REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 05305188 (England and Walès) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1119555 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Bedford Creative Arts Limlted Bedford Heights Brickhill Drive Bedford MK417PH
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS uMrrED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 Page Chaifs Report Report of the Truste88 (IndUd1r Dlrectofs report) 2to14 Independent Examinerfs Report 15 ststement of Financi81 Activities 16 Balance Sheet 17 Notes to the Flnanclal Statemenls 18to26
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 IAARCH 202S Throughout ihis year we have driven ft)Mard (xr vmi to se8 residerts wilh Ihe liver on ttir doorstep Ihrough our RNer/Fknv/Connect prqect. rased the woffle of Bedford's photr#yaphK inrM)vatson Ihrough our Communty Portratt extHt#lion. arKI pbted a nnb of new irdtsabves to support local refugees and miwts to have greater opportunities for self-exprew a5 thrOh ow theatre woduction of Tu£yng at the Sea. In total, we deved or suppted 12 PTopcts readyru au(fiew of 18.749 xwkir¥J with 41 1xeati artists and practstioners. We have worked dwly in neighbour1 suth as Kempskn JKI Cthl Bedforf5hire. working acTOSS settings Partlcular higtillglts have induded N)staW a sawure of a swan In Kejnpston Llbrary to begln to make the river a key icon for IIBt c(xnmwity. as as tJeswir@ new maps of local lkn spaces in traI Bedfordshlre wilh the help crf hundreds of LiklM a(x>ss f(xK primary schools. We we particLrfaty proud to t work commisned in Bedford beyorKI the regiory knJrirKJ an Al exhibit to the BEYOND CoTrferen in Salford to engage bias in creative image makw cohort of 10 emerging producers vAth our Prod Hub prraM. we c(YrtSnwi to exhibit local artlsts, woth in empty uruts. and provthl advisory support to kKal •lists such as Alex Levene, Anthea Barclay and with an adthlional year of pledged furwjing for 202&7. I'd like to give my Ihars for ow many otrftr key furKIw5 and par (x)nfjnue to enable arKI er0rage our work, especolly The Haw TTUSL Verve Devekyments LHni, 1 Degree EasL Nthnal Lottw Community Fund, Ashley Family Foundati. Beiyord Council, CAra1 Bedrol[e FupFilm UK, The Steel The Gale Famity CIMrity Tn I'd Ilke to thank our staff. ow newioiner5 IIMS yw in the roles of Projects AssistanL Mketing Officer and FirwKe Maw. as as Iwo trustees wtKJ have enabled all these succes prqects to take place and to have enhanced and I$fOrnd of so pe(yle through arts & creativity. March 2025. Samantha thlaitland Chair 23rd October 2025 Page I
BEDFORD CREATIVEARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Ilnthdlng dlrertors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Intstees who are also threctorn oflha charitab18 company forthe purposes of11 Companies Act 2006, present their report wilh the finandal statements of the clwitable company for Ihe year el 31 March 2025. The trustees have ado the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accoting and reporttNJ by Charities. appllcable to charities preparfng theSr accounts in aCcOrtsn wilh the Financial Repothu Stsndard appllcable In the UK and RepubliG of trelarKI (FRS 102) (effective 1 knuary 2019) issued in October 2019 by the Charity Commlssion. REFERENCE AND AOIIANL8TrATIVE DETAILS Regist•rod Charlty Name Bedford Creative Arts Limited Reglstered Company number 05305188 (England and Wales) Reglsterad Charfty number 1119555 Reglstered oflke Bedford Helghts Brickhdl Drive Bedford MK417PH Tru9tses & Dlrectorn Samantha Malttand, Chair Samantha Matthews, Vl¢frChair Suzette Reed Mark Taylor, Treasurer Tlmothy Paln Anita Kumarf igned 2 August 2024 Re&gned 26 ju 2025 Flona Pary J•nnie Cashnmn Wls Appolnted 25 A1 2024 Appointed 25 Awil 2024 Samuel Baker Key Employo8S Elaine Midgley- Olrector Independent Examlnor KM Hilliard ACA FCCA CTA Pr1 Bailey LLP 38 Tyndall Court Commerce Road Lynchwood Peterborough PE2 6LR BankgrB HSBC 12 Allhallows Bedford MK40 ILJ Page 2
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng dlrectors TWQ FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Recrultment and appolnlment of Mvrftrnstees serve for to Iwo tern three year& New trustees are appolnted in accordance with the Articles of Bedford Creative Arts Limited. Tly are found from the contacts nelworks of existing trustees and the execulive. Vacancies we ajso pCed through wr website. social metha and through ¢)ther public fonrns. recnAtir¥J new trustees. Ihe Board lo(s for Individuals wlth skills experience which are of value to the dwity and clxnplement those of existing trustees. Potential trustees are Intervie#ed by a panel oftrustees and the Directrjr. Mfften a new trustee joins the Board. they are provided w5th a Tnjstee In(tiKtion Pacy. which wovides comprehensive information about Be(fford Crelve Arts Linmted. They attend induc11 meelings with the DirectrK and Chair as well 8S receiving adrfrtional training when requi in 20225 appoinled Iwo new trus to the BoaTd. farewell to retsring bustee Suzette Reed. . organation over 3 years aKI Indudes rAwisaIxx obieclNes. finwKial arttl income strategy. the environment aTKI programme ambit¥. Thks stregy aw the govemance expectations of A Council England ftff Nati Portrolio (Was. Day-ttrday deliw of tre Bus1rS Plan is of strategy induding income generati. equ4ity & thersity and progrnmme dev•nt. The Board mitigate risk 1th a rnTrJe of rneas Induth: wbsurm. pknruTVJ. pthance moTUtoring, policies and prrtajures. The (wganisati¢M hokts a Cor[ Risk Regthr for the monitoring of strategic risk which is revIeI quartwty. Prcsraffffnes are nHinty lIh fwKthg SeCed in adVce to ensure that Ind fmarKlal and non-firwKial rth. To meet contr1 and legd obligations and deliver q)8rational obieclives. the Board agrees the broad annual programrne. plans arKf budg8t, and monitofs pthnnance during the year. The,TnJstees have idMbfie(J the folbmng to the key risks to the organFsation aloTVJ With the mitsgatsNJ aciions to be wM*rtaken: Page 3
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMrrED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng dlrectorn rwrt FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Rlsk Mltlgatlng Adlon Fundlng of the OrwSsatlon Bedford Creative Arts Limiled will conlinue to , develop the wogramme in a way that diversirS 178 . income from a range of furKlets inclurfing Its c(ffe cfftnt Arts Councll England. Irusts & foundatlons, stalutory funders arKI eamed income , from commissfons. Projects are operated on a full4ost recovery basls to covet ovetheads and staffing not covered by wular funding. Arts Counril funding is. secure 111 March 2027. Close monitoring of helps to bulld Investment Wentsl th targets for buil(fing reserves for key purposes. The Board have appolnted a Trth%urer (trustee mle) to support the EXec1ve In managing ld8 indudtng close cost control. The Business Plan incorporates an Income GeneiOn Strategy for conlinual seojrlng of funds. Lo88 of Key Staff Bedford Creative Arts Limiled will aim to invesi In its Slaff and con8ider 8uccesslon plannlng and resilience in its PDliGx6s and processes including a BUStr Co1nuIty Pl. We offer an apwoprlale level of 8Blary and ffieXi8 worklng