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2020-08-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 05907385 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1121751

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

FOR

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

Harrison Beale & Owen Limited Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor Highdown House 11 Highdown Road Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV31 1XT

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 August 2020

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 11
Report of the Independent Auditors 12 to 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14
Balance Sheet 15 to 16
Cash Flow Statement 17
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 18
Notes to the Financial Statements 19 to 27
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 28 to 29

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 August 2020

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2020. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 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).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTVITIES

Vision and objectives

To be Europe’s leading Christian institute for vocational arts and technology training.

Nexus is called to be a premier, global Christian institute known for the integration of faith, discipleship and vocational training in the service of God’s people, His church and society.

Our mission

Through excellent training programs and comprehensive discipleship, Nexus leads Christian musicians and technicians from diverse background into an understanding of the full gospel of Jesus Christ; builds spiritual and musical foundations into individuals, essential for realising their full potential in life; and releases students into active participation in the building of God’s kingdom across the whole Earth.

Public benefit

The trustees of the charity have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance concerning public benefit.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Student numbers

The total number of students for 2019-2020 was 85 Undergraduates and 10+2 Post Graduates, which represented an overall drop in numbers.

1[st] Year (Level 4) - 33 2[nd] Year (Level 5) - 19 3[rd] Year (Level 6) – 33 MMus (Level 7) – 10 full time with 2 withdrawals, 2 part-time.

The addition of the post graduate Masters in Popular Music Performance in September 2019 was realised and there was a good take up in the first year. This helped to reduce the impact of the low year group; in 2019-20 being carried by the Level 5 cohort.

Results

The pass rate continues to be good and above average compared to National statistics. Although there has been a downward trend in the amount of first class degrees being awarded, upper second class continues to be strong and remaining consistent within a few percent.

The Board remain happy with the results and the focus on the cohort rather than the numbers. Reporting a downward trend in first class degrees does not cause worry, and we have not required the Leadership Team to report an increase on that in the coming year. The broader focus and success of learning cannot be accurately displayed in results statistics.

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 August 2020

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Results (continued)

Graduation celebration

Due to the Pandemic, the large scale awards ceremony in the summer hosted by the University of West London was cancelled. Nexus students traditionally attend the November Graduation Ceremony; we are expecting that to also be cancelled. Nexus ICA hosted a pared back Commissioning Service and Third Year celebration in July, attended online by students. Given the circumstances, this was a success and well received by students and attending parents.

Recruitment

Having recognised this as an area of weakness in last year’s report, the data shows a marked increase in the 2019-20 figures regarding attracting initial interest and completed applications. Financially, we achieved an ROI of 723% (up 22% from 2018-2019), with a CPA (cost per acquisition) of £611 (down 12% from 2018-2019).

We increased the amount of initial applications we received through more effective digital marketing, and a generally more efficient and effective comms team. This included retaining a 3[rd] party to manage our social media from January 2020.

The retaining of the 3[rd] party increased the effectiveness of our organic reach (non-paid). This has played a significant role in our efforts to increase digital marketing as a lead generation and conversion strategy.

In the 2019-2020 academic year, 45% of our students found out about Nexus ICA through digital channels. In 20182019 10% of our students found out about us through digital channels; a 35% increase which is partly due to the increased effectiveness of social media.

At end of August our total student intake stood at 45 students for the coming academic year, with 13 deferrals and 7 withdrawals. Deferrals and withdrawals were up overall, with an average in past years being 3 deferrals, and 2 withdrawals. In many cases, the Pandemic was given as a reason.

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 August 2020

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Recruitment (continued)

Overall, we are on an upward trend regarding initial interest going through to applicants. Comparative figures here:

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 August 2020

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Recruitment (continued)

Despite encouraging figures, our intake in the coming years must increase to be able to sustain and maintain the costs of delivery. Target for 2019-20 was 62 incoming over all courses – this includes Level 4, any new students on Levels 5 -6 and new Level 7 students. This remains a goal we would like to achieve for future years.

Website

The target of 5,138 visitors for 2019-20 was achieved by April 2020 representing an increase of 548% on last year’s figures. Cumulative figures for the year shown below:

Fundraising and additional streams of income

Apart from usual fundraising activities being curtailed, the whole area of fundraising remains a challenge. The perception of an Institution entirely and very well funded by the Government is hard to overcome, though we continue to work hard to state our case.

