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2025-03-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

Company number 03301572 Charity number 1071240

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Report and Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Breckman & Company Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants 49 South Molton Street London W1K 5LH

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Contents

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' Report 2 - 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) 6 - 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11 - 17

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Reference and Administrative Details

Constitution

The company is incorporated under the Companies Act, company number 03301572 and its governing document is its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company is a registered charity, number 1071240.

Directors and trustees

The directors of the charitable company (English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust) are its trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees.

As set out in the Articles of Association the number of the members of the board shall not be less than 3 but shall not be subject to any maximum. At every Annual General meeting, one third of the trustees shall retire by rotation, with the longest serving retiring. If the position is not filled at the Annual General Meeting, then the trustees that have retired may be reappointed..

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees are ongoing and incorporated indirectly into the regular trustees meetings.

The trustees during the year and since the year end, were :

Christian Rutherford John Thurgood Raphael Wallfisch appointed on 20 May 2024 Margaret Cowen resigned on 22 May 2024

Chief executive/day to day management

James Rutherford

Independent examiners

Messrs. Breckman & Company, 49 South Molton Street, London W1K 5LH.

Bankers

Barclays Bank, 53 The Broadway, London W5 5JS.

Operation address

2 Earl Street, Cambridge CB1 1JR.

Registered office

49 South Molton Street, London W1K 5LH.

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

The trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors' report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.

The reference and administrative details set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Accounting and Reporting by 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).

During the year, the charity’s principal activities developed further, particularly through the continued growth of its Community & Education work in Calderdale West Yorkshire, Essex and Tower Hamlets. In addition, the charity began preparatory work towards the formation of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), intended to modernise and unify the structure of the English Chamber Orchestra in a manner appropriate for an arts organisation of its standing. This work is ongoing and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Objectives

The English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust's objectives are as outlined below:-

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).

Activities and Achievements

During the year, the charity continued to deliver a programme of activity focused on performance, education, community engagement and international touring, building on the foundations established in previous years.

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English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

The Close Encounters Community & Education Programme continued to develop in line with the charity’s measured growth plans. In particular, the Trust strengthened its partnership with Calderdale Council, successfully delivering a multi-layered programme of activity across schools. This work took place both in classrooms and in wider participatory settings, culminating in a celebratory event at Victoria Theatre, Halifax. The programme supported creative engagement, skills development and access to high-quality musical experiences for young people in the area. We also welcomed international students from Hong Kong as part of a performance exchange programme with Hong Kong Musicus Society. Whilst not representing a significant expansion in scale, this activity was consistent with the charity’s planned targets for sustainable growth over the next five years.

The orchestra continued to perform extensively in the UK, with regular appearances at its home venue, Cadogan Hall, including a programme marking the orchestra’s 65th Anniversary. These performances explored a broad repertoire and were supported by ongoing audience development and accessible ticketing initiatives, notably through continued partnerships in Tower Hamlets, ensuring that concerts remained open and welcoming to a wide range of audiences.

Internationally, the orchestra undertook touring activity, including a tour to Hong Kong and two return performances at the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, reinforcing the charity’s role as an ambassador for British musical culture on the world stage.

Trustees and Governance

Christian Rutherford John Thurgood Raphael Wallfisch

Trustees are appointed according to experience, expertise and understanding of the orchestral sector. It is the case that the current board will be expanded in the future to bring in members with additional skills and expertise. ECOCT board also has a nominated Trustee who is a member of the playing personnel of the ensemble, to ensure connection with the wider musical endeavours.

The charity ensures effective governance through discussion, engagement with the management staff and regularly assessing the financial stability of the organisation.

Management and Staffing

The English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust controls English Chamber Orchestra Ltd, which acts as the operating arm of the organisation.

During the year, the orchestra employed two full-time employees and engaged five part time freelance members of staff. There were no material changes to staUing structure during the period.

Funding sources

The charity continued to operate in a challenging funding environment. The Trust remained reliant in part on the utilisation of a significant legacy gift received in previous years, while actively pursuing a wide range of grant, trust and philanthropic funding opportunities.