aTf8ngements. SalaTie8 are benchmathed across the sector and staff re(xlve above statutory mknlmum annual leave entttlements. Annual tralning budgets provlde contlnual CPD. Role des conslders 8ucce8slon planning and legacy. Documentation, of processes and projects are based on Prince2 principles and enable smooth transitlon tsalwe staff for successlul handoverlteam wothing. Clear reGWitment proGesses and a recruitrnent pollcy ensures quality roplaceménts when requlred. The organisation has a Safeguarding Policy and highty exporiered, welktrdined staff. Using advice from other local experts including the CVS. Bedford . Borough Cowcil and Board members In highly skilled professions such as the education sector. the policy incorporates safer recruilment processes for staff, volunteers. trustee5 contsBGtors. Training and DBS checking is • every 3 years at minimum. The Director, as well as the S8nk)r Projects Manager have Inslitution of Occupations and Health (IOSH) Managing Safely qualfficalions and exwience of HSE guidance. Tisk assessment and control. All aciivitles are risk assessed and appropnale mitigab.ng adions are incorporated in fffte wilh the organisalion's Healh & Safety Policy. . Safeguarding and Health & Safety Staff lIbeing & of remote working The organisation has no office premi8es 8nd Staff woth from home (Y in rnote locations in the Page 4
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS Ulrn REpoirr OF THE TRUSTEES {Includlng dlrectorn rnport) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 communty with supeNtsion. Remok Working Policy thal guides staff in safe worf(ing pradises which includes re9ar dally contart team n*mbers to ensure thelr location & safety is krThvn. Tr Board issue a Imce nUal Staff Wellbeing SuNey that enables staff to anonymously report on their wellbelng & job sabsfaclion. The Board and Executlve dlscuss results In order to Implement addltional measures to support staff. The Bwd & SklT cont1 to monitor slaff perfonan thrgh fortnightly. 1-2-1s and a Iwice amual Perfonnance Review system. Employee Asslstance Programme is provided for. staff that enables prfvate access to GP. appointments and health advlce and standards for good organlsallon pro[UreS are documented in a healih & Wdlbeing Pollcy. Two stall members are. MHFA Plental Health Flist Aid irnlned. Romuneratlon The charllable company operales a rnmun8rallon policy whereby salwies for all ¢fwectty employed staff are benchmarked against salary levels In the sector on an annual basis 8ry Incre are calculated ' to account forth8 fwwrjal perfomiance of Iho organi8atlon. The average employee h8adcount durlnglhefinancial yearwas Six and tho average numberof employees (full-time equlvalent) wa8 four. No employ eamed In excess of £60,000 and the totsl Muneration paid to the key management per80nnel during the year wao £103.037. Durln9 tho period the tru8tee$ Page 5
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS UMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng dlrectorn report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTIVES AND AcnvmES Charitablo Obhctlvtt and Acllvlues for the Publlc Bedford Creatlve Arts Llmiled is a contemporary arts chlty. We Tun a programme ofartisticcommissions arKI Gfoatsve ecology building progrdrn that alm to Provida creabve opportuniiies for diverse audiences both l¢Jcally and further afield. and to provide new creaive opportunRks for artist& Our Charitable Objectiv8 Is lo advance tho edwtion of the public In creatlvlty and the arts Mrfthln the Borough of Bedtsd, the county, the wtder regK)n and over time morè broadly across the UK ty. 1. , Offerfng people the opportunty to develop skills. and kno. 2. Uslng the arts as a tool to imwove 80cial vthre and people's quallty of Ilfe by respondlng to ItrK)se needs identified through conlact wlth local commurrity grws and other agencles. 3. Actlvely engaglng peopl8 we axckthd from malnstream provIsl of arts educ8tlon for reasons of disability, social, cultural or econ(Nnlc circum8tance (by seeklng to make 8cllvltles physlcally, Intellectually, CIally, culturally and firallY acce6s1ble). 4. Enabllng everyone to exerci8e the right freety to pathlpate in Ihe Ilfe of the communlty and to enjoy the arts and Its benefft8. S. plnot1ng, improvlr¥J. advancing and wovi¢Sng acc883 to cuThent developments In contemporary arts acllce, through a programme of lemporary exhibltlons and edu(alonal 8nd recreational actlvities. Bedford Creallve Arts Limlted has referred to the guldance in the Charity Commission's general guldance on Public Benefrt when reviewlng Its alm3 and oblectives and planning its future activieg. In partlcular, the trustees consider how planned ac16v6tles wlll ¢othbule to the aims arKI obJectlve8 they have set for the organlsatlon. thus ensuring public benefft continues to be delivered. Each year the Board of Trustees review and update the Buslness Plan Including revlewlng the organlsatlon's Vision, Mission and Foundatlons statements to ensufe th8y reflect our current approach In deliverfng on our Charltable Objectivas: Ourvlslon: Is Ihat fuiure communitleswlll have an outrngeous sens8of enlltlement tothearts because Of its power to provoke positrve soclal change. Our FoundaiionB: We believe Ihat art Is essenlial fora fidl life as it engenders self-exwession, confiderts, ¢onnectedness and a sense of belonging.lt bullds strongand resilientcommunrties: it empowers Indlvldual& Vvhere thern are chBUenge5 In communities, byhelher eocial. educational. environmentsl or •conomlc. the artshave thelntrinsiG power lo wovoke and1acirrte change. The arts can provtde a platfomi for a diverstty of voices to be heard. ThroW engagemenl wlh the arts, people can explore, expres& connect. leam. share.debate and challenge. often in innovative aKI ambitious ways. We want all communiiie5 to have access to the arts so that they can do these Ihlng8 and become actlve citizens with us to VIrk towards better. stronger commwN¥es. We See a communlty as a neighbOU0d or as a group of people with a common characteristic orshared experfence. We recognisethat neighbourtK)ods are home to many communities and each of us is a member of several wnmunities. We pfedom1TwY in Bedfordshire but strive for ow activilies and amIng to mae a robonal Impact ¢Jn the gectors kn we wcwk and th8 worfd in vthich wo live. Our Iifwlon: We create art for. ilh and inspired ty comrnurllkn. Peoplg- Put peo* atts heart ofourwork, worf(IrvJ reSS1Ve1Y collaboralively wThi commwltles. Page 6
FOR TrE YEAR ENDED 31 IAARCH 2025 . belongng, agerKy and pride in v4here they.e. . justice, and strive for a just and equtsbk sooety. . and used nalionally. . . Ourstrateglc Alrn VKKI have deydopedftty byts Board ofTrustees and the Executive The aims ofthe organisatKffi Urtil Mwch 2025 Enable an amtmlious, tIgWty kntwing arttth has a wslove impact on Ensu (wr work is reslirt SUStan ar accowrt Raise the nati¢ proffle of(wwwk aNI Ixoaden our proV0kn inlkHKe peers, Wity. makers. individu and convnunities. awakening and developing talert and tsterirwJ wth array of new arKI long-standing in socially engaged INact OBJECTIVES.AND ACTIVmE8 The key athllies * del¥w to aims .: 1. Artistic Commlsslong We commission artists to develop CeMpOrary pffoie(ts in a wide raT¥Je ofgenres across Bedtsd$re in response to ow Business Plan ams xl ¢ty nee(ts. The Itwretic framrk for our woth is recognised by our peets aid has an Impact on the sector on a regtonal arKI nalional scale. . We Work diverse c¢xnmunfties. specias1n9 in )cOuragil¥J neiv parti• wvj'builthng audSences where ttrre is often a hstory of l(w CJJliur al9•3e This llKludes w)rking deeply within neighbourtThds to Mgage with lo1 people in adtheswg tt issues Ifot matter to tlm andlor worklng 2. Ecology. Pracbs•. Knqmledgè & Tal•nt Devdop commisslons. particularfy thrwh ow Pfoducw Hub programme ddNered in partKrship ryth 1 Page 7