Additional streams of income are to be found mainly from hiring the building out during weekends and evenings. This was obviously curtailed or stopped completely during the Pandemic.

Dave Silber left his employed position with Nexus ICA and moved to working on a consultancy basis. His work is focussed on Missional Development and Leadership and includes developing strategic connections and fundraising. This work grew in importance as usual streams of income became scarcer as the Pandemic took hold. The research and work of this role continues to target at grants and funding in the areas of Christian Higher Education and the Creative Arts.

In June of 2020 we applied for and were recipients of a Government Bounce Back Loan administrated by Nat West Bank. The loan of £25,000 will be used to carry out updates and renovations to the facility that were due to be paid for by fundraising, although this work will commence in the following year, 2020-21.

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 August 2020

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Fundraising and additional streams of income (continued)

Individual gifts from stakeholders and supporters remain a crucial part of our financial strategy, although regular monthly income from these sources is still decreasing. Raising awareness of the work and the cost of delivery needs to remain high on our fundraising agenda, as does finding sources of income that will strengthen the income received from student fees. Individual donations continued on an irregular basis. Aside from regular partner giving, donations amounted to £11,493. Management of donations is a collaborative decision between Board and Senior Leadership Team.

The Board are considering a rise in student fees for September of 2021 for incoming students, and the Senior Leadership Team are engaged in conversation with the University regarding this change.

Staff and student development

TedX Coventry

Assistant Principal and Director of Education was accepted to present at TedX Coventry on the subject of Person Centred Education. The event itself was well attended and the talk was well received. It presented a further opportunity to put our beliefs and ethos around education on the public stage.

Church Sound Summit

Dan Meakin, Sound and Lighting Tutor took a group of Nexus ICA students to this new initiative to provide essential services to the event and to meet others from the Christian sector of the industry. Dan was involved in the delivery of the programme, and the event also served to strengthen our relationship with the SFL group with whom we are partnered.

NAMM show

The annual opportunity to partner with American Music and Sound was in January of 2020. AMS support 3 Nexus students by sponsoring their flights to the NAMM show and paying entrance fees. In return, the students provide services and support for AMM setting up and tearing down the exhibition, assisting with services within the exhibition space and setting up and running the tech for the Nord VIP evening.

The students go through a careful selection process led by the Nexus Senior Leadership Team and attending the show represents a significant development opportunity for them both personally and in view of a career in the industry.

Nord sponsors Assistant Principal and Director of Creative Arts Matthew Cossey to attend the event and demonstrate equipment on behalf of Nord.

Creative arts

Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year Competition 2019

The whole experience of entering into this competition was hugely developmental for the choir. From the BBC visit to our site in Coventry to the final performance the choir experienced performing and competing against established gospel choirs from around the country and receiving feedback from the judges. In addition, the competition served as a point of national profile for Nexus ICA.

Nexus Christmas Musical

The 2019 Annual Christmas Musical took a large step forward with the decision being made to use a performance venue outside of our own performance hall. This gave students an excellent opportunity to experience and practice the various skills needed to execute this complex operation. Students and staff were involved in many creative and practical areas which included greeting and hosting invited guests at a VIP Reception, designing and building easily transported set, and maintaining the professional standard in a non-familiar setting. The usual opportunities for collaboration, creativity and expansion of skills were all available such as writing and producing, costume making, photography, filming, acting, sound and lights, stage managing and set building.

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 August 2020

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Further Creative opportunities and Covid 19

Like all organisations involved in creative arts, the Covid 19 Pandemic disrupted all further performance plans. These included:

Although severely disrupted, the Leadership Team continued to encourage creativity within allowed boundaries, including:

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic

Along with the whole global community we have been affected by the Pandemic. Most obviously, the attention would be drawn to us being in the Creative Sector, and the Higher Education Sector, both of which have experienced challenge and change.

The Trustees were kept up to date throughout by the Principal and the Senior Leadership Team regarding emergency budgets, risk assessments and the health and wellbeing of staff and students.