Numerous applications were made to trusts and foundations to support the continued delivery and development of the Close Encounters Community & Education Programme and to underpin the orchestra’s ongoing artistic excellence. Trustees recognise the importance of philanthropic giving and donor engagement in sustaining the organisation’s work.

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English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

Principal Risks and Mitigation

The Trustees have identified the principal risks facing the charity and have implemented strategies to mitigate them.

The primary risk remains the challenge of securing suUicient funds to meet core operating costs, whilst ensuring that the orchestra continues to perform at the highest artistic level. Delivering performances, education work, touring activity and audience engagement requires significant financial support, which the charity seeks to secure through philanthropic giving, grant funding and careful financial management.

The Trust works closely with English Chamber Orchestra Ltd to manage financial risk prudently, ensuring that neither organisation overextends its resources or incurs unsustainable liabilities. Maintaining financial discipline and realistic planning remains central to the Trustees’ approach.

Small company exemptions

This report is prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 28th January 2026 and signed on its behalf by

Christian Rutherford (Interim Chairperson) Trustee

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 6 to 17

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

· follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and

· to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Graham Berry FCCA Breckman & Company Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants

49 South Molton Street London W1K 5LH

28th January 2026

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
2
Donations and legacies - page 7
11,816
38,993
Charitable activities
Theatre - page 7
84
-
Total
11,900
38,993
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities:
Theatre - page 8
69,764
28,850
Total
69,764
28,850
Net movement in funds:
)
(57,864
10,143
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
42,872
3,500
Total funds carried forward
9, 10
)
(14,992
13,643
2025
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
£
£
£
50,809
83,491
3,500
84
4,182
-
50,893
87,673
3,500
98,614
48,934
-
98,614
48,934
-
)
(47,721
38,739
3,500
46,372
4,133
)
(1,349
42,872
3,500
2024
Total
£
86,991
4,182
91,173
48,934
48,934
42,239
4,133
46,372

The notes on pages 11 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

6

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Income from donations and legacies
Restricted grants/donations
Arts Council England
The D'Oyly Carte trust
Donations - Gala Dinner
Donations - QEH
Donations - Borenstein
Unrestricted donations
General donations
Income from charitable activities
Theatre income
Sundry
2025
£
15,750
-
3,600
6,000
13,643
38,993
11,816
50,809
84
84
2024
£
-
3,500
-
-
-
3,500
83,491
86,991
4,182
4,182

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Expenditure on charitable activities
Theatre
Production costs
Staging events
Support costs - page 9
Governance costs - page 9
2025
£
97,680
97,680
34
900
98,614
2024
£
48,000
48,000
34
900
48,934

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Year ended 31st March 2025

Support and governance costs
Professional/financial
Legal/professional
Governance costs
Independent Examination
2025
£
34
900
£
34
34
900
934
2024
£
34
900
£
34
34
900
934

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Balance Sheet 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand 519 47,306
519 47,306
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year 7 (1,868 ) )
(934
Net current (liabilities)/assets (1,349 ) 46,372
Total assets less current
liabilities/(deficit) (1,349 ) 46,372
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds 9
- General fund )
(14,992
42,872
Restricted funds 10 13,643 3,500
Total charity funds (1,349 ) 46,372

For the year ending 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

· The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476;

· The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 28 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by

Christian Rutherford Trustee

The notes on pages 11 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies

1.1. Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (issued in October 2019) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), and the Companies Act 2006.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

1.2. Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any trade discounts due.

1.3. Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and 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.

1.4. Creditors and provisions

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.

1.5. Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis.

The company is dependent on the continued support of grant aiding bodies and donors. The trustees believe that the company will continue to receive this support and accordingly consider that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

1.6. Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when:

- Donations and legacies

Grants/donations are recognised in incoming resources in the year in which they are receivable, except as follows:

- Charitable activities

Theatre income - income from box office, performance fees and sundry other theatrical income is included in incoming resources in the period in which the relevant show takes place.

Project specific funding - when donors specify that donations and grants are for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable.

- Donated services and facilities

Donated services or facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. On receipt, donated services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

- Investment income

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

1.7. Expenditure

All expenditure is included on an accruals basis inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered and is recognised when:

- Costs of raising funds

Costs incurred in attracting donations, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

- Charitable activities

Theatre production costs - costs incurred in production and running of productions toured in the year.

