Registered number 03539586 Charity Registration number 1088823 Northern Roots Report and Accounts 31 March 2025
Northern Roots Report and accounts ontents Page Company information Directors, report Independent examiner's report on the accounts Profit and loss account 10 Balance sheel 12 Notes to the accounts 13
Northern Roots Company Information Directors K Dougherty O Nuga (appointed 25161251 R Mather R Perdik M Qureshi (appointed 25 June 2025) T Ali (resigned 27 November 20241 K Dubois B M8muini (resigned 21 April 2024) S Eskias (appointed 27 November 2024) L Naruse Secretary K Dougherty Accountants Bell Anderson Limit8d Lindum 264-266 Durham Road Gateshead Tyne and Wear NE84JR Reglstered offlce Offic8 44 63 High Bridge Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear NE16BX Registered number 03539586 Charliy reg5stratlon number 1088823
Northern Roots Registered number: Trustees. Report 03539586 The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. The accounts have been prepared in accordance Wlth th8 accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and follow the SORP (FRS 102) Slructure, governance and management The Charity is a company limited by guarantee. The company was established under the Mèmorandum of Association which established the objects and pow8r of thè charitable company and is governed under the Articles of Association. In Ihe event of the Company being wound up members are required to contribute amount not exceeding £1. The Truste8s hav8 asses88d th8 major risks lo which th8 Charity IS 8xposed, and are satisf18d that systems are in place lo mitigate exposure to the major risks, Objectives and activities The objects of the Charily is lo foster and promote Ihe arts in society for the benefit of the general public in the United Kingdom but in particular Ihe North-East of England by developing public appreciation of the arts and by Improving public access lo the arts and the quality of the arts. The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission including Ihat regarding public benefit in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake. Trustees The following persons served as Truslees during the year: K Dougherty O Nug8 (appointed 25 Junè 2025) R Mather R Perdik M Qureshi (appointed 25 June 2025) T Ali (resigned 27 November 2Q24) K Dubois B Mamuini (resigned 21 April 2024) S Eskias (appointed 27 November 2024) L Naruse Achlevements and performance Thi£ report is prepare.d by thp Trustp.es of Northe.rn Roots lo arcompany the annual 8c.crJunl£. 11 outlines our activities, achievements, challenges. and financial position during the reporting period Overview
Norlhem Rools delivered a dynamic programme of development and performance throughout 2024-25. Highlights included Showcase Concerts.. Four concerts at Pilgrim, N8wcast18. plus thr88 large-scale MOBO Fringe events (two at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and one at The Grove, Bykerl, featuring Northern Roots associate artists performing to new audiences and engaging sector Education in Schools: In partnership with the Newcastle Branch of the North East Music Hub, we delivered 17 sessions on the history of Black Music and creative songwriting to over 1,000 young P80ple. Four trainee facilitators shadowed thé lead facilitator, gaining valuable experièncé Community Programmes.. Collaborations wilh Tyneside Cinema and GLOW Cultural Educalion Partnership brought screen, dance, and music projects to six community settings. led by four Mentoring and Artist Development: Ongoing support for young artists through mentoring rclotionTrJhipvTrJ With Rob Rcz (Only Grind Studios), Kcma Kay, and Kay Groyson. Bi-wookly ptudio sessions provided progression routes into Loft Music Studios. Progr8mm Expansion Liverpool We expanded our work into Liverpool. exploring the legacy of Black musicians from the 1960s and their influence on popular music culture. Led by Kema Kay, Adam Collerton and Georgia May, the project is capturing survivor testirnonies through filmed interviews and portraits by Liverpool photographer Ean Flanders. These portraits, alongside short films created by emerging Black Liverpool filmmakers Zion Joshua and Ruben Landim, will form an exhibition which will show at th8 Victoria Gallery at Liverpool University. The programme is delivered in partn8rship wilh Toxteth community group Mandela8, ensuring strong local collaboration and impact. The programme 8pitomis8s Northérn Roots dedication to rsising the voices of Black and MinoritiS8d artisls, supporting high quality artistic expression and consistent high quality menloring for 50 artists young Showcase concerts MOBO Fringe events employed P8op18 reached atlracled across programmes. workshops. 300 attendees. around 1,000. engaged approximately audiences of This activity strengthened visibility for Black music in the North East and created pathways for Slralegic partnerships enabled a holistic programme of mentoring, education, and outreach. By embedding trainee facilitators and community-led projects, Northern Roots ensured both sustainability and relevance. P l a n s In 2025-26, Northern Roots consolidate these achievements by: Sustaining supportive artistic spaces and mentoring relationships. Building on the momentum of the MOBOS to further amplify Black music and musicians in the Expanding education and outreach programmes lo deepen community impact.