The Senior Leadership Team were quick to respond to government updates and guidance and communicated changes swiftly and in detail to students as they happened. Updates to our protocols and changes to systems were posted on our website

We are an organisation that embraces change, and this embracing is not only a key foundation of our journey in faith, but also a necessary skill for the contexts in which we exist. Creativity is not stagnant; education must change and adapt to remain relevant. In that regard, we had a staff who were able, despite difficulties, to embrace online learning, digital contact with students, online meetings, worship services without singing and many other elements. We looked for the positives in the development we were forced to actualise. These included:

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 August 2020

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic (continued)

There have, of course, been challenges that we are still working to overcome. These include:

Mental wellbeing of staff

Mental Wellbeing of students. Although contact remained officially the same, and attendance was monitored, this was much harder to track for reasons such as;

Staff had to find new and creative ways to engage with students, especially concerning issues such anxiety around work and changes to assessments, feeling isolated, and having access to academic support. This was led by the Senior Leadership Team and outworked in conjunction with the Head of Wellbeing. Changes made to account for this have remained as strategies and systems as we go into the new academic year, examples being:

Extra-Curricular Activity. While its title assumes activity that is not regarded as core, our person centred education approach relies on the strength of these activities to build essential qualities for life. Activity that was curtailed or cancelled completely included:

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 August 2020

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Updates to facility

Updates planned for the year 2019-20 were delayed due to delays in funding. A larger project is now planned for September 2020 which will see the facility’s accessibility arrangements significantly improved. Much of the work to the facility over the summer period was put towards reorganisation, cleaning and creating space for a Covid Secure environment.

In addition to the usual upkeep, updates that took place were the repainting of the front stairs and replacing of the lights in the main hall.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

In line with Charities Commission guidelines, Nexus ICA keep a minimum of 3 months operating costs in strategic reserve. Funds in excess of three months operating costs have been held to mitigate against delays in the receipt of student fees payment from The University of West London for Quarter 1 of the financial year where cash flow is historically at its lowest point. At 31 August 2020 general funds were £758,464 (2019: £793,805) and restricted funds were £2,686 (2019: £2,686).

Principal risks and uncertainties

General considerations of risk and student numbers:

The main risk to sustainability is student numbers not hitting target or a number of students dropping out. The risk analysis factors in a 10% shortfall in student recruitment year on year plus a small percentage of students who leave the course early. It also includes a consideration for bad debt.

This can be mitigated by monitoring student numbers and staying on target with business plans to ensure targets are hit. The recruitment process involves reporting back on levels of applications, interviews and acceptances throughout the year as well as tracking it in relation to previous years.

As part of the management process, reports are prepared and presented to the Board ahead of each meeting throughout the year where adherence to the budget is monitored. These reports include historical data as well as forward cash flow projections which enable the board to make decisions on expenditure and, where necessary, instruct revised budgets to be drawn up.

Insufficient fund raising

After staffing costs, the biggest expenditures are facilities upgrades and updates. The Board’s Fundraising Strategy addresses the need to raise funds for such expenditure; however the Board reserve the right to recommend a delay in facilities expenditure except where necessary upgrades or repair are unavoidable.

Unable to secure additional facilities

Space is an issue in terms of being able to deliver multiples programmes and timetabling. Additional space is currently being hired. If for any reason this becomes unavailable, Nexus ICA will extend the timetable day to facilitate it. Currently the timetable operates from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. There is scope to start at 8am and run till 10pm if required. Saturday operations would also be considered until additional premises may be secured.

If CAS allocation is withdrawn or Tier 4 license revoked

Currently, levels of international students are low enough not to impact the budget in an unmanageable way should Tier 4 be removed. Since Nexus ICA is a franchised partner of UWL, the students are UWL students and transfer onto a UWL course would be available within the 60-day time frame. This is low risk because we have successfully operated our license for several years. The small number of international students’ currently attending means the impact is relatively low and investment decisions can be deferred.

In the event of other business interruptions or financial difficulties

As part of the provision within the franchise agreement, UWL receives the fees from the Student Loan Company. Since 50% of fees are not paid out till May of the academic year it allows them to make provision for continuation should Nexus ICA cease trading for any reason. UWL would then deliver the course from London or transfer students onto one of their other courses. Nexus ICA’s insurance policy also includes Business Interruption cover in the event of Force Majeure.

