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← Sick! Productions Ltd

2024-03-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

Company number 4622154 Charity number 1116008

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Report and Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

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

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Contents

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' Report 2 - 9
Independent Examiner's report 10
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) 11 - 15
Balance Sheet 16
Notes to the Financial Statements 17 - 26

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Reference and Administrative Details

Constitution

The charitable company is a private company limited by guarantee registered in EW - England and Wales, company number 4622154, incorporated under the Companies Act and its governing document is its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company is a registered charity, number 1116008.

Directors and Trustees

The Directors of the Charitable Company ("the Charity") 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, at every AGM, one-third of the Trustees in office must retire. A Trustee who retires by rotation is eligible for reappointment if he/she is willing to continue to act as Trustee. The Trustees to retire by rotation are those who have been longest in office since their last appointment or re-appointment. 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 :

Christine Ann D'Cruz (Chair) appointed 5 October 2023
Charmaine Connor resigned on 5 October 2023
Joseph Strickland resigned on 17 October 2023
Paul Ferry resigned 5 October 2023
Prof. Sandeep Ranote resigned 5 October 2023
John McLuckie resigned 5 October 2023
Peter Bulkley resigned 5 October 2023
Paul Brian Russ appointed 5 October 2023
Edward Berg appointed on 4 March 2024

Chief executive / day to day management

Tracy Gentles

Independent examiners

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

Bankers

The Co-operative Bank, P.O. Box 250, Delf House, Southway, Skelmersdale WN8 6WT.

Registered office and operation address

Unit 3, The Sharp Project, Thorp Road, Manchester M40 5BJ.

Name

SICK! Productions Ltd is also known as "SICK! Festival".

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

The trustees present their annual report, alongside the financial statements of the charity, for the year ended 31 March 2024. These statements are also prepared in accordance with the requirements for a directors' report and accounts under the Companies Act.

The reference and administrative information on page 1 forms an integral part of this report. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP), applicable to charities preparing accounts under the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES, PURPOSE AND AIMS

The principal activity of SICK! Productions is to foster and promote the improvement, development, maintenance, and advancement of artistic knowledge, understanding, and appreciation. This is achieved by providing resources, facilities, and creative spaces for public education in the fields of visual and performing arts and film.

Each year, the trustees review the charity's aims, objectives, and activities. This report highlights the charity’s achievements and the outcomes of its work during the reporting period. The trustees acknowledge the success of key activities and the positive impact the charity has had on the communities it serves. This review ensures that the charity’s aims, objectives, and activities remain aligned with its stated purpose.

The trustees have referred to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and planning future activities. Specifically, they consider how proposed activities will contribute to achieving the set aims and objectives.

In setting objectives for the year and planning activities, the trustees have also taken into account the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, including the document ‘Public Benefit: Running a Charity (PB2)’.

ACTIVITIES

The main activities of SICK! Productions include:

All activities are undertaken to advance the charitable purposes of SICK! Productions for the public benefit.

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Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

STRATEGIC PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

In 2023/24, SICK! Productions made significant progress in planning the 2024 Festival: Where’s the Media Now!? This marked the first festival with 100% of its activities based in the North Manchester wards of Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown, and presented in May.

Additionally, throughout 2023/24, we expanded our year-round programming by implementing the new SMASH Women & Girls initiative and revitalising the Young Ambassadors programme. A key focus was strengthening relationships with local partners, including North Manchester-based arts, cultural, and community organisations, as well as venues, many of which were engaged in the 2024 Festival—many for the very first time.

In addition to its strong hyperlocal presence, Festival 2024 expanded its digital and public realm outputs. Initiatives included podcasts, a digital series, and a North Manchester-focused art billboard and social media campaign, designed to engage a wider audience with national and international reach.

The 2024 Festival also marked the first under the leadership of new CEO/Artistic Director Tracy Gentles, who took up the role in January 2024 after spending 12 months with SICK! as a Creative Consultant.

Building on the success of the 2022 Festival—the first aligned with our 10+ year commitment to Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown—the 2024 Festival delivered:

  1. 100% of its activities within Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown, utilising the area’s rich cultural assets such as Simpson Memorial Hall, North West Theatre Arts, Miners Community Art and Music, Harpurhey Neighbourhood Project, No 93 Wellbeing Centre, North City Library, and Harpurhey Shopping Centre.