Jumpin, Hot Club Programming In 2024-25 Jumpin, Hot Club {JHCI delivered a landmark programme thal combined touring innovation with strong local activity. Jumpin, Hot Revue Tour= After six months of preparation, JHC launched ils first small UK tour in September to mark the forthcoming 40th anniversary. The "Jumpin. Hot Fievue" featured Martin Stephenson, Rob Heron, Errant Moose, Rupert Hughes, and Shipcote, performing both solo set5 and collaborative ensemble5 across Sheffield. London, Warwick5hire, Bath, Leamington Spa, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Durham. Venue fees covered all costs, and reviews prais8d the lour for "spreading joy and musical spirit fai and wide. Country Cantina Festival- The 11th edition took place in Easington, Co. Durham, with 12 artists acr05S two days. Despile poor weather, strong bar takings offsel slower tickel sales. Highlights included Diana Jones, Appalachian folk resonating wilh local mining heritage, and Lady Nade's Simone Audience Growth.. Attendance increased following publication of Jumpin, Hot Club: Where Good Music Belongs, wilh all shows selling out in JanlFeb 2025-a first in JHC'S history. Venues and ResidencSes o Central Bar, Gateshead: Six near-capacity shows. including Nat Myers, Amanda Ann Platt, and o Gosforth Civic Thealre.. Ten shows. Including Kathryn Willlams, album launch, Errol Linton's Reggae Blues, The Delines, sell-out standing show, and Aurora Strings with Shipcote. o Cluny2 & The Cluny: Twenty-two gigs featuring Martha Spencer, Chuck Prophet, Otis Gibbs. Emily Barker, and Nora Brown & Stephanie Coleman. o The Globe: Hosted artists such 25 Jenny Connors, Angel Snow, Elaine Palmer, and Sam Lewls, though operatlonal Challenges led JHC to explore alternalives. o LSttle Theatre, Gateshead.. Annual show wrth Boo Hewerdlne and Heldl Talbot, supported by n ew E d d i e Overall, JHC maintained and expanded its audience base post-covid, delivering a varied. high-quality programme across multiple venues. The year demonstrated resilience, innovation, and strong communily engagement, laying foundations for future projects and the 40th anniversary celebrations. Fundraising I ncome Northern Roots continues to build strong relationships with funders to deliver creative programmes that drive social change in partnership with our stakèholdérs. D8SPlte operating in an increasingly precarious grassroots music environment, the trust and loyalty earned through nearly 40 years of programming has enabled us to sustain a vibrant programme of evenls, artisl dpvelopment, engagemp.nt, and Ipadership initiativp8. Major Funders and Supporters We are grateful for the continued support of Lloyds Foundation. Youth Music, and the Community Foundation. Their investment ensures our programmes remain fil for purpose, impactful. and responsive to the needs of the communities and slakeholders we serve. This
support has created tangible Change for participants, partners, and audiences, strengthening our role as a trusted organisation in the region. Plans Northern Roots is committed to long-term resilience. We regularly review our operations and embed efficiencies, working closely with partner venues, organisations, artists, and audiences to ensure our work remains relevant and financially sustainable. Our approach includes: Div@rsifying fundraising streams and strengthening donor relationshi ps. Expanding reach and engag8menl through inclusive marketing, social media, and outreach. Collaborating with industry partners to ensure programming fills genuine gaps and meets Pooling r8sourc8S With partners to d81iver high-quality programm8S COSt-effectiv81y. This strategy ensures that Northem Rools can continue to deliver meaningful cullural work while mainlaining financial stability in a challenging sector landscape. Engagement and Outreach Connections In 2024-25 Northern Roots deepened partnerships with organisations Including We Make Culture, Help Musicians, Sister Shack CIC, Cultural Freelancers CIC, and Pilgrim. We also strengthened ties with the North East Muslc Hubs, deliverlng partnership programmes across Newcastle schools as part of the MO80 Awards Fringe. As a lead partner in the Fringe, we ensured Black North East artists were central to programming and sector conversations. Wort<ing with partner venues and their marketing teams, we maintained strong reach and visibility. By increasing content and collaborating directly with artists, we exp8nded audiences and engagement. Through leadership development, we supported Kema Kay and Kay Greyson to access industry spaces, advocate for themselves, and represent the wider community. Advocacy and Northern Roots remained active in regional and national policy discussions. Kay Greyson contributed to the Music City Advisory Board, while Leila d'Aronville engaged wilh the North Easl Combined Authority, the North East Music Hub advisory board, and the What Next? Leadership group. These roles ensured Northern Roots, voice was present in shaping cultural policy and Operating at both grassroots and str£legic levels, Northern Roots continues to be agile within the industry while providing a safe, inclusive space for artists and audiences. Our work supports sector development with value, access, and equity at ils core. In 2024-25, Kema Kay and Kay Gr8yson participated in the Hold th8 Door Open leadership