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the year ended 31 August 2019

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Nexus ICA exists within a context that is continuing to experience difficulty, challenge and opposition. Our belief is that the education we offer is excellent, necessary and relevant. Recruitment is up, which is a good sign. However, with students being our main source of income – and our main priority – it is absolutely imperative that we attract significantly more interest than we currently are. The value of Higher Education has been in question for some time among school leavers, parents and national leaders and now, with the added pressures of Covid 19, its reputation seems to be falling further with applications to Higher Education down across the sector. At Nexus we are proud to have continued to offer excellent education and student contact in all circumstances, despite the rising cost of delivering that education. Although the sector has been a recipient of a good deal of negative press, we are confident that to study with us remains a positive and plausible option, particularly in view of being a smaller provider and being able to continue with student support and face to face lectures as we intend to do.

To try to combat the reality of the context we find ourselves in, with applicants’ hesitancy over beginning study at this time, Nexus ICA is already beginning to explore an increase in blended learning opportunities and distance learning. In addition to the two new courses introduced this year, a business case is underway for a new Postgraduate Degree in Contemporary Worship Studies which we hope will commence in 2021-2022.

We remain dedicated to the lives, futures and transformation of each of our individual students. The Board, our hard working Senior Leadership Team, our creative staff, and our committed student body will continue to work together to achieve the mission and vision of Nexus ICA into the future.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

The charity is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 16 August 2006, governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and became registered as a charity on 29 November 2007. The charity was formerly known as 'Nexus Trust' before officially changing its name to 'Nexus Institute of Creative Arts' on 19 February 2014.

Organisation and structure

The trustees who have served during the year and since the year end are shown on page 10. The trustees are appointed by the existing board of trustees and meet on a regular basis in order to oversee the work of the charity. The trustees delegate the day to day running of the organisation to a senior leadership team who are in turn responsible to the body of trustees. The trustees have the power to invest the resources of the organisation in such assets as they see fit.

Recruitment of trustees

Although efforts have been made to recruit new members, they have so far been unsuccessful. The Executive Chair is currently able to take much of the workload, and robust policies and guidelines remain in place to ensure that the work is collaborative, transparent, managed accurately by the Board as a whole and done in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team. Due to this working pattern, the Board though small, continues to function effectively.

Jane Moffat took up an Advisory role to the Board in November 2019 in the area of Safeguarding.

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees are appointed by the existing trustees. The trustees are given an introduction to the Charity and are given the guidance from the Charity Commission on the roles and responsibilities of trustees. All trustees are reminded to monitor the Charity Commission's website for any updates of these responsibilities on a regular basis.

Key management remuneration

Remuneration for key management personnel is set as part of the annual budget process with reference to benchmarking of pay and benefits for similar organisations.

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

for the year ended 31 August 2020

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

Governance responsibilities – notable developments

Safeguarding

Under the guidance of the Safeguarding advisor to the Board, policies have been significantly improved in this area and the DSL role was clarified and reappointed.

Health and Safety

Risk assessments, facility management, policies and protocols were under constant review due to the Pandemic, and monitored by the Board. Changes made remain in place until further notice.

Student Wellbeing

The role of Head of Student Wellbeing was created and appointed in January 2020. This role incorporates many areas for which the Senior Leadership Team hold responsibility including but not limited to; pastoral care, oversight for Personal Tutors, physical and mental health of students, connection with NHS and other local provision. The Head of Student Wellbeing reports directly to the Principal.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

05907385 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1121751

Registered office

Astoria House 71 Albany Road Coventry West Midlands CV5 6JR

Auditors

Harrison Beale & Owen Limited Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 11 Highdown Road Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV31 1XT

Bankers

National Westminster Bank 118 Walsgrave Road Coventry West Midlands CV5 6JR

Trustees

Kate Silber (Executive Chair) David Bertram Jet Jones Matthew Ling

Senior Leadership Team

David Ashworth (Principal) Hannah Proudfoot Matthew Cossey Matthew Donald

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31 August 2020

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of Nexus Institute Of Creative Arts for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 29 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

........................................................................ D Bertram - Trustee

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Nexus Institute Of Creative Arts (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 August 2020 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

However not all future events or conditions can be foreseen. The COVID-19 viral pandemic is one of the most significant economic events for the UK with unprecedented levels of uncertainty of outcomes. It is therefore difficult to evaluate all of the potential implications on the charitable company and the wider economy. The trustee's views on the impact of COVID-19 are disclosed in note 2 of the notes to the financial statements.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

for and on behalf of Harrison Beale & Owen Limited Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 Highdown House 11 Highdown Road Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV31 1XT