  2. Co-produced its programme and commissions with the local community, directly responding to themes emerging from community conversations. The programme aimed to cultivate an appetite for innovative, cutting-edge performance and visual art that resonates with the lives and experiences of local residents.

COMMISSIONING PROGRAMME

Commissions developed for 2023/24 included:

Where’s the Media Now!?

This commission was inspired by North West Theatre Arts Company (NWTAC) Director Prab Singh’s reflection on the negative media portrayals of North Manchester. Singh highlighted that the good work happening in the area is often overshadowed by negative news stories. The commission also served as the central promotional campaign for SICK! Festival, which featured a North Manchester billboard and social media initiative. It included graphics and imagery created by Harpurhey-based artists and a short film by filmmaker Jay Gearing, that showcased inspirational community figures and what makes local people proud of Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown.

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Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

No Us and Them

A co-produced dance piece involving adult residents from North Manchester, a children’s beginner dance group, and contemporary dance company Company Chameleon. Created with a diverse group of local residents, the piece explored themes of division and connection. It was performed at Harpurhey Market engaging residents where they live with high-quality performances made by, with, and for the local community.

Never, Forever, Always 2.0

This project re-engaged young people from Finland and Manchester to develop their concept video game, originally created for SICK! Festival 2022, into a full-length play-art video game. Led by artist Eetu Rantanen and supported by the Finnish Institute, the project helped young people develop skills in game design while exploring themes affecting their mental health.

SAFE

SAFE was co-created by our Young Ambassadors with artists Rachel Shore and Ria Righteous. Through community dinners involving over 50 local residents, conversations explored what makes people feel safe or unsafe in North Manchester. Together, they created an installation displayed at Harpurhey Shopping Centre, showcasing local perspectives.

Channel/2049

This project was co-created with residents of Whitebeck Court (supported housing for those over 60) and artists Alan Dunn, Claire Nolan, Sh!t Theatre, and Maria Stukoff. It envisioned what Manchester might look like in 2049. The project produced four documentary-style video episodes featuring guest academics and FC United’s Women’s Football Manager. These were released online via staflive.com and Instagram during the 2024 Festival.

YEAR-ROUND PROJECTS

SMASH

Launched at the Peace Gardens in Moston during Diverse-City North Manchester (July 2023) and later redisplayed at No 93 Wellbeing Centre (October 2023), this exhibition showcased the photography of six men exploring mental wellbeing, emotions, and self-management through walking and nature. Sessions were supported by a mental health practitioner, as is standard in all our creative health work.

SMASH Explore Exhibition – Reflect with Me

Launched at the Peace Gardens in Moston during Diverse-City North Manchester (July 2023) and later redisplayed at No 93 Wellbeing Centre (October 2023), this exhibition showcased the photography of six men exploring mental wellbeing, emotions, and self-management through walking and nature. Sessions were supported by a mental health practitioner, as is standard in all our creative health work.

Shutters Project

In 2023/24, the second phase of the Moston Lane Shutters Project progressed with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Moston-born artist Evan Barlow created a mural at Headhunters barbers inspired by LS Lowry and the area's coal mining heritage. Two additional murals are planned for delivery after Festival 2024.

New support from Historic England has enabled us to expand the project to include a mural at Boggart Hole Clough and Miners Community Arts and Music. In March 2024, the project was featured on BBC North West Tonight.

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SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

Young Ambassadors

This programme has evolved into a co-production model between artists and communities. The SAFE commission, developed with artists Ria Righteous and Rachel Shore, exemplifies this new approach.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Led by our Creative Producer (Communities), the people of Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown remain the central focus of our work. In 2023/24, year-round activities increased significantly, including Mindgames 2.0, SMASH Mixed, SMASH Women & Girls, Young Ambassadors, SMASH Explore: Reflect with Me, and Community Dinners.

Community Dinners have proven to be a powerful way of bringing people together who might not otherwise meet, fostering discussions about mutual concerns, priorities, hopes, and visions for the area. Many themes, presentations, and commissions for Festival 2024 emerged directly from these dinners.

In late 2023/24, we recruited a part-time temporary Community Engagement Manager, seconded from Manchester Central Foodbank. This role focuses on engaging foodbank users, charity service users, and grassroots community groups in festival activities, events, and performances.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

In April 2023, we were pleased to have our Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status renewed for 2023–2026. Additionally, we secured several significant multi-year grants, including from Manchester City Council and the Pilgrim Trust, which provide vital funding to sustain the growing Creative Health Programme throughout the NPO period. We also obtained significant investment from various trusts and foundations to support Festival commissions and presentations, which will be carried forward into the next financial year ahead of the May 2024 delivery.