programme, designed to empower grassroots and freelance creatives to channel their leadership potential. This experience helped refine their roles wilhin Northern Roots.. Kay Greyson now leads on PDlicy and Strategy, while Kema Kay focusès on Community and Engagement. Both roles nurture Ihe slrengths of the leam and extend Ihe organisation's reach. Safeguarding and Northern Roots has strengthened its safeguarding framework, ensuring all trustees and staff are fully trained and supported by clear, robust structures and review processes. Working with regional partners such as We Make Culture, we have embedded policies that safeguard everyone Connected to the organisalion and foster safer, more inclusive spaces for artists, staff, As Northern Roots appr08ches its 40th anniversary, succession planning and leadership development remain priorities. We are committed to nurturing Black and Global Majority artists and creatives and those who are lesser represented in music and culture, ensuring they are equipped lo lead within the sector. This work will continue into the coming year, building the nexl gcnoration of Northcm Roots and .haping a cultural landCaPe thot roflccts cquity, rcsilioncc, and shared vision. Northern Roots continues to operate in a complex and often hostile environment for grassroots Sector Pressures.. The grassroots music sector remains precarious, with rising costs, limited resources, and increasing demands on organisations to deliver more with less. Sustaining high-quality programming while maintaining financial stability requires constant adaptation and Community Division.. We èxist in a wider climate of division, wher8 communities across the North East and the UK are experiencing heightened polarisation. This has been compounded by incidents of racist violence in our region and nationally, which have created fear and insecurity for many of the communltles serve. Response and Resilience: These challenges underscore the importance of Northern Roots, work in building safe, inclusive spaces and fostering CDhesion through culture. By centring Black and Global Majority artists and communitiès, we actively counler narratives of division and provide platforms for resilience, creativity, and solidarity. Learning and Adaptation.. We continue to learn from these challenges, embedding safeguarding, equity, and advocacy into our praclice. Our commitment is to remain responsive, ensuring that Northern Rools not only survives but thrives as a beacon of cultural unity in difficult times. Flnanclal Posltlon Headline figures for income, expenditure, and reserves are provided in the accompanying accounts. As a small organisation, Northern Root5 experiences natural fluctuations between periods of delivery and planninglconsultation, which can result in uneven pattems of expenditure versus income. These cycles ensure Ihat programmes remain well resourced and committnents to artists and young people are consistenlly met, even when outgoings temporarily exceed i n c o m i n g
Our financial model reflects the realities of grassroots cullural work, where funding receipts and delivery schedules do not always align. Despite this, we have maintained strong programme delivery and continued to prioritise inveslmenl in artists, young people, and community Reserve s It is the charity's policy to maintain unrestricted reserves equiwalent to three months. expenditure. Due to changes in funding sources and the timing of receipts, this has not always been achievable while pursuing our aims and objectives. Over the past year, fundraising and financial planning have focused on securing longer-term programme funding and building reserves to meet this target. Core costs have been carefully reviewed, with efficiencies achieved through remote working and scrutiny of non-salary expenditure. We continue to seek core funding and unrestricted income to strengthen resilience. Our fundraising strategy will prioritlse both core and project funding that supports Northem Roots, mission while enabling innovation in practice. Alongside business development support, this approach will underpin a more sustainable financial model, ensuring the organisalion can continue to deliver meaningful cultural and social impact in a challenging sector environment. C o n c l u s i o n Th8 Trusteès confirm th81 Norlhèrn Roots continues to deliver its charitable obj8Ctives, strengthen its impact, and remain committed to equity, inclusion, and crxnmunity transformation Small company provisions This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. This report was approved by the board on 12 December 2025 and signed by its order. R Perdik K Dougherty S8cr8lary Chairman