29 March 2021

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 August 2020

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
3
33,906
Charitable activities
6
Tuition and performance
643,171
Other trading activities
4
75
Investment income
5
17
Total
677,169
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
7
Tuition and performance
712,510
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(35,341)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
793,805
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
**758,464 **		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,686
2,686		 2020
Total
funds
£
33,906
643,171
75
17
677,169
712,510
(35,341)
796,491
761,150		 2019
Total
funds
£
37,735
590,386
13,285
31
641,437
716,621
(75,184)
871,675
796,491

The notes form part of these financial statements

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

BALANCE SHEET 31 August 2020

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
14
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
16
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than one year
17
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
20
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
funds

£
700,303
48,825
297,850
346,675
(65,941)
280,734
981,037
(222,573)
758,464		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
2,686
2,686
-
2,686
2,686
-
2,686		 2020
Total
funds
£
700,303
48,825
300,536
349,361
(65,941)
283,420
983,723
(222,573)
761,150
758,464
2,686
761,150		 2019
Total
funds
£
708,606
16,368
355,688
372,056
(72,002)
300,054
1,008,660
(212,169)
796,491
793,805
2,686
796,491

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2020.

The members have not deposited notice, pursuant to Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requiring an audit of these financial statements.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

These financial statements have been audited under the requirements of Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011.

The notes form part of these financial statements

15

continued...

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

BALANCE SHEET - continued 31 August 2020

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 29 March 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. D Bertram - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 August 2020
2020
Notes
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
(44,862)
Interest paid
(10,542)
Net cash used in operating activities
(55,404)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(12,336)
Sale of tangible fixed assets
300
Interest received
17
Net cash used in investing activities
(12,019)
Cash flows from financing activities
New loans in year
25,000
Loan repayments in year
(12,729)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
12,271
Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the reporting period
(55,152)
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
355,688
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the reporting period
300,536		 2019
£
(34,495)
(11,123)
(45,618)
(17,414)
135
31
(17,248)
-
(12,148)
(12,148)
(75,014)
430,702
355,688

The notes form part of these financial statements

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NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 August 2020

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net expenditure for the reporting period (as per the Statement of
Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Profit on disposal of fixed assets
Interest received
Interest paid
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Net cash used in operations		 2020
£
(35,341)
20,639
(300)
(17)
10,542
(32,457)
(7,928)
(44,862)		 2019
£
(75,184)
23,026
(135)
(31)
11,123
1,886
4,820
(34,495)

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.9.19 Cash flow At 31.8.20
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 355,688 (55,152) 300,536
355,688 (55,152) 300,536
Debt
Debts falling due within 1 year (13,781) (1,868) (15,649)
Debts falling due after 1 year (212,169) (10,404) (222,573)
(225,950) (12,272) (238,222)
Total 129,738 (67,424) 62,314

The notes form part of these financial statements

18

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 August 2020

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Nexus Institute of Creative Arts is a company limited by guarantee and is incorporated in England. It is also a registered charity as regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The address of the registered office is given in the administrative information on page 10 of these financial statements.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The trustees are aware of the possible impact of COVID-19 and are confident sufficient steps have been taken to mitigate these impacts. The trustees believe that the charity can meet its liabilities as they fall due and the charity shall remain a going concern. As such the financial statements have been prepared on this basis

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Costs which contribute to more than one activity are apportioned on the basis of staff time incurred on each activity. Support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between the activities being supported on the basis of staff time incurred on each activity.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Freehold property - straight line over 50 years Improvements to property - 4% on cost Equipment - 25% on cost

Assets are capitalised when they cost £1,000 or more and have a useful life of more than one year.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

continued...

19

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 August 2020

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Company status

The charity is a company limited by guarantee, which was incorporated on 16 August 2006. The members of the company are the trustees named on page 10. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity.

3. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
Gift aid
4.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Fundraising events (Rag Week)
5.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
6.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Training fees
Tuition and performance
Merchandise and tuck sales
Tuition and performance
Hall and equipment hire
Tuition and performance
Events income
Tuition and performance
Other income
Tuition and performance
Income received under the
furlough scheme
Tuition and performance		 2020
£
29,228
4,678
33,906
2020
£
75
2020
£
17
2020
£
611,688
30
15,409
8,519
2,725
4,800
643,171

continued...