Our thanks go to all our 2023/24 funders, including:

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Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

Total income for the year was £371,409 , of which £107,316 was restricted and £264,093 was unrestricted.

Expenditure

Expenditure for the period remained broadly within budget, with total spending of £414,537 , of which £145,790 was restricted and £268,747 was unrestricted.

Year-End Position

The charity ended the 2023/24 financial year with a net deficit of £43,128 across all funds. Funds carried forward into 2024/25 total £229,973 , comprising £68,342 restricted and £225,473 unrestricted.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The organisation employs a comprehensive risk management strategy, reviewed regularly and incorporated as a standing agenda item at quarterly Board meetings. These meetings also assess the systems and procedures in place to mitigate risks, balancing ambition with financial and artistic considerations. The charity’s risk appetite is carefully evaluated alongside these assessments.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The primary risks and uncertainties for the charity during this period include:

  1. Funding shortfalls impacting the delivery of artistic and charitable programmes.

  2. Cost of living crisis affecting partners and funders.

  3. Audience development challenges , particularly given our focus on Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown—areas with historically low engagement in the arts.

Other identified risks include financial pressures on external partners, safeguarding concerns, difficulties in attracting and retaining staff, and managing staffing capacity effectively.

RESERVES POLICY AND GOING CONCERN

SICK! Productions Ltd aims to hold a minimum of three months’ base operating costs in cash, currently set at £80,000 in the 2023/24 budget. This reserve ensures the organisation can meet its liabilities in the event of ceasing operations. The current unrestricted reserves stand at £161,643 incorporating £150,473 reserves and the remaining £75,000 allocated towards Festival delivery.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

In January 2024, Tracy Gentles was appointed Artistic Director/CEO, succeeding founder Helen Medland. Tracy curated SICK! Festival for the first time in 2024, which included experimental elements that informed the 2025–2030 Business Plan. This plan will guide the organisation into the next ACE NPO period, anticipating recovery and growth in the cultural sector following years of austerity.

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Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

All activities for the 2024 Festival took place in Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown, deepening our roots within the local community after three years of building trust, knowledge, and connections. Looking ahead to 2026, we aim to expand across Manchester while continuing to spotlight North Manchester’s artists, venues, and community concerns.

Festival Aims:

  1. Create a festival by, with, and for the community of Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown.

  2. Positively impact community health and connectedness.

  3. Provide meaningful arts experiences relevant to local contexts.

  4. Offer participants opportunities to engage in the arts.

  5. Activate new spaces.

  6. Support cultural and community venues in North Manchester.

COMMISSIONING PROGRAMME

Over the next period, we will deliver newly commissioned projects in three areas:

International

Biennially, we will present 2–3 ambitious projects by internationally recognised artists, fostering national and international legacy. These projects will engage local communities while connecting with other international communities facing similar challenges. For example, in Festival 2024 we presented:

National

Every two years, we will deliver 2–3 Connect Commissions in partnership with UK commissioning bodies. These mid-scale projects, aimed at early-to-mid-career artists, focus on local community engagement and cross-sector collaboration. For example, in Festival 2024 we presented:

Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown

Biennially, two major commissions will directly reflect the experiences of these communities, developed collaboratively with local representatives. For example, in Festival 2024 we presented:

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Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

CONNECTING TO OUR COMMUNITY

SICK! continues to expand its year-round Creative Health Programme, including:

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

SICK! Festival 2024 aimed to engage two primary audiences:

  1. Local residents in Moston, Harpurhey, and Charlestown, focusing on those with little or no prior arts engagement.

  2. Traditional arts festival audiences, drawing them to North Manchester to experience its thriving yet under-recognised communities.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

In 2023/24, efforts focused on securing support for Festival 2024 and sustaining the Creative Health Programme. In 2024/25, priorities include finalising the 2025–2030 Business Plan and developing a strategic fundraising plan to achieve multi-year support and diversify funding streams.

In late 2023/24, former CEO/Artistic Director Helen Medland transitioned to a freelance role to lead fundraising and the international Beyond Survival programme, reconnecting with European funders and addressing global challenges through local and international collaboration.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT

Organisation Structure

SICK! Productions Ltd is a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee, established in 2002 and registered as a charity in 2006. The Board of Trustees governs the organisation, reviewing strategy, risks, and financial management.