Northern Roots Independent examiner's report on the accounts Report to the trustees, directors & members of Northern Roots on accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 Set out on pages 1 to 9 of the financial statements. Charlly no.: 1088823 Company no.: 03539586 Responsibilities and basis of report I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounls of the Company for the year ended 3110312024. As the charity's trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with Ihe requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {"the 2006 Act"). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Acl and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of Ihe Charities AGI 2011 ("the 2D11 Acl ). In carrying out my exaimination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5>{b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no malerial matters have come to my attention which gives cause to believe thal- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of th8 Companies Act 2006., the accounts do not accord with such records.. or the accounts do not comply wlth relevant accounllng requlremenls under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than sny requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination., or .the accounts have not been prepared In accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS102}. I have no cyJncerns and have come across no other matters in connects'on with the examination to which attention should be dr8wn in this report in order to enable s proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Bell Anderson Limited Chartered Accounlants Lindum 264-266 Durham Road Galeshead Tyne and Wear NE84JR 12 December 2025
Northern Roots Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 Income from Donations and legacies Charitable activities 72 71,043 48,605 49,997 121,040 48,605 121,895 33,759 Other trading activities Olher operating income 119,648 49,997 169,645 155,726 Expendlture on Raising funds 58,241 58,241 52,749 Chsritab18 activitiès 53,277 99,680 152,957 74,307 Total Exp•ndituro 111,518 99,680 211.198 127,056 Nel lexpendilure)lincome before transfers 8,130 (49.683) {41,553} 28,670 Nel (Expenditurellincomo for the yearlNet movement in funds 8,130 (49,683) (41,553} 28,670 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 670 94,691 95,361 114,001 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 8,800 45,008 53,808 142,671
Northern Roots Registered number: Balance Sheet 03539586 as at 31 March 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible assets 1,981 2,198 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 58,332 96,776 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year <6,505) 13,613) Net current assets 51,827 93,163 Nel assets 53,808 95,361 Funds Restricted funds 45,008 8,800 94,691 670 Unrestricted funds Total funds 53,808 95,381 The Directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement lo obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of Ihe Act. The Directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounling records and the preparation of accounts. The accounts have been prcpared and dclivered in accordance with the special provisions applicable lo companies subject to the small companies regime. The profit and loss account has nol been delivered to Ihe Registrar of Companies. R Perdik Chair Approved by the board on 12 December 2025
Northern Roots Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Accounting policies Basis of preparation The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (as applied to small 8ntities by section 1 A of th8 Standard). Turnover Turnover is measured at the fair value of Ihe Gonsideration received or receivable, net of discounts and value added taxes. Turnover includes revenue earned from the sale of goods and from the rendering of services. Turnover from the Sale of goods is recognised when the significanl risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have transferred lo the buyer. Turnover from the rendering of services is recognised by r8ference to Ihe stage of completion of the contract. The stage of completion of a contract is measured by comparing the costs incurred for work performed to date to the total estimated contract costs. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulative depreciation and any accumulative impairment losses. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life, as follows.. Fixtures, fittings, tools and equipment 20°/0 reducing balance Debtors Short tem debtors are measured at transaction price (which is usually the invoice price), less any impairment losses for bad and doubtful debts. Loans and other financial assets are initially recognised at transaction price including any transaction costs and subsequently measured 8t amortised cost determined using the effective interest method, less any impairmenl losses for bad and doubtful debts. Creditors Short term creditor5 are measured at transaction price (which is usually the invoice price). Loans and other financial liabilities are initially recognised at transaction price net of any transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortised cost determined using the effective interest method. Provlslons Provisions (ie liabililies of uncertain timing or amount) are recognised when there is an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event, it is probable that economic benefit will be transferred to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably. Penslons Contributions to defined conlribulion plans are expensed in the period lo whiGh Ihey relate. 2 Employees 2025 2024
