Registered number 05482194
National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital)
Report and Accounts
31 August 2024
National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) Company Information
Directors
John Bimson Charles Clark Richard Davison Karen Humphreys MBE (Appointed 23 September 2024) Louise Lansdown (Resigned 24 April 2024) Alison Pickard (Resigned 24 April 2024) Dale Wilkins (Appointed 23 September 2024) David Woodhead
Accountants
J MacArthur, FCA Amati UK Ltd 13 Cross Rise Glossop SK13 8TE
Bankers
CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
Registered office
The Coach House Broad Street Orford Woodbridge IP12 2NQ
Registered number 05482194
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Directors' Report
The directors present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024.
Governing Document
The Company is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 25 May 2005. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. There are currently six members (the directors) each of whom has agreed to contribute £10 in the event of the company being wound up in circumstances where its liabilities exceed its assets.
Appointment of Directors
Pursuant to the Articles of Association there shall be at least three directors. Appointments of directors are by resolution of the members or the directors (the members and directors are the same persons). If appointed by the directors, the new director is required to retire at the next annual general meeting (but may be reappointed). At each annual general meeting one third of the directors are required to retire by rotation but may be reappointed.
Objects
The objects of the Company are the furthering of the musical education of children and young people enabling them to perform in public. Its primary activity is the running of specialist string chamber orchestras providing quality training for talented, young string players up to the age of 21 and giving them regular experience of the art of public performance.
Risk Assessments
The Company regularly reviews its child protection policy, risk assessments, critical incident response plans and safeguarding training.
Activities
We were very pleased to return again to Stamford School in Stamford, Lincolnshire for both the spring and summer residencies. Stamford School and its staff are very welcoming and the school is centrally located with excellent facilities for our four orchestras.
The senior orchestra is open to string players aged up to 21 with a standard of Grade 8 and above. The residencies consist of sectional and full orchestra training, with the summer residency also including concerts in major venues.
This year under NYSO’ Artistic and Music Director Damian Iorio the senior orchestra rehearsed and performed Webern’s Five Pieces op 5, Bartók’s Divertimento for Strings and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence.
NYSO Camerata is for string players aged 13 to 17 with a standard of Grades 6 to 8 and NYSO Sinfonia is for string players aged 9 to 12 and Grades 5 to 7. Both orchestras develop ensemble skills and incorporate Kodaly musicianship and Dalcroze eurhythmics sessions linked to the repertoire to develop the specific skills needed for ensemble playing.
NYSO Camerata, conducted by Leon Bosch, rehearsed and performed Trimble’s Suite for Strings and Elgar’s Serenade for Strings; NYSO Sinfonia, conducted by Rachel Erdos, rehearsed and performed Dowland’s Dance Suite (arranged by Peter Warlock), Sibelius’s Impromptu for String Orchestra and Mozart’s String Quartet K156, arranged for string orchestra, with both NYSO Camerata and NYSO Sinfonia combining under Rachel Erdos for Jeff Moore’s Fiddlers Hill. Both these orchestras, as well as NYSO Sinfonietta, also had extensive Kodaly and Dalcroze musicianship training.
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NYSO Sinfonietta, directed by Monica Wilkinson, is for string players aged 7 to 10 with the aim of building the foundations of musicianship and string playing, which are harder to teach in individual lessons. Given the ages of the players, its residencies were shorter than those of our other orchestras. They rehearsed and performed a variety of works from memory, in itself an important aspect of training.
All four orchestras gave concerts in Stamford and the senior orchestra also performed at the CBSO Centre in Birmingham.
It is central to our ethos to welcome young players without regard to their financial means. In addition to our many Friends and other generous individuals and foundations who have supported and continue to support us we are particularly pleased to thank longstanding supporter the John Lewis Partnership for its generosity in providing bursary funding.
Orchestra tax relief is an important element of our funding. We are grateful to Graham Suggett of Creative Tax Reliefs for his assistance and to HMRC for their promptness in handling claims.
Public Benefit
The Company provides benefit to the public by providing world-class coaching and performance opportunities to children and young persons from across the UK regardless of background or means. Fees charged only cover part of the costs and bursaries are available in appropriate cases. The Directors confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
Result for the year
The Company made a surplus for the year of £15,004.