20

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 August 2020

7. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Tuition and performance
8.
DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Staff costs
Merchandise and tuck costs of sale
Events
Training and activities
Donations
Validation fees
9.
SUPPORT COSTS
Management
£
Tuition and performance
280,310
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
Administration salary costs
Social security
Pensions
Water and rates
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone
Printing, postage and stationery
Advertising
Bad debts
Child protection costs
Repairs, maintenance and security
Subscriptions
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Finance charges
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Interest payable and similar charges
Auditors' remuneration
Legal fees
Accountancy fees		 Direct
Support
Costs (see
costs (see
note 8)
note 9)
£
£
409,800
302,710
2020
£
227,683
20
10,091
57,856
-
114,150
409,800
Governance
Finance
costs
£
£
10,761
11,639
2020
Tuition
and
performance
£
185,589
7,452
6,727
5,882
4,169
11,805
781
1,221
25,151
-
381
8,543
1,970
20,639
519
(300)
10,542
3,933
4,160
3,546
302,710		 Totals
£
712,510
2019
£
213,896
1,288
15,607
71,340
4,405
104,400
410,936
Totals
£
302,710
2019
Total
activities
£
162,025
4,063
9,315
6,500
4,126
14,968
813
1,540
24,816
1,073
289
14,683
3,758
23,026
838
(135)
11,123
4,820
6,954
11,090
305,685

continued...

21

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 August 2020

10. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

Auditors' remuneration
Depreciation - owned assets
Surplus on disposal of fixed assets		 2020
£
3,933
20,639
(300)		 2019
£
4,820
23,026
(135)

11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

K S Silber, an employee of the charity, was appointed as a trustee on 1 March 2019. £13,084 remuneration was paid to K S Silber, in her occupational capacity in the year (2019: £11,345). The remuneration was paid under the legal authority of the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association. K S Silber resigned as an employee of the charity on 30 September 2020.

There were no other trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2020 nor for the year ended 31 August 2019.

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and the senior leadership team. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £134,370 (2019: £105,888).

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2020 nor for the year ended 31 August 2019.

12. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2020
£
391,237
21,194
15,020
427,451		 2019
£
358,009
11,316
19,974
389,299

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Training
Administration		 2020
9
19
28		 2019
9
16
25

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

continued...

22

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 August 2020

13.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
36,735
Charitable activities
Tuition and performance
590,386
Other trading activities
13,285
Investment income
31
Total
640,437
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Tuition and performance
715,621
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(75,184)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
868,989
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
793,805
14.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Improvements
Freehold
to
property
property
£
£
COST
At 1 September 2019
650,000
109,032
Additions
-
11,486
Disposals
-
-
At 31 August 2020
650,000
120,518
DEPRECIATION
At 1 September 2019
26,000
30,738
Charge for year
13,000
4,534
Eliminated on disposal
-
-
At 31 August 2020
39,000
35,272
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2020
611,000
85,246
At 31 August 2019
624,000
78,294
Restricted
funds
£
1,000
-
-
-
1,000
1,000
-
2,686
2,686
Equipment
£
55,519
850
(3,800)
52,569
49,207
3,105
(3,800)
48,512
4,057
6,312		 Total
funds
£
37,735
590,386
13,285
31
641,437
716,621
(75,184)
871,675
796,491
Totals
£
814,551
12,336
(3,800)
823,087
105,945
20,639
(3,800)
122,784
700,303
708,606

continued...

23

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 August 2020

15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade debtors
Bad debt provision
Other debtors
Prepayments
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 18)
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income		 2020
£
44,081
(19,013)
6,859
16,898
48,825
2020
£
15,649
10,595
5,945
8,880
7,272
17,600
65,941		 2019
£
32,780
(19,013)
1,454
1,147
16,368
2019
£
13,781
5,435
5,999
6,291
4,681
35,815
72,002

16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Deferred income comprises training and registration fees that have been received in advance of the forthcoming academic year.

2020
£
Balance as at 1 September 2019
35,815
Amount released to income earned from charitable activities
(35,815)
Amount deferred in year
17,600
17,600
Balance as at 31 August 2020
17.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
2020
£
Bank loans (see note 18)
222,573
18.
LOANS
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
2020
£
Amounts falling due within one year on demand:
Bank loans
15,649
Amounts falling between one and two years:
Bank loans - 1-2 years
20,233
Amounts falling due between two and five years:
Bank loans - 2-5 years
60,698		 2019
£
32,910
(32,910)
35,815
35,815
2019
£
212,169
2019
£
13,781
13,781
41,343

continued...