Recruitment of Trustees

Trustees are recruited to reflect the diversity and needs of our beneficiaries. Regular Board discussions address recruitment, with members receiving an induction covering their roles, financial responsibilities, and operational frameworks.

Management Team

The Senior Management Team, consisting of the CEO/Artistic Director and Head of Business Development, oversees day-to-day operations, supported by a General Manager, Communications Manager, and Creative Producers for Communities and Commissioning. Temporary festival assistants bolstered the team in the lead-up to Festival 2024.

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SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

SMALL COMPANY EXEMPTIONS

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to small companies.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 31 January 2025.

Signed on behalf of SICK! Productions Ltd by:

Christine D’Cruz

Chair, Board of Trustees

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Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of SICK! Productions Ltd

I report on the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 11 to 26.

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. The Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

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:

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

ꞏ state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

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

ꞏ 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.

Richard Nelson FCCA Breckman & Company Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants

49 South Molton Street London W1K 5LH

31 January 2025

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
2
Donations and legacies - page 12 - 13
264,093
-
Charitable activities:
Festival and hire income - page 12 - 13
-
107,316
Total
264,093
107,316
Expenditure on:
Raising funds:
Fundraising
23,850
-
Charitable activities:
Festival - page 14
244,897
145,790
Total
268,747
145,790
Net income / (expenditure)
3
)
(4,654
)
(38,474
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
166,285
106,816
Total funds carried forward
13, 14
161,631
68,342		 2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
£
£
£
264,093
329,906
-
107,316
29,402
30,749
371,409
359,308
30,749
23,850
22,800
-
390,687
350,142
-
414,537
372,942
-
)
(43,128
)
(13,634
30,749
273,101
179,919
76,067
229,973
166,285
106,816		 2023
Total
£
329,906
60,151
390,057
22,800
350,142
372,942
17,115
255,986
273,101

The notes on pages 17 to 26 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.

11

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Year ended 31 March 2024

2024
£
Income from donations and legacies
Grants
Arts Council England, NPO
Oglesby Charitable Trust
Big Life Group
Postcode Neighbourhood Trust
Income from charitable activities
Festival and hire income
Box office income
-
Other income
-
Project specific funding
Grants/donations
University of Manchester (Creative Track)
1,050
University of Manchester
-
Manchester City Council NIF
2,250
Three Monkies Trust
2,500
David Family Foundation
1,000
Leche Trust
2,000
Granada Foundation
2,000
Unlimited
3,500
Manchester City Council NIF
8,915
Pilgrim Trust
30,126
Manchester City Council OM Fund
20,000
GM High Sheriff Police Trust
1,000
GMCA Violence Reduction Unit
7,500
National Lottery Hertigae Fund
9,975
Historic England
6,000
University of Manchester (Creative Track)
5,000
Wildwuchs Festival
-
Finnish Insititute
-
Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
4,500
Co-Operative Bank
-
Arts Society
-
MCR Active/Winning Hearts & Minds
-		 £
254,093
10,000
-
-
264,093
-
107,316		 2023
£
79
29,323
-
730
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,798
10,116
9,500
1,000
3,000
2,605		 £
254,091
54,000
1,500
20,315
329,906
29,402
30,749

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

107,316 60,151

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Year ended 31 March 2024

Expenditure on charitable activities
Festival
Production/running costs
Production costs
Wages/salaries
Pension
Artists
Marketing/website
Support and governance costs - page 15
Unrestricted
Restricted		 2024
£
24,101
223,631
12,789
46,649
100
307,270
83,417
390,687
244,897
145,790
390,687		 2023
£
110,530
138,012
2,819
35,061
9,773
296,195
53,947
350,142
350,142
-
350,142

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Year ended 31 March 2024

Support and governance costs
Support costs
Office overheads
Rent
Premises costs
Telephone/stationery/computer
Insurance
Depreciation of fixtues/fittings
Depreciation of computer equipment
Administration costs
Staff welfare
Travel/accommodation/subsistence
Entertaining
Marketing
Sundries/tickets
Professional/financial - Jubilee Square
Consultancy fees
Bank charges
Governance costs
Professional/financial
Legal/accountancy/consultancy
Subscriptions/licences		 2024
£
11,726
960
1,617
1,555
110
144
3,316
7,211
875
9,426
7,827
27,098
1
7,924
3,627		 £
16,112
28,655
27,099
71,866
11,551
83,417		 2023
£
7,864
4,280
7,733
-
17
48
1,684
6,443
143
-
3,766
13,198
-
7,790
981		 £
19,942
12,036
13,198
45,176
8,771
53,947