egree , in Ihe communty sector inci(Ying C4)mmurMty groups, local ttl$ ar Schools; SuppIng local producefs and self.produclj artists in the delivery of ttirown PTojecls where a Nurturlry. attending and developing Ioc81 collab(xative n&wtyks that tElp to buud up the creatbve ecorK)my and ecology SLKh as chaiiing the Bedfwd Cultw81 Partnership. supporti the Creative Bedfordth by h05kng an onllne F4attorm enabling local particularfy seek lo reath those wih lin7fted opportunity, especially in the Bedfordshlre area. We target opportuniiies to kn with people from a INe8 rae of backgr¢xmds and to enable people to have a long-term relati¢xffjltip bmth Bedtrd Creallve Arts overa nntser of years tlwh Inteivention8 Such as ACHIEVEMENT At4D PERFORMANCE-A REVIEW OFTHEYEAR Project DeNvery exhibitions and events. provlding Work for 41 aTb8ts and ueative freelaTr the year as weH as a wider leam of project Key swcesse5 Sn the yew irKI. Communlty Portraft- bIkIrj in partrw Fujffllm UK and The Ftiggins Bedlord we dellvered a project that celebrated Brd'S photogra past, present through Ihe lens of the local cornmth. kn exfiibiti¢)n opened in September2024 wrtil Febrlw 2025 that showcased portralt8 of Ic¢al resldents from Romanlan Gnjups. fflary sctrml thelr fwnlRes, Bedford College siwjents, éxhibilion reached 5.604 rnern and further peoplo thrwh glasfrplate and 8kllls ilUn9 Chlwa Alxcal. Gth DalUnFIl( Amina P&j. Dad Lw. Catherine O'Donnell. portrayed its Al-genwated versions, thus demong the level of tsk and Ixas ttHt is embedded in . fll as bthng toured to Salford for Beyond COnfW in November 2024. "Im blown away by... a cryulerftryn Bedro cthl J.E.S.S. WI stands forJust Examining Syslemi"c stemtypes. these peowe are making me feelw seen- tech ft)r heiilage decokniality andpolhical female empattwl They a and Beyond people thirnt Gan do with technology.. ° pilot proiecls. Page 8
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES On¢ludlng dlrectors rnport) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We collaborated ith LegalAlien5 fiDm LorKlon, a mlgrant company. and Bedford reftKJees and asylum seekefs from partw PBIC to introduce ts Idea of theatre as a form of èwession for those new to the medium. The result is Ihe developThnt of a new theatre shrnv. Twng at the Sea. that was perfomied in both London and Bedford as a mearBto eXpl0rethefeengS of ml9Tants on polttical narratives 8round boats. The perfornwce opportunty. enabled social irtÈraciiO between Bethord and London-based mlgrants, developmentof ESOL skills and grealerintegralion into the communty. The projectengaged 37 workshops participanis (80% from Global fvqajority backwunds) &vl readHI 403 audience members. At the condusion of the woject 81% audlences felt their viewpoint tOW8rds mwration had changed. We also. Invlted arllst Bem O'Donoghue to sh(rww her project D08dRackonlng at St Paul's Church Bedford as part of Refugee Week 2024. Bem's artistic wlatiOn illustrates the mary migrants who have lost Iheir lives tying to cross the Me¢frterfanean sea In each year. The moving insfaNailon provlded an Rlverl Fl¢)wl Connect- Th8 8ignlOcant prOrt dellvered a 88Tie8 of outdoor 6v8nts alongside WOTkshop8 In sctwl and commurmty settings aimed at supporttng re8ldents in Kempston to engage deeper wlth Ihe river on their doorstep. The prw de16vwed 28 act[e5 In total reacling audiences of over 3,000. . Example.athilie8 ac¥o89 tho year uded IrthMirvJ a sculpture of a swan deA'gned by local d)Ildren and 8rt18t Paul p1brth in Kempston Llbrary, delivertng18nlem WOTkshops a Love Kempston Light Walk for over 800 partidpants to enjoy artisllc Inslallati¢)n8 along the rlver and dellv day work81K)ps with famllies and children at the Libiary. Project 229 café, and at.the Tlverside. °Keep up the good worfff - PicnK attend8e "Nic& to see somelhlng h8ppenlng 8long this part of the riverfora ch8nge." Acnlc 8ttend8e . "Thls profvd makes what ispossible on Ihe watemys present.' Rfv8rFeslw818ttendee 'A oty8nl8ed. famlly orfert even£ Thank you."_ "Now I have b8en to your event and 8m aw8rn ofihls beaulrful arn8 I WHI defmRely be Rvlsttlng." ght WalkAttend6e FeedbAck from residents Indicated that 70% of parUcSpants were ex to see BCA commission art along the rfveT arKI Ihe project has been focused on developlng ideas for what permanent art18 S¢ptureS rrngm look lkn ifthey should get to be conynlsskjned. Bedford Rlver Fesllval. BCA was ts tKJSt organisthn for a new art8 & culiure area for Bedford River Fes15val's bi-annual event under the banner of a collaboration of parbws. the Bedford Cultur Partnwship (BCP). BCA led a funding bid by the consokn for fundlng from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and coordirhgled each partnerfs aclivits indurfing 16 contritwtions fTom organlsations such as The Higgins Bedtord. PhllharnnIa. Ar Arts. Permission2. Bedford Music Hub. Universlty of Bedfordshire. Anthea Barclay's River Prosl and others across marquees. We programmed Ilve music, Ghill-out 8ession5 and day workshops connected to RiverlFlowlConnect and attracted over 750 ffjictp•)ts lo the pr0MMe offm acbv>tss. Key Statistiix: 20 live wfomances & 9 workshop station8 3,092 total anticipated attendance. 100% of parlnern felt the collaboration was a good experience. 20% of visilors were atterK"ng a cullural event for the firsttime. . °Pmof of concept (hat culluralpmvthrs can come togetherto dellvera busy. vartedprogramme incoOrdngp8rfoM7anc@& particpatory 8Givilie4 w08110p$ etc at the RlvorFestival" (Partnw) Page 9