- Support costs

The administrative and overhead costs associated with running the office from which the company operates as well as governance costs. Support costs are wholly attributable to theatre production costs.

- Governance costs

Costs associated with the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity.

1.8. Fund accounting

Funds held by the charity are either:

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

1.9. Financial Instruments

The charity only 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 (with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method).

1.10. Significant Accounting Estimates and Judgements

In determining the carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities, the charity makes assumptions of the effects of uncertain future events on those assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date. The charity's estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and expectation of future events and are reviewed annually.

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Incoming resources

The total incoming resources for the year have been derived from the principal activity undertaken wholly in the UK.

3. Net income/(expenditure) for the year is 2025 2024
stated after charging: £ £
Independent examination 900 900

4. Trustees' emoluments and reimbursed expenses

The trustees received no remuneration during the year.

The aggregated amount reimbursed to trustees during the year was £nil (2024 - £nil)

5. Staff costs and numbers

During the year the company had no employees

6. Corporation taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

7.
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
Other creditors
Accruals
2025
£
934
934
1,868
2024
£
-
934
934

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

8. Limited by guarantee

The private limited company is limited by guarantee, registered in EW - England and Wales, and does not have a share capital. Each member gives a guarantee to contribute a sum, not exceeding £10, to the company should it be wound up. At 31 March 2025 there were 3 members.

9. Unrestricted funds Brought Incoming Outgoing Carried
forward resources resources forward
£ £ £ £
General fund 42,872 11,900 )
(69,764
(14,992 )

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

10. Restricted funds Brought Incoming Outgoing Carried
forward resources resources forward
£ £ £ £
The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust 3,500 - )
(3,500
-
Donations - QEH - 6,000 )
(6,000
-
Donations - Gala Dinner - 3,600 )
(3,600
-
Donations - Borenstein - 13,643 - 13,643
Arts Council England - 15,750 )
(15,750
-
3,500 38,993 )
(28,850
13,643

The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust

A grant of £3,500 was awarded to support the delivery of an education and community project to Calderdale schools with limited access to music provisions. This took place in June 2024.

Donations - QEH

£1,000 from the Czech Centre, and £5,000 from an individual donor were received to support. 1K supported the post concert reception.5K was from an anonymous Czech donor to support the QEH concert

Donations - Gala Dinner

£3,600 was received from an individual donor to cover the venue hire for the Gala Dinner in July 2024. This was a donation from Dr Donatus for the venue hire of the Stationers' Hall.

Donations - Borenstein

Individual donations of £11,642.62, and £2,000 from Stichting Music.These were donations to support the recording which took place in July 2025

Arts Council England

A grant of £15,750 was received for an education project in Calderdale West Yorkshire. A final payment of £1,440 was made in September 2025 into the Trust Account.

11. Analysis of net assets between funds

General
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
are represented by:
Net current (liabilities)/assets
)
(14,992
13,643
)
(14,992
13,643
Total
£
)
(1,349
)
(1,349

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

12. Related party transactions

During the year the company had no related party transactions that require disclosure.

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ENGLISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CHARITABLE TRUST 49 South Molton Street, London W1K 5LH

MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATION LETTER

To: Breckman & Company Ltd

Dear Sirs,

28 January 2026

The following representations are made on the basis of enquiries of management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience such as we consider necessary in connection with your independent examination of the charitable company’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. These enquiries have included inspection of supporting documentation where appropriate and are sufficient to satisfy ourselves that we can make each of the following representations. All representations are made to the best of our knowledge and belief.

General

Assets and liabilities

Docusign Envelope ID: 09213D01-BFE3-4624-B73B-3096221515E1

Accounting estimates

Loans and arrangements

Legal claims

14 No claims in connection with litigation have been, or are expected to be, received

Laws and regulations

Related parties

Subsequent events

Going concern

Grants and donations

Restricted grants, sponsorship and donations are as follows:

Arts Council England £15,750 Donations - Gala Dinner £3,600 Donations - QEH £6,000 Donations - Borenstein £13,643

Yours faithfully

.............................................................................................................................. Signed on behalf of the board of trustees