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Balance Sheet 31 March 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets:
Tangible assets 9 688 942
Current assets:
Debtors 10 1,200 2,658
Cash at bank and in hand 240,918 272,650
242,118 275,308
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year 11 )
(12,833		 )
(3,149
Net current assets 229,285 272,159
Total assets less current
liabilities 229,973 273,101
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds 13 86,631 56,990
Designated funds 75,000 109,295
161,631 166,285
Restricted funds 14 68,342 106,816
Total charity funds 229,973 273,101

For the year ending 31 March 2024 the Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small Companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

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 31 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by

Christine D ' Cruz Chair, Board of Trustees

The notes on pages 17 to 26 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

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 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 notes.

1.2. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Individual fixed assets costing £100 or more are capitalised at cost.

Depreciation is provided at annual rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

1.3. 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.

1.4. 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.

1.5. 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.

1.6. 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.

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

1.7. 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:

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: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

1.8. 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

Festival costs - costs incurred in production and running of festivals 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 production costs.

Governance costs

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

1.9. Pensions

The company operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. Contributions payable are recognised as expenditure when due.

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. Further information about key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation of uncertainty, are set out in the notes.

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 2024 2023
stated after charging: £ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 254 65
Independent examiners fees:
- Independent examination 2,250 2,250
- Other services 250

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

4. Trustees' emoluments and reimbursed expenses

The Trustees received no remuneration during the year (2023 - £nil).

The aggregated amount reimbursed to Trustees during the year was £nil (2023 - £nil).

5.
Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs
Salaries and wages
Pension costs		 2024
£
245,027
12,789
257,816		 2023
£
158,358
2,819
161,177

No employee earned £60,000 or more during the year (2023 - nil).

The trustees did not receive any remuneration during the year.

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees and the Senior Management Team. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £54,232 (2023 - £52,898).

Staff numbers

The average numbers of employees (including casual and part time staff) during the year was made up as follows:


Festival/programme
Administration		 2024
Number

3
2
5		 2023
Number
3
2
5

6. Pension costs

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of its employees. The scheme and its assets are held by independent managers. The pension charge represents contributions due from the company and amounted to £12,789 (2023 - £2,819).

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

7. Grants - Manchester City Council

In accordance with sub-section 37(4) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, this grant has been fully utilised in accordance with the terms under which it was originally granted and has been fully expended on revenue items in the normal course of the company's business.

8. Corporation taxation

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

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

9. Fixed assets - tangible assets

Fixtures/
Computer
fittings
equipment
£
£
Cost
1 April 2023 /
31 March 2024
4,931
14,946
Depreciation
1 April 2023
4,517
14,418
Charge for year
110
144
31 March 2024
4,627
14,562
Net book values
31 March 2024
304
384
31 March 2023
414
528		 Total
£
19,877
18,935
254
19,189
688
942

22

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

10.
Debtors
Trade debtors
Other debtors
11.
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals		 2024
£
1,200
-
1,200
2024
£
9,684
24
3,125
12,833		 2023
£
1,098
1,560
2,658
2023
£
-
24
3,125
3,149

12. Limited by guarantee

The private limited company is registered in EW - England & Wales, is limited by guarantee, and does not have a share capital. Each Member gives a guarantee to contribute a sum, not exceeding £Granada Foundation, to the Company should it be wound up. At 31 March 2024 there were Unlimited Members.

13. Unrestricted funds Brought Incoming Outgoing Transfers Carried
forward resources resources forward
£ £ £ £ £
General fund 56,990 264,093 )
(268,747		 34,295 86,631
Designated funds: 109,295 - )
(34,295		 75,000
166,285 264,093 )
(268,747		 - 161,631