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIlTED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng dlrectorn report FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 comff axi ove "Gt day. Morn of Ihts kindn88d8d.-. Visitor Our Natural Blue Spac¢s - this woject arnse from the woyk undertth in Pknership wilh Central Bedfordslire Councll in prk)ryears that was fomxlly known as Alakè Wayforcth. That project alTrd to increase artistic engagement with local schools.. Our Natural Blue Spacès engaged 8rt18t Kremen8 Dimitrova to work wlth fouT schools lo13ted near to blue spaces (live, waiews, lakes etc);. Southcott Lower (Linsjade). Edward Peake Middle School {Blggleswade), Parkfield Mkldle (ToddSnglon) and Thornhlll PTfmary (HOUght( Regis). 554 childfen were engaged acr08s 20 wow and together they developed four different maps of blue spaces that feaiured wlldlife, conservalion messages posthvty abouttr wellbang of Itvlng near water. The final maps aye being developed Irrto an Intera(ve dfjgftal versions as well as being bssued onto tea tow¥8 the children. These outcomes shared at Ihe Linsla( Canal Festival in JLty 2024 and 100% 01 8uNey respondents appreoatsng the al1vrk ot which described it as"Excellenr. Book of Bedford- BCA worked ag8in wilh artists Anty Ff8ld and Becki8 Darflngton on this project which Invlted 265 wlmary aged children to wrfte a guidelK)ok to Ihelr to for 8dutt$. We worked with Putnoe. Kings Oak, Prfory and Brtckhill Primary h0O]S with childM in year5 4-5 to creaie content for Ihe gui(kbook which was launched at Bedford Central Ubrary sn Marth 2025. The 8rfists provided activilies that US8d wriling, poetry, song, drawlng and day modelllng to come up ideas about Bedford (both real and ficttonal) that they wanted to Include. Then 15 chlldren were identffied to act 88 the book's edltors and WOTk wlth the artlsts to filler down the conterrt inlo Whal was induded in the final book. The book wa8 Illustrated by local profesml Illustrator Kle Allen and publlshed for free for Pticipants arKI VIPS and for 8818 for the wider public {available from Ihe Eagle Bookshop>. The chlldren launched ttwlr book at a VIP book ryiing at Bedford Lftlrary altended by MP. Speaker of the Council and fundern. It featured on BBC Online 8nd on ITV Anglia. External Commlsslons and Partnornhlps - We conlinue to enfvy being comm5ssloned by Ioc81 organlsatlons to dellver prqe¢ts for the benefit of our coMmuTty and thls year palnted two new murals on storage Sheds at Pine Cones Famity Hubimth artlst Emma Bamle. aswtll as prIng mentoring and support to arsts such as Anthea Barclay and Alison Goofvr in d811ing th•r MiSSIOnS whlch benefitted significant numbers of commuiwty gr(MJps and 8clwols. We were thanktul that ARA commissionad us to create a Lego themed Merchl5e ilem for them based on one of our 20234 prdecls Dlgllal Mural8. Champlonlng Dlvernlty & Incluslon Bedford Creatlve Arts (BCA) remalns commltted to celebrating (knrslty and Irduslon through ourwork and ensuring equalty of opporlwity for bolh athces and artists. BCA uses an Equafty & Diver&ty Action Plan alongslde its company policy C Equahty, Equity. Diversity & Indust(K• to that It conunues to delivgr its commibnent to hs valu Parti8r aclivity that supported diverslty and Induslon thi5 year indudetr. We dellvered a rdnge of training and consultanw programmes.for staff Board aimed at developing a strategy for increaslng represwon in our work and workforce, collaboraling with Tonlc Theatre and B&G Partnern. Wetargeted communtyengagementwork at prrtected dwactetislics at riskof exdusifm induding those on low incomes (e.g. people living in KingsbroDk & Cauldwell. Pthoe and Pffory indudlng school children living in Ihe lowest three deciles for indices of multlple deprivation) and those from under-represenled elI[C demographics such as throLYJh our miwant ProaM (80% of partlcipants were from Global Majority bkgroUndS). provided key bWPPOrt to a Black and emerging artist producer. Anthea Barclay. in . Supportlng herto plan and exeCe her RIrPetthaI expknres iivw inequty. Page 10
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIAITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES IlnGludlng dlrectors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 34 MARCH 2025 e c(xthNJed to develop our Ips communty organisalions that engage wllh un represent voices such as the organisers of Refugee Week (BRASS). Queen'5 Park Community Otganisalion, arHJ PBIC. We have )rtInUed to invest in local and specialist tdent across a ¥an.0f arifomis and wactises through our projects and ongoing ne1w0S and ed Ihls engagement to devel(ry> our own knthvledge skolts. PartKular achievements trt indude: Our Prtyjucer Hub, delivered wllh l Degree East nuriured 10 local woducers aj sdfyoducing artlsts to develop t1r creaive propcts for 8edfordthre. The group includes people across a range of artistic thwines kndudlng over 30% of Participts Mlh a neurocfversty, and is focused on both 1Q-1 meelings and group seminars aswell as continuing to deliveropen weblnar programmes prothng knowledgo forany local creatives. Hub wnteeswith opportun. ilies to st#)Kase thek propct ideas as EII as eTAbg neiworking for all local cieatives. Our Direckn Mntlnued to Chw the Bedford Cultural Pathership, a nelwork of cthral provlders which cdIalml to produce a drat Cqthff81 lfision for Bedtofd Borouth. The documen( vthich references Intensive public consultation, was adopted by Ihe Council in 2024 and Is belng used to pavethgwayfora cUltural Compactriw(wk for Bedford Borough from 2025. We ¢onlnued our attthe in other local strategic nefvA)rks including our Dire¢#or actlng as a Board member for the Bedford Musi¢ Hub, atterKfjng ts Central BedfNdshire Culiure Hub and supporting the Pl¥#wmrmia's Community Board. We hosted the Crelve Bedfordshire nelwork slte (vla a Six Circles platfcKm). posting news and artides for the ueative COFrdnunty and growing membership of over 350 members. We contsnued to represent the tovm's cuttural viewpoint on the Town Deal B(Brd, fomied by the Bedford Borough Council to oversee the invesknent plan for from centr4 govemment. Oryanlsatlonal Developmnt & Change The organisation expe11ceI some changes to pernonneE in the yearthrough natlffal tIHnover. Vve said go)dbye to our former Marketing and Flnance postholderand appoinknj new people to these roles. The securing of continued core funding from The Hawr TNst meant that were ablo to appoint a new Proiects Assistant to tIMs tfvyear fixed temi post and hired a employee to the wtylevel role. . Our Company & Projects Manager retumed from mateTThty leave at the sL2rt. of.the year and was re-titled Senior Proiects Managerto enab us to appoint a.VwbJalAssislantto take on OWnShIp of company admin. The charity ntinUeS to operate mosuy remotely wllh staff working. from home or from a CO-WO1 space al Bedford Heights, Bodford on desk4vork and in the communlty on arfisiic delivery. Page 11
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS UMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES lincluding directors report) FOR THE YEAR EIIDED 31 IA4RCH 2025 . FINANCIALREVIEW Reserves pollcy The Reserves Policy arrrs to mairtsin reseN8s at the minNnum level requlred to. manage risk. support organisational reSfl1en and enable investment in develorn. This is managed through the use of nwned desiwated funds identlfied for specific purposes. This supp(Yts Strategic fiJRncd management and accountability. Targets for designated funds are set following an assessment of the operational financial commitment and a$sociated residual fir7claI risk rf irKome 1$ UneXpty temitsklted. The r&8eTves policy is revivNed at least annually by the Board of Trustees and designated funds reviewed quarterfy with the preparation of finaTht management accoults ar projections. ' The charitysemergerKy deSigred fwKI Mll ensurethatthe charity hasthe abiltylo manage unforeseen events that affect its financial h8alth and to fall bth Ihe level that would the charity at risk of Up Fund with a minimum tsrget of ttKee months, exp8 (cWrerlY calcthated to be £60.000). In addftlon. other funds are designated to allow thé charity to Invest lo creale new opportunilies and to . n7anage growlhwith a furthertsrgetof£60,000.across