH 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
14 Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falllng due *lthln one year.
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued Incon
9.046
17,077
26.123
83.367
85.656
15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
20
othertaxab.on and soaal seajnty
Tra(fe Credrtors
Other CreOrtors
Accwals and deferred income
21.620
59504
910
2.5Bg
84,624
9302
12243
20,939
42,484
16 Regtricted Funds
31 klarEh
2•2¥
al.21Q
10210
E(JiF2
15X
41
12Q
Esme Fairbaim Foundation.. This funds "Creatwe Pool.. Unty's programme for
development of uealive opportunities. The trustees have agreed to fund part of the
expenses from the general fund.
Culture Liverpool.. The Cutture Liverpool Grant vms to deliver the Eurovision programme
in May 2023. where Unty hosted perfomances from Ukranian artists.
17 Analysis of net assets between funds
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:
Tthal
I.724￿)
I.IZ4.2>J
1.74I9T3
I.743￿13
369
IT17￿4
61W 1894846
291Page