Number Number Average number of peng)ns employed by the company Employment Costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries 49,071 47,991 3 Donations and legacies 2025 2024 Donations & gifts 72 72 All donations for 2023 are unrestricted 4 Charitable aclivites 2025 2024 Restricted Funds Community Foundatlon BFI 5,000 9,197 13,500 5,600 7,500 Natlonal Foundatlon Youth Muslc 37,320 Restricted Grants- NE Screen Virgin Core Projects 5,700 16,700 49,997 50,520 2025 2024 Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted incom8 - Merchandising etc Unrestricted Core Grants 840 3,695 67,680 69,203 1,000 Unreslrlcted grants - Olher Projects 71,043 71,375 5 Other trading activities 2025 2024 Ticket sales 48.605 33.759 48,605 33.759
6 Raising funds 2025 2024 Bank charges Accountancy fees Adverts 226 203 4,089 614 3,600 23 Artlsts 1,475 217 Depreciation Insurance 508 Mentoring costs Other legal and professional Printing, postage and stationery Rent 1,200 34 65 14 25 Subscriptions Sundries 288 288 123 43 Software and IT 417 522 Travel and accommodation {501 49,071 58,241 Wages 47,991 52.749 7 Charitable activities 2025 2024 Unreslricted activities Artists, Support fees & Riders - JHC Advertislng - JHC Mentoring costs - JHC Travel and subsistence- JHC 42,050 1,738 236 22,831 4,908 3,996 678 3,482 Travel and subsistence- BFI V8nue Hire- JHC 2,328 1,150 684 3,272 1,300 Video & Sound Engineering - JHC Motor Expenses - JHC Postage - J HC Sundry- JHC Bank charges - JHC Software- JHC 39 30 340 53,277 35,793 7 Charitable Activities (continued) 2025 2024 Restricted activities Mentoring Costs - Community Mentoring Costs - BFI Mentoring Costs - Youth Music 200 5,040 1,070 43,090 17,800
Mentoring Costs - Other Proj&cts Mentoring Costs - Wellbank Mentoring costs - Schools work Mentoring Costs- Sadlers Wells Artists,Support fees & Riders- BFI Artists,Support fees & Riders- Community foundation Artists,Support fees & Riders- Wellbank Artists,Support fees & Riders- Youth Music Artists,Support fees & Riders - Other Artists, Support fees & Riders - JHC Art15ts, Supporl fee5 & Rlders - NE Screen Advertising - JHC Advèrtsiing - Other proj8cts Venue Hire - Youth Music 7,895 5,000 900 2.550 400 2,030 700 1,020 530 6,365 6,446 2,385 500 1,020 637 2,3Q7 178 1,236 1,267 1,049 2,100 4,371 Venue Hire - Other projects Video & Sound Engineering - Youth Music Video & Sound Engineering - BFI Video & Sound Engineering - Community Foundation Video & Sound Engineering - Shears Video & Sound Engineering - Other projects Video & Sound Engineering - JHC Vldeo & Sound Engineerlng - MLK Video & Sound Engineerlng - NE Screen Consultancy - Community Foundation Consultancy - Other Projects Consultancy fees- Youth Music Software- BFI 40 1,830 335 1,080 358 240 120 600 6QO 300 4,875 700 66 Sundry - Youth Music Sundry- BFI Postage - Other Subscriptions - Other Travel. BFI 57 52 231 186 50 1,429 1,425 112 Travel Youth Music Travel . NE Screen Travel . Other Projects Wages and salaries - Community Foundation 422 5,000 99,680 38,514 8 Tangible fixed assets Fixtures and Cost At 1 April 2024 At 31 March 2025 12,031 12,031 Depreciation
At 1 April 2024 Charge for th8 year At 31 March 2025 9,833 217 10,050 Net book value At 31 March 2025 1,981 At 31 March 2024 2,198 9 Creditors: arnounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors 2,532 3,644 329 1,041 2,966 1394) 3.613 Taxation and social security costs Other creditors 6.505 10 Restricted funds Balance at Incoming R•sourc•8 RosourceB Balanc• 1 Aprll 2024 Expendod 31 March 2025 Community Foundation BFI 28,598 5,000 9,197 16.700 900 32,696 9,197 29,Of 7 Other Projects The Shears Foundation 19,105 6,738 NE Screen 5,600 1,212 4,388 National Foundation Youth Music 46,990 94,691 13.500 54,304 94,680 6,186 49.997 50,008 11 Other inforniation Northern Fioots is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital and incorporated in England. Its registered office is.. Office 44 63 High Bridge Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and W8ar NE16BX This document was delivered using electronic communications and authenticated in accordance with the registrar's rules relating to electronic fomi, aiithentication and manner of delivery under section 1072 of the Coinpanies Act 2006.