theSendS (¥proxwnatdy6 months. core running snrnary of Designated Funds and Ilir puwes: . Designated Emergency Wn(Wp Fund with a minimwft of three months, expendiiure {currenty cthlated to be £60.000) to be used should tha company be requlred to in a legally responsible manner. Deslgnated Capitsl Fund - malntalned to en)le the purchase and nmirtenance of caixtal equipnHtt such as PCS & laptops for staff and office to use * home, rf requwed as well as technical equipment for use across prqets such a5 Fmoiectors exhlFAkng stands. Designated Programme Development Fund - to enable Investment in our programme so Ihat we may increase our ambltion arKI develop ne•J projects & programmes Yth mhe(kfundlNJ support that could lever In addlttonal fijnding. This en8eS research and development projectsto be inltiated enabling loro- temi programme planning. Designated People & Orwlsallon FurKI - to enabl8 invesiment in orgwysalional deVelopmrt and to manage staffing risk This can include resourcing changes lo stsff structur6, the need to invest strategically in 8taff training & developnient. orto manage unforeseen temporary staffft7g issues Such as unexperthl absencès of leave or parentsl and sick l&qve cover. Any general funds Ihai are not denated for the above purpose WNI bg mievrnd vjith a plan to invest. these funds in a manrwthat supfft the delivery ofthe chaiity's ol¥ects w41tun 12 m(xths of operation. The trustees wed that this was a Pfudent approach and would ensure the firture growth arKI dévelopment of Bedtord Creative Arts was finandaly sustain8bl6. The Board has agreed that fvnds only be tpld in Iow4isk UK bank a(MNmtsas approved by the Board of Trustee& The Irustees also ad that ts ChItable compary will continuousty strive to deliver its charitable objectives as costeffect¢vety as possiblewhilst ensuring li is able to conlinue to rneet its liabililles as they fau due. Page 12
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS UMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng dlrectois roport) FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Pflncipal funding 80urces: BCA Limtted received income of £322,487 (2024.. £306.824) In the year. of which £167.235 (2024: £150,368) repres restricted funding. relating to our Natural Blue Spaces (prevlously Make Way for Culiure} (£4,750), Creatlve BedfOrdShi (£850), Empty Shops (£5,414), Community Portralt {£1,841). Digital Murals (£2,000). Projects Assistant salary costs 1£20,000). Riverl Flowl Connecl (£68.583) Airships XR.<£11.000). BCP River Festival (£20,000), Book of Bedford (£9.oon. Julia Jamian Literary Trails {£10,000). Migration Theatre {£4.390) and an Underpass Murdl (£9,400). Expendiiure in the year totalled £301.846 (2024: £244,475> of which £147,867 R024: £94,805) related to the restricted project funding. BCA'S biggest inveslment source is Arts Council England through our designation as one of its National Portfofio Organisaiions., We also r1ved significant fuThJing from various funding bothes, trusts and foundatlons that have helped.us to deliver our wide-ranging programme.induding: .The Haur Trust, National Lottery Communlty Fund. Steel Charilable Twst, Be(Iford Borough Ccwncil, Central BedfordshI Council. ARA, The C¢)nnolly Foundation, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Bedfordshire Educational Association. The Southall T Safer Streets (via BLCF). MTS B L Robinson Charitsble Trust, and Verve Developments Limited. Funds avallable The funds held at 31 March 2025 are £214,187. This indudes unrestricted funds of £123,647, which equat85 trj approximately srA months, core expenditure and is in line with the reserves policy. Ihln the wwesificted fund4 the twes Ive designd the following separate funds: Designated Emergency WfKI-Up Fund: £60.037 (2024: £60.037) Designd Capital FurKI: £10,000 (2024: £10.000) Designated Programme Development Fund: £20.000 (2024: £20,000) Designated People & Organisation Fund: £20.000 P024." £25.000) The trustees are confKlent that the charitable company can continue to meet Its liabiliiies aslhey fall due for the foreseeable fttse and that the accounts should be prepared on a golng ¢oncem basls. FUTURE PLANS A few pr• from the 2024-25 programme wlll continue Into the 202&26 financlal yw. POP Art-we conlinue to hold restrlcted funds to malntain our programme of art exNbllJons In empty Rtall spa8 and hold leases for properties in Bedford town ntre forthis use. Our Naiurai Blue Spaces (fornrnlFy Make Way for Culture) - we contlnue to hold funds to enable the launch of the dlgitsl varsion of the visual assets once developed and lo enable final exhibition Images to be produced ftythe participatlng Khool antlGlpated to be finallsed in th8 fitst Iwo quarters of the yvaf. Rlvarf Flowl Connect-this project will continue into the forthcoming yearimth fvrther WOTkshops planned and rAlebratson event that showcases the outcomes of the project for the local communlty to be dellvered in Summer 2025. This project has ambilions to commission pem7anent public art along the river in Bedford between Kempton Mill and Queen's Bridge, Kempston. We are also in discussfons with potential communlty partnws about expanding the project into the nelghbouring ¥vards of Queen's Park and Great Denham. Communlty Portralt- this proj concluded in late February 2025 and so the remainder of funds will be spent on evaluating the project and distributing the photography as88ts and the remainder ol artlst fees. Page 13
BEDFORD CREATniEARTS UMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Includlng dIrectO report) FOR THE YEARENDED 31 hlARCH 2025 Our new programme for 202546: Underpass MuRI- we were commissloned by Bedro Borough co11 to paint a mlwal on the underpasslsubway between the Embanknient & Aspects Lelsure Parf( as part of refwbishment plans. A Safe Street grant from BLCF has enabled us to engage young p80ple via the Bedfordshirè Youlh Offending servi in this project to ¢deSIgn Ihe mural with local wiisl& Workshop started in F¢bry 2025 however the final mural aims to be completed in April. hips XR- we were awarded fvnds from the Connolly Foundatton, a donor and (via a partner) Art5 Council England to deliver a project that used the heiitage of airships in Bedford to excite young people about careers in aviation engineering and digi1 creativity_ This project aims to create a virtual airship museum and immersive audience experiences thatcan be twed naliordty from Spring 2026. Ben & Bella TRils- We17ave been commissloned by Bedford Borough CouncH to dellver a seTles of literary trali s featuring the work of local writer Juffa Jamian. The trails wll invite families to explore local parks and the Library and discover the stories of the charactets Ben & Bella and plan to bp launched in August 2025 as part of the Council's Year of Reading. MIgtIon Theatm - We have secured a grant from the Soulhall Trust of £4.390 ttrwards the expansion of ourpilot with LegalAliens to create a Bedford migrant theatre company from Autumn 2025. We hope to match Ihis fundingwith additional grants to enable the company lo have regular sessions th local migfants and produ at least one performance per annum. Oltrprogramme of at least 10 commissions and activities is outlined in the organisation's Programme Plan and aligned to fimding from Arts Council En9land and a wange of trusts, founda2ioTkS. local authorittes and privale businesses. In preparing this report. the tfustees have taken advantage of the small companies, exemptions provided by section 415a of the Companies Act 2006. . ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: (Yhqothkn Samantha Maltland Chaii . 23 October 2025 Page 14