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

14. Restricted funds
Arts Society
Peter Sowerby Foundation
Wildwuch Festival
Finnish Institute
Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Partnership
Co-operative Bank
University of Manchester
Oglesby Charitable Trust
MCR Active/Winning Hearts & Minds
Manchester City Council NIF
University of Manchester (Creative
Health)
Three Monkies Trust
David Family Foundation
Manchester City Council
Granada Foundation
Unlimited
Manchester City Council NIF
Big Life Group
Pilgrim Trust
Manchester City Council OM Fund
GM High Sheriff Police Trust
GMCA Violence Reduction Unit
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Historic England
University of Manchester (Creative Track)		 Brough
Incoming
Outgoing
Carried
forward
resources
resources
forward
£
£
£
£
3,000
-
)
(3,000
-
9,450
-
)
(9,450
-
21,428
-
)
(21,428
-
39,103
-
)
(39,103
-
9,500
4,500
)
(9,500
4,500
1,000
-
)
(1,000
-
730
-
)
(730
-
20,000
-
)
(20,000
-
2,605
-
)
(2,605
-
2,250
)
(2,250
-
1,050
-
1,050
2,500
-
2,500
1,000
-
1,000
2,000
-
2,000
2,000
-
2,000
3,500
-
3,500
7,415
-
7,415
1,500
)
(1,500
-
30,126
)
(5,249
24,877
20,000
)
(20,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
7,500
-
7,500
9,975
)
(9,975
-
6,000
-
6,000
5,000
-
5,000
106,816
107,316
)
(145,790
68,342		 Brough
Incoming
Outgoing
Carried
forward
resources
resources
forward
£
£
£
£
3,000
-
)
(3,000
-
9,450
-
)
(9,450
-
21,428
-
)
(21,428
-
39,103
-
)
(39,103
-
9,500
4,500
)
(9,500
4,500
1,000
-
)
(1,000
-
730
-
)
(730
-
20,000
-
)
(20,000
-
2,605
-
)
(2,605
-
2,250
)
(2,250
-
1,050
-
1,050
2,500
-
2,500
1,000
-
1,000
2,000
-
2,000
2,000
-
2,000
3,500
-
3,500
7,415
-
7,415
1,500
)
(1,500
-
30,126
)
(5,249
24,877
20,000
)
(20,000
-
1,000
-
1,000
7,500
-
7,500
9,975
)
(9,975
-
6,000
-
6,000
5,000
-
5,000
106,816
107,316
)
(145,790
68,342
68,342

Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership- £4,500

Supporting the development of a creative workshop series aimed at disabled participants in North Manchester.

University of Manchester (Creative Health)

Supporting SICK!'s core team to feed into the development of Greater Manchester's Creative Health strategy.

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Three Monkies Trust- £2,500

Supporting the development of a creative workshop led by leading disabled artists Dan Daw aimed at young disabled participants in North Manchester.

David Family Foundation- £1,000

Supporting the development of a creative workshop led by leading disabled artists Dan Daw aimed at young disabled participants in North Manchester.

Manchester City Council- £2,000

Supporting the creation of No Us And Them, a new artwork created by Company Chameleon and North Manchester residents, for presentation at SICK! Festival 2024.

Granada Foundation- £2,000

Supporting the creation of No Us And Them, a new artwork created by Company Chameleon and North Manchester residents, for presentation at SICK! Festival 2024.

Unlimited- £3,500

Supporting the presentation of Vijay Patel's Brotherly, Otherly, Disorderly, as part of SICK! Festival 2024.

Manchester City Council NIF- £7,415

Supporting the In Our Nature event at Boggart Hole Clough, presented as part of SICK! Festival 2024.

Big Life Group- £1,500

Supporting the continuation of men's mental health and arts provision in North Manchester

Pilgrim Trust- £30,126

Supporting the development and delivery of the SMASH (Women & Girls), mental health arts programme in North Manchester.

Manchester City Council OMFund- £20,000

Supporting the delivery of the SMASH (Mixed), mental health arts programme in North Manchester.

GM High Sheriff Police Trust- £1,000

Supporting the creation of the SAFE installation, presented as part of SICK! Festival 2024.

GMCA Violence Reduction Unit- £7,500

Supporting the creation of the SAFE installation, presented as part of SICK! Festival 2024.

Historic England- £6,000

Supporting the development of the shared heritage murals project in North Manchester.

Docusign Envelope ID: F0BC459B-2C06-4FEB-9DDD-DAF9E89DCDCF

SICK! Productions Ltd

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

University of Manchester (Creative Track)

Supporting final year degree student to participate in a paid creative media internship at SICK!

15. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
General
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
are represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
688
-
Net current assets
160,943
68,342
161,631
68,342		 Total
£
688
229,285
229,973

16. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions requiring disclosure.