Reserves
The directors have established the level of reserves (that is those funds that are freely available) that the Company ought ideally to have. Reserves are needed to bridge the funding gaps between income and expenditure and to cover fluctuations from year to year in numbers of players attending our residencies and the level of bursaries towards the costs of attending the Company’s residencies where appropriate. The directors therefore consider that the minimum level of reserves as at the year end would be £75,000.
The reserves at 31 August 2024 were £154,429. Uncertainties for next year include the effects of the increases in cost of living, general economic difficulties and the cuts to music education which affect the pipeline of players. The directors have considered the implications of these factors and consider that these reserves will be sufficient to ensure the continued operation of the Company for the next financial year.
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 14th March 2025 and signed on its behalf.
Charles Clark
Director
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Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts to the directors of National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) for the year ended 31 August 2024 Registered number: 05482194
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st August 2024.
Responsibilites and basis of report
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 the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act 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 the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
-
the accounts do not accord with such records; or
• the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any 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 (FRS102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J MacArthur FCA
14th March 2025
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National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2024
| Donations 4 Charitable activities 5 Other activities 6 Investment income 7 Less bursary costs Total income Direct costs 8 Administrative expenses 8 Net income / (expenditure) Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2024 Unrestricted funds £ 1,606 189,019 756 2,935 (20,535) 173,781 (126,698) (32,079) 15,004 15,004 139,425 154,429 |
2024 Restricted funds £ 4,050 - - - (4,050) - - - - - - - |
2024 Total funds £ 5,656 189,019 756 2,935 (24,585) 173,781 (126,698) (32,079) 15,004 15,004 139,425 154,429 |
2023 Total funds £ 6,551 172,044 968 1,000 (14,130) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 166,433 (115,373) (22,272) |
||||
| 28,788 | ||||
| 28,788 110,637 |
||||
| 139,425 |
There were no recognised gains or losses other than as shown above. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
See Note 3 for comparative Statement of Financial Activities analysed by funds.
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National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) Registered number: 05482194 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Current assets Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Total net assets Total funds of the charity Funds brought forward Net income/(expenditure) for year Funds carried forward |
2024 £ - 51,071 120,367 171,438 (17,009) 154,429 154,429 139,425 15,004 154,429 |
2023 £ 1 49,312 101,432 |
|---|---|---|
| 150,744 (11,320) 139,424 |
||
| 139,425 | ||
| 110,637 28,788 |
||
| 139,425 |
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to 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 the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The profit and loss account has not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
Charles Clark Director Approved by the board on 14th March 2025
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National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024
1 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Charities SORP 2015 (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Funds
The unrestricted funds represent funds which are expendable at the discretion of the directors in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds subject to specific restrictions imposed by the donors. These funds are not available for the directors to apply at their discretion. The purpose and use of the restricted funds is set out in note 15 to the financial statements.
Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds on an accruals basis.
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:
Harpsichord
10% straight line
Taxation
The National Youth String Orchestra is a registered charity and is thus exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Part 10 of the Income Tax Act 2007 or s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen.
Foreign currency translation
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recognised at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. At the end of each reporting period foreign currency monetary items are translated at the closing rate of exchange. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost are translated at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction.
2 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, which are described in note 1, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The directors do not consider there are any critical judgements or sources of estimation uncertainty requiring disclosure beyond the accounting policies listed above.
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National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024
| 3 Comparative Statement of Financial Activities 2023 2023 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Income 176,563 4,000 less Bursary costs (10,130) (4,000) Total income 166,433 - Expenditure Direct costs (115,373) - Administrative expenses (22,272) - Total expenditure (137,645) - Net income / (expenditure) 28,788 - Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 110,637 - Total funds carried forward 139,425 - 4 Income from donations 2024 £ Donations 4,361 Gift aid on donations - Friends subscriptions 1,295 Total income from donations 5,656 Donations received from directors in the year totalled £200 (2023: £0). 5 Income from charitable activities 2024 £ Residency fees 139,606 Concert fees - Ticket sales 3,292 Orchestra tax relief 46,121 Total income from charitable activities 189,019 |
2023 Total funds £ 180,563 (14,130) |
|---|---|
| 166,433 (115,373) (22,272) |
|
| (137,645) | |
| 28,788 110,637 |
|
| 139,425 2023 £ 4,205 854 1,492 |
|
| 6,551 | |
| 2023 £ 125,195 2,000 1,117 43,732 |
|
| 172,044 |
Residency fees are stated as the gross amount before the award of bursaries. The amount received by the Company is the net amount. All income from charitable activities relates to unrestricted funds.