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS UI INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT I report to the ch8ri1y trustees on my &xaminaOon of the accounts of the compry for the year ended 31 March 2025 vthich are set oul on pagts 16 to 26. Responslbllilies and basls of report As the charity tnjstees of the compary (aThl also Ii s directors for the pu of company law) you are r8sponsible for the preparion of the accounts in aCCorce the requiremerfs of the Companies Act 20( ('the 2006 ACV). Having satisfied n)yselfthatts accourts of the conw2ny are required to be audlted under Part 18 of tha ' 2006 Act and are ellgEbJe for hthpendent examina11(. I report in résp8Ct of my examination of YOUF mparfs accounts as carried out under secllon 145 of the Chthes Act 2011 {'the 2011 Act.). In carying my examinalion I have followed thè Directsons given by Ihe Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) 'of the 2011 Act. Independent examlnerfs Statemènt Since Ihe company's gross income exceeded £250.000 ywr exarniner must be a member of 8 listed body Ilsted In seclion 145 of the 2011 Act. I confimi that l am qua15fied to undertake the examination because l am a member of thg Insotute olCharteredACcnlants in England and Walas, whlch Is of tho118ted Ixxlies. I have completed my examlnalion. I cThfflrm Ih8t no matter8 havo come to my atlentsM In conneclion with . . the examination giving me cau8e to belleve Ihat in any materlal respect: accounkng recordswere not kept in respect ofthe CoMpY as required by secll£>n 386 of ihe 2006 Att, or the accounts do not ac¢ord with those records: or Ihe accounts do not compty 4th ts accounting rewlrements of secllon 396 oflhe 2006 Act other than any requlrement that accounts give a tue arKI fair vievl which is not a matter considered as part of an independent eXam1rll0n. or the accounls have nol been prepared in accordance with tho nthods and prindples of the Sl•ttment of Recommended Practice for aceounfjng and reporting by charities appllcable to chartiles preparing thelr accounts In accordance wfth the Financial Reportlng Standard applicable in the UK and Republtc of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no concems have come across no other matters fti connethon'w4th the axamlnation to whlch attention 3uld be drawn in this report in der io enable a pmper understandlng of the accounts io be reached. K M Hllllard ACA FCCA CTA Ch8rtered Accountanl For and on behaw of Price Bailey LLP 36 Tyndall Court Cmimerce Road Lynchwood Peterborough PE2 6LR i&liiliolS Page IS
BEDFO> CREATIVE ARTS uwfED FOR THE YEAR EIIDHI 31 IIARCH 31.3.25 Tolal Funds 31.3.24 .Total Funds INCOME 149206 6.083 1502( 151,948 6,083 4,157 166.198 150,719 322.487 306,824 Investmentincorne Charitable aclivitt Total Income 166235 167,235 155.252. EXPENDrruRE Charitse acti Total expenditure 154.179 154.179 147.667 147.667 301.846 301,846 244.475 244,475 NET (EXPENDMJRE) I IIICOME . Transfer b•lweon funts 1,073 19,568 20,641 62.349 NET blOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS 1,073 19,568 20,641 62.349 Total funds broughtforward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 13 121574 123.647 70.972 193.546 214,187 131.197 193,546 13 Page 16
BALANCE SHEEr FOR THE YEAR ENI)ED 31114RCH 2025 IJ RE151STEIiED COIIPANY IIUMWL. 115305188 1Engl•ftd aDd Wale$) 31.&25 . .Tolal 31.3.24,. Totsl Funds Funds FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 1.070 CURRENT ASSErs Debt¢)rs Current Asset Inveslment Cash al bank arml in haNJ 10 1.148 333 1,481 2.673: 62,946 60,000 .159 892 142,789 .224,319 205,462 67. 132.0¥2 CURRENT UABIUTIES Creditors 11 (9294) . (1.687) (10.981) (12.986).. 122.798 123,647 213 338 192,476 214.187 193.546 TOTAL ASSETS L&SS CURRENT LIA8ILmES NET ASSETS 123,647 214 187, 193,$46 FUNDS 13 123.647 122.514. 90.540 70 972 214.187, . 193.546 Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS The cornpany is entiiied to exem01 Seqth 477 ( tr 2(Th forthe year eIed 31 Mch 2025. Act and (b) prep•1 S(en whith a In axl far st (f affws of the gjnpany as at Act 2006 relaling to small companies and.with tre provtsiorts of. Ihe Stment of Recommended prac1 'AcCoting and reporting by Charities: Ststemenl of Recom PrdcIKe apKAicable to tsrities prewlng Ihe¥ accounts In Orda wlth the Finantx RewbNJ SlarJwd appcth in the UK Rqxjbtic (f Ireknd (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) issued in Odobw2019 ty tre Ch Comissiw: The nal& slatennts wue aNx01 ty the"Bowd (Tn*s 23 Octthw2025 WKI Fhwe sIgd on its behalf ty: mantha Mailla5 Chair Page 17
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sTATElrs FOR THE YEAR Eta)ED 31 MARCH 202S I. COMPANY INFORMATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES Company Inforniatlon The company is a prfvate company limi by guarantee and is registered in England and Wales, Reglstered company 05305186 Registered charlty number 1119555 Reglstered Office: Bedford Heights Brickhill Drive Bedford MK417PH Basls of prnpaylng thefinanclal statements The trustees believetlHtthe charilable cornp can operate for a p of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the finaKaal statements. The Charity continues to be supported by the funding from the Arts Council and otlw incoft streams and as such Consider it appropriate to prepare the accounts on a going Accountlng¢onv•ntion The financd Statem have been prepared under the historical cost convenlion. and in accordarKe wilh the.Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of Charilies Statement of Recommethd Praciice issued In October. 2019 (FRS102) aThl sectlon la of FRS102. The presentsuon ojwrency used in accounts is Cash flow Statement The tru5kn have ten thartye of the eX110n in CharRies SORP Oct 2019 {FRS102) fr(Mn induding a cash Ilow stnrt in the finandal Statem on the grourKls that the chafftable thmpaw is small. Incomlng resources . All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities clkirltsble company is legally wrtilled to Ihe kKome and the amount can be qUafied with reasonable accuracy. VOl18ry Income is received by way of granis dorotions arKI gffts and is included in fldl in the Slatementof Firmncial Adivities when recw8ble. Income is OTty deferrgj when ts donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in ftrtwe accounting periods or the donor has imposed conditions wtich must be met before the chai7table comp8ny has uncorKlitl( wi1lnenL Government Grants All Grants are acc(XW as permitted by FRS102, and the 2019 Charfty SORP. Grants of a revenue nature are recogni8ed the Statement of Financial Actsvilles in the same period as Ihey are reived. R•sourcts expended Expenditure As accounted for on an accruals tsis and has been clas3ffied der headlngs that aggregate all cost reld lo the category. Vvhere costs cannot bè direcuy attrWed to particular headings they have . been allocated to activi11 on a basis consistent the use of resources. The pension costs charged against income represent Ihe ount of contri1)Utio payable to the scheme in re4tt of the accounting Costs chty to a restrictedfvnd relatetothe adiiqbes urthrtaento furtherthe sperifiG ChariL8b purposes the fund was established to supporL. indude both direGt and support C assooated with the aclivities underten by the restsid ftmds. Support costs are allocated based on agreed allowances from funders. Expenrfrturè attribulable to the restric fund may 3ti11 be charged to it even if there is an insufficient balance on that rKI at the time. However, exp1th shoukl only be. tharged to a resthded fund in dit when the is 8 reallstlc expedation that fulure. Income Mll be received to cover the shortfrdll. for example when a dedslon has been made to invite donalions to that restrl(ed fim(L Page 18
