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 land￿￿CaPe 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.