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National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024
| 6 | Income from other activities | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Sale of t-shirts | 656 | 927 | |
| Donations from easyfundraising.org.uk | 100 | 41 | |
| Total income from other activities | 756 | 968 | |
| Income from fundraising events received from the directors during the year was nil (2023: nil). | |||
| 7 | Investment income | 2024 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | ||
| Bank interest received | 2,935 | 1,000 | |
| Total investment income | 2,935 | 1,000 | |
| 8 | Expenditure on charitable activities | 2024 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct costs | 126,698 | 115,373 | |
| Administrative expenses | 32,000 | 22,194 | |
| Bank charges | 79 | 78 | |
| Total expenditure on charitable activities | 158,777 | 137,645 | |
| 9 | Net income/expenditure is stated after charging: | 2024 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | ||
| Independent examiner's fee | 150 | 300 | |
| Accounts preparation | 300 | 600 | |
| 450 | 900 | ||
| **10 ** | Employees | 2024 | 2023 |
| Number | Number | ||
| Average number of persons employed by the company | 0 | 0 |
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National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024
11 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 September 2023 Disposals At 31 August 2024 Depreciation At 1 September 2023 On disposals At 31 August 2024 Net book value At 31 August 2024 At 31 August 2023 12 Debtors Trade debtors Other debtors 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Other creditors |
2024 £ 3,214 47,857 51,071 2024 £ 1,905 15,104 17,009 |
Plant and machinery etc £ 2,400 (2,400) |
|---|---|---|
| - | ||
| 2,399 (2,399) |
||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| 1 | ||
| 2023 £ 3,580 45,732 |
||
| 49,312 | ||
| 2023 £ 1,905 9,415 |
||
| 11,320 |
14 Related party transactions
Donations received from directors in the year totalled £200 (2023: £0). The directors did not receive any remuneration for their services in either year nor were they reimbursed for any expenses in either year as no director expenses were incurred.
15 Other information
National Youth String Orchestra is a private company limited by guarantee having no share capital and incorporated in England. Its registered office is The Coach House, Broad Street, Orford, Woodbridge, England, IP12 2NQ.
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National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024
| 16 Statement of funds Balance 1st September 2023 £ Unrestricted funds: General reserve 139,425 Total unrestricted funds 139,425 Restricted funds: - Bursaries - Total restricted funds - Total funds 139,425 |
Income £ 169,731 169,731 4,050 4,050 173,781 |
Expenditure £ (154,727) (154,727) (4,050) (4,050) (158,777) |
Balance 31st August 2024 £ 154,429 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 154,429 - |
|||
| - | |||
| 154,429 |
Details of the restricted funds are set out below:
Bursaries
A number of donations were received in order to provide bursaries to those students who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend NYSO residencies.
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National Youth String Orchestra (A company limited by guarantee having no share capital) Detailed profit and loss account for the year ended 31 August 2024
This schedule does not form part of the statutory accounts
| Income Residency fees Donations Friends subscriptions Fundraising Concert fees Ticket sales Gift Aid tax refunded Orchestra tax relief Interest receivable Bursary costs Direct costs Hire of Concert Venues Coaching Director & Assistant House Staff Travel Music hire Auditions Accommodation Other direct costs Administrative expenses Staff costs: Admin support Arts administration Staff training and welfare Travel and subsistence General administrative expenses: Telephone and internet Broadband and website Postage Stationery and printing Subscriptions Bank charges Insurance Equipment expensed Sundry expenses Legal and professional costs: Accountancy fees Advertising and PR Other legal and professional |
2024 £ 139,606 4,361 1,295 756 - 3,292 - 46,121 2,935 (24,585) 173,781 1,666 26,900 19,400 14,927 4,910 563 140 56,173 2,019 126,698 17,142 4,172 109 - 21,423 198 1,041 - 358 491 79 574 209 2 2,952 450 2,848 4,406 7,704 32,079 |
2023 £ 125,195 4,205 1,492 968 2,000 1,117 854 43,732 1,000 (14,130) |
|---|---|---|
| 166,433 | ||
| 205 27,408 18,800 11,730 5,612 345 46 49,696 1,531 |
||
| 115,373 | ||
| 9,277 3,663 - 62 |
||
| 13,002 | ||
| 282 2,136 259 541 221 78 1,190 - 660 |
||
| 5,367 | ||
| 900 154 2,849 |
||
| 3,903 | ||
| 22,272 |
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