BEDFORDCREATIVEART8 UTED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 1. COAIPANY INFORMATION AND ACCOUNTING POUCIES ¢ontinu Rentals under Opang leases are charged 10 the statennt of FmarKial Aclivhies on a straight.lina basi8 over the leas8 temi. Tangiblefixed assats The compa$ thresfK>ld for c4)ilalisatlon was Incre (kffing the year to £500. ExpendSlure below this value. on items that may be (Thidered fixed assets. is vAitten off to revenue account as the Iwstees corlder Ihat the administr81ion a>st of capitalisation ouiweighsany beneffttothe userof Ihese accounts. Fixed Assets a value in exc of £500 are deprecied over tr1r anticipated useful life of 3 year& Taxatlon charllable company Is exempt from corpoTallon lax on fts charflable activth Iyellned Contrlbudon [On The company operates a defined c0ntrthts plan forlts employe. A defined ¢on1T1bn plan is a pensk)n plan under lch the Compwry pays fjxed contn'bthions Into a separate enbty. Once the conlrfbuuons have been paid the company has no further payment obligatlons. The contrltAttlons a recognised as an expense In the Statsment of Flnanclal Actlvltles when W fall due. Amounts that are noi paid are shown in CredOr5 as a Ilablllty In the Balance SheeL The as8els of the plan are held separately from the Company In an Indwndenty administered funds. Trade debtors, prepayments and debtors are valued at amount paid. Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and in IHid Indude cash and 8tK>rt temi highty liquid Invesknents with a short maturity ofthree months or less from the dale of acqubsition or opeTHn9s of the depogil or similar account. Crednorn Trade Cfeditors. accruals and other creditors Bre recogni8ed en there Is an obfigabon at the yearvend a8 a result of a past event, A ts probable thal a transfer of economic benefit wlll be required In Settlement. Flnanclal Instruments The company only enters Into basic finandal Instnjment Ir8n8adion8 IIAt resull in the reCogn1th of financial assets and Ilabllrties like trad8 and other debtors and creditors. Fund accounllng Unrestricted can be ed in accor(kn Imlh thè charftable owdves at the discrtlon of the Irustees. Wihln the Unrestrlcted fimds the tn15tees desw separate fvnds. which consist of mormes set aside by the twstees out of genernl funds to be 5penl on Iha specific programmes and events Identlfied after the year end. These fvnds have no Sp restrictions other than the trustees have set aside these monies out of general fvnds to support the speofic programmes and events identified ty Ihe chwitable company. Trdnsfers are rnade to 8nd from designated funds to general fvnd8 on Ihe basls of tho trustees, eslimate of future expendilure on th& Sc1C evenl8 and programmes. Restricted funts can ordy be uged for particular restr1( purposes wdhin the obiecis of the charftable compary. Restrfclions arise when specified by the donor OT when fund5 are raised for particular restricted purposes. Provlslon Is made in the majority of restric fundlng streams for management and admlnistration costs. These costs &e bome within urnestrithd fvnds and then an apwopiiate transfer is made in accordance with the fimding agreemenl Furtherexptanali(M of the nature and pwpose of each fund 18 included in the note8to th8financlal statements. Page 19
FOR THE YEAR EMDED 31 IAARCH 2025 2. OONATION8 31a26 31.3.24 Grants Individual Donations Verve Devekipmerts Ltd 146J85 191 . 146 1,191 146,385 25 . 5.538 146,385 25 5.538 149 The Grant of £148.385 Is.frn Arts England. Bedford Creallve Arts Llmfted is or of the Natlonal Portfolio Organisaiions k¥hith reCe reStr1 fUrIng to SUpt the r[9 ofthe charitable company. 3. INVESTMENT114COME 25 . 31.3.24 Bank aCunt Interest 6.083 4.,157 4. INCOME FROM CHARrrABLE ACTinEs .31A25 31.3.24 BedfoTd Borough Council Central Bedfordshlre Council The Gale Family Tnt Royal ope Hwse BTldge The Harpur Trust The University of Bedfordshire Bedford & Luton Community FourKI. Ashley Famly Found. Bedford Playws Tfust The Wxamtree Trust. Legacy of w1ndnh Descendents Commwuty Volunty Grand Union H(xTrJ Group Steel Charitable Tntst Fuji Film Limrt&# Vefve Developments Limited Soulhall Trust Mrs B L Robins¢m. .Charity Trust The Connolly Found. Bedford Edtional Assoc. 13,975 13.975 5,175 3.250 5.17S 3.250 6.000 50.428 6,500 50,428 6,500 2,500 9.980 8.700 6.000 1.255 2,500 9,980 8.700 6.000 1,255 7,580 3.000 15.000 5.IX)O 4.750 ' 15.000 5,000 4.750 10,000 10.000 Communty Found. Rathbone Invesknent 61A75 61A75 iooo 1000 7.670 Other income 351 1,626 IW236 1W 198 351 150 368 150.719
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS uiarrED NOTES TO THE HNANCIAL STATEAIENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 taARCH 2025 6. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE 31.325 31.3.24 Charitablo activitles Salary related 109,IM8 48,971 168,019 102,255 148,112 Temporary slaff and Consultaiicy Insurance Artistic Prog. Office cost and admin ' Staff TralnlrvJ ' Recruitment Independent examiner's fees HR 5UPPOrt costs IT & Comms G0veMan costs arKI Trustees. expenses Bank fees Depre¢iatlon 18.674 18.674 2.190 2.190 1.637 98.896 101.744 8.352 1.538 21.570 9.922 1,538 70,550 9.890 48,980 (32) 1660 2,660 1,959 330 1,512 1,959 330 1,512 1.660 2224 4,347 337 2224 4,347 337 311 538 6.311 162 872 162 872 173 173 149 670 94.805 6. NEf INCOMINGI(OLrrGOING) RESOURCES . Net re80urces are Stated after tharglng: 31.3.25 . 31.3.24 Deprecialion- oMRd assets Opeiattng Leases- property Independent examlnéfs fee8 1,313 1,650 1,512 7. TrUSTEES' REAWNERATION AND BENEFITS None of the Tritstees recdved any Trmurw81ion or other beneffts for the year ended 31 March 2025 or for the year ended 31 Marth 2024. There were trustee expenses tot811ing £82 paid dung the year (2024- £nll). The total number of truslees who daimed travel expele8 during the was 1 (2024- 0). . 8TAFF COSTS 31.3.25 31.3.24 Wage5 and salaries sla1 security costs Pension conlrlbulion8 145.530 8.410 136.282 7,797 158.019 148 112 The average number of full tin* equlvalent employe during the yearwas 4 (2024 - 4). The average head courtof efflployees during Ihe yearwas 6 (2024-6). No employees recelved emoluments exceeding £60.000 per annum (2024: none) The remuneration of key m8nagement personnel durirKJ the yewamounts to £103.037 {2024: £102.167).
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS UIAITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIALSTATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AIARCH 2025 9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Computer Equlpment FIxre$ & Flttlngs and Equipment Total At 1 April 2024 Additions DlsFwl8 9,0 652 9.717 At 31 March 2025 682 DECPRECIATION At 1 Aprfl 2024 Charge for the year Dl8posals 019 819 628 8.647 873 At 31 March 2025 682 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 At 31 Marth 2024 1.018 10.DEBTOR8: AMOUP¥rn FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31a25 31.3.24 11.CREDITORS: AhlOUNTS FALUNG DUE wrrHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.26 31.3.24 Trade tteditors Other credttorn . 2,123 7,730 ql PENSION coiwrnENTS separately from those of the company in an independently adminlsteréd fijnd. The pension cost charge represents contrlbulions pa Contrlbutk)ns totalling £nil (r ble by the charitsble company to the fund and amounted £4.079 (2024.. £4.033). In other rJedltor& 1 Marth 2024: £nU) were payabl8 to the fd atlhe pOrtirmj date arKI are Included Page 22
. NOTES TO TrE FINANCIAL sTATNTs 13.MOVEMENTIN FUNDS Transfe At 1A24 funts nds At 31J.25 Unrestrlcted funds Genernl fimd 7.637 11 Designated funds 037 121F14 166252 (154179) 5.000 13,610 110 037 155352 (154179) 123,647 Restrfcted fun(ts Our Natural Blue. Spaces FurKI 21123 4760 (23.626) (1&876) 3247 Bedfordshire , Empty 0p5 Communty Portrait Fund Digital PAurals Family Hub Mural Project Assi*nt 23-25 Fund Rlver Fl Connect Universty of Bedfordshire Culture Clubs Windntsh Alrships XR BCP River Fesl Book of Bedford Julia Jamian Literay Trail 1957) 110n (9.362) (3 (19.296) (17.4551 (4155) 12,1551 (14061 (1406 20.000 P4869) 29 2.733 3.619 681 21,074 2.155 6A14 1,841 97J fJ1.979) p.fj) {566) 11.000 11.000 .000 (2DJ} 9.IJOT (5.158) 10,1ffj0 4390 10.OIXI 10,000 4390 Underpass Mural 7072 167,235 I1476n 19M8 90,540 TOYAL FIINDS 214 187 De51gnated Funds Dlated fur¥Js are as f(Alrn: 31.325 31.324 Emergew Wnd Up Fwd Capital Equiwerrt & Rerrntion Fwxl Programme Develoynert Fund Peo & Or¢wisati(m FWKI 60.037 10,0(KI 60.037 10,000 . 20,000 . 25.000 110 037 115 037 The deslgnated funds, &% descrfbed in the Inkn W on page 13. ccnsisl ofnN)nles setaside byth8 trustees Page 23
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATElaENTS
FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 PAARCH 2026
Provision is made in the njOrityOf restrictedftjnthng StrefOr maBgementand administration costs. These
costs a bome wilhin unre8tn.cied funds arKI then an appropTi tsansfer is made In accordance th the
fundlng agreement on an basts.
Our Natural Blue Spaces (previrx Make Way for Culture Fund): this is a consultancy project funded by
Central Bedkndshire Council and the Mws B L Robins Charty Tfust to support cultural education activty in
th8 locality. Funding is being used to deliver wothshops in fw Ceffval Be(ffordshire schools that develop an
." Illustrated map and charkr for protecthn of local SP (ythw. rivw5. canats etc). The maps wlll be
Igtttsed.
Bedf(KdshlTe Council to cover Ihe cost of the Creative Bedfdth thine plalform. Funds pay for Sixcircles
Gale Famlty Tntst Is being held to erAble
BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIPIITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 ndrush Fund: This consists of a fee awarded by the Legacy of Wndrush Descendants (LOWD) to support their delivery of a resource pack showcasing Bedford resldents and Wndrush descendants that can be used by communities and schools for educational purposes. Fees have been spent on marketing time in the design of a resource pac BCP River Fest Fund: Thss consists of a grantfrom the UK Shared Pr08perity Fund issues via Bedford Borough Council to enable a programme of creative activities at the River Festival 2024 on behalf of Ihe 8edford Cultural Partnership. FK1$ were spent on artistic and producing fees for crealive ?ctivitie$. Book of Bedford FurKI: Funds were secured from a sponsor. The Hary)ur Trust aTKI grants from Gale Famity Charity Trust and the Beds Educalional Associalion to enable a book project wth primary school children. FurKls were spent on artist fees. prfnting and materials to enable delivery of the programme and la event Julia Jarman Llt8rary Trall Fund: Thls consists of a fee from Bedford Borough Council for the commissionirvJ of a literary trail for children. Funds will be held for project delivery In 2025-26. Migration Theatre FurKI: Thls consist of a grant from Ihe Southall Trust towards the development of a migrant theatre company for Bedford to be used to pay for artlst tss and expenses forlheatre workshop delivery. The funds will be held for delSvery In 2028. Lknderpass Aqural Fund: This conslsts of a grarrt from 8edford Borough Council's Ward Funds alongside a grant from th8 BLCF Safer Streels nd to enable delivery of workshops and the painting of a mural in Bedford. Funds were Spent on arbst fees and expenses relating lo W01>p de15very and Ihe remainder 13 carried fomard for mural f$ and materlals for dellvery in 202&6. CAPITAL The charitable company has no share capltal. The liability of members Is Ilmfted by guarantee and does rM)t exceed £1 per member. 15. RELATED PARTIES BCA leased a store from Verve Developments Limited for£nil In the year ended 31 March 2025 (31 March 2024: £nil). BCA also hired meeting rooms at Bedford Heights whlch Is oivned by Verve Developments Limited. these were hlred out at a nil cost to BCA. In the year to 31 Mar 2025. an amount of £328 was pald to Verve Developments for ad hoG room hire and Tefreshments (2024.. £5,254) Verve Developments Llmlted is a related paty due io TNnothy Pain being a dlrector of Verve D8vetopments Umlted and a trustee for Bedford Creative Arts Ltd. If payable, the commercial rent on the store wvuld have totalled £1,932 for the,year ended 31 March 2025 (2024: £1.932). The cornmercral cost of hiring the meeling rooms would have cost BCA £698 (2024: £3,606). Thts has been received as a gift In kind from Verve Developments Limited for both financial years. The total gift in kind for the year ended 31 March 2025 of £2,630 (2024". £5,538) thffis IRS bean recognised in the accounts as a Donation from VeNe Developments Limlted to BCA with a COTresponding cost 1& OPERATING LEASE The a currently no operating leases held by Bedford Creative Arts Umlted ts the year ended 31 March 2025 and the yeareThled 31 March 2024. 17. CAPITAL The charitable company has no Share Gapit81. The liablllty of members is rnited by guaranlee axl does not exceed £1 per member. Pa8e 25
tKITES TO THE RNANCIAL STATEMEN13 18. PRIOR YEAR NET SSEr8 BY FUILI 31.324 Total Funds Funds FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 1,070 CURRENT ASSETS Amounts ¢yAtd within one year Cash at bank and in hand 10 2,673 1673 130.541 71428 21Y2.789 133214 72,428 205.462 CURREKr LIA81LITIES Amounts falling due within one year 11 (11.710) (1276) (12,986) NET CURREiir ASSErs TOTAL ASSErs LESS CURRENT UABiufiES 121.504 70.972 192,476 121574 70.9n 193.546 NEf ASSETS 12I5T4 70.972 193.546 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 13 122,574 70.972 TOTAL FUNDS 193,546 Page 26