24

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 August 2020

18. LOANS - continued

LOANS - continued
2020 2019
£ £
Amounts falling due in more than five years:
Repayable by instalments:
Bank loans more than 5 years 141,642 157,045

Bank loans comprise a 2.5% p.a. Bounce Back loan repayable in July 2026 and a 5 year fixed rate 3.67% p.a. over Base Rate bank loan repayable in October 2032.

The bank loan is secured by a first legal charge over the charity's freehold property.

19. LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between one and five years		 2020
£
1,271
-
1,271		 2019
£
8,470
1,271
9,741

20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Property improvement grants
Restricted funds
Building fund
Bursary fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Property improvement grants
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.9.19
£
758,412
35,393
793,805
1,200
1,486
2,686
796,491
Incoming
resources
£
677,169
-
677,169
677,169		 Net
movement
At
in funds
31.8.20
£
£
(32,041)
726,371
(3,300)
32,093
(35,341)
758,464
-
1,200
-
1,486
-
2,686
(35,341)
761,150
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(709,210)
(32,041)
(3,300)
(3,300)
(712,510)
(35,341)
(712,510)
(35,341)

25

continued...

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 August 2020

20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Property improvement grants
Restricted funds
Building fund
Bursary fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.9.18
£
830,296
38,693
868,989
1,200
1,486
2,686
871,675		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(71,884)
(3,300)
(75,184)
-
-
-
(75,184)		 At
31.8.19
£
758,412
35,393
793,805
1,200
1,486
2,686
796,491

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Property improvement grants
Restricted funds
Building fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
640,437
-
640,437
1,000
641,437		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(712,321)
(71,884)
(3,300)
(3,300)
(715,621)
(75,184)
(1,000)
-
(716,621)
(75,184)

The general fund represents the free funds which are not designated for particular purposes.

The property improvement grants fund represents monies set aside by the trustees in recognition of grants received to assist in financing the rebuilding of the front steps and the new heating and air conditioning installations. The improvement costs were capitalised and included within tangible fixed assets.

The building fund represents monies received to enable improvements to be made to the building.

The bursary fund has been set up to aid students in financial difficulty cover their fees.

26

continued...

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 August 2020

21. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of certain employees. The scheme and its assets are held by independent managers. The pension charge represents contributions due to the scheme and amounted to £15,020 (2019: £19,974).

Included within creditors is a balance due to pension providers of £2,431 (2019: £2,346) representing contributions owed to the fund.

22. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Several trustees, and members of the senior management team, are regular supporters of the charity's activities. The regular donations made are less than £1,200 per contributor.

During the year remuneration was paid to D Silber, spouse of K S Silber, totalling £14,861 (2019: £36,427). In addition, during the year consultancy fees were paid to D Silber, spouse of K S Silber, totalling £11,760 (2019: £nil).

27

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 August 2020

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Gift aid
Other trading activities
Fundraising events (Rag Week)
Investment income
Deposit account interest
Charitable activities
Training fees
Merchandise and tuck sales
Hall and equipment hire
Events income
Other income
Income received under the furlough scheme
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Salaries - training
Social security
Pensions
Merchandise and tuck costs of sale
Events
Training and activities
Donations
Validation fees
Support costs
Management
Administration salary costs
Social security
Pensions
Water and rates
Insurance
Light and heat
Carried forward		 2020
£
29,228
4,678
33,906
75
17
611,688
30
15,409
8,519
2,725
4,800
643,171
677,169
205,648
13,742
8,293
20
10,091
57,856
-
114,150
409,800
185,589
7,452
6,727
5,882
4,169
11,805
221,624		 2019
£
37,735
-
37,735
13,285
31
539,536
3,390
27,003
16,943
3,514
-
590,386
641,437
195,984
7,253
10,659
1,288
15,607
71,340
4,405
104,400
410,936
162,025
4,063
9,315
6,500
4,126
14,968
200,997

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

28

NEXUS INSTITUTE OF CREATIVE ARTS

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 August 2020

Management
Brought forward
Telephone
Printing, postage and stationery
Advertising
Bad debts
Child protection costs
Repairs, maintenance and security
Subscriptions
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Finance
Finance charges
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Bank loan interest
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration
Legal fees
Accountancy fees
Total resources expended
Net expenditure		 2020
£
221,624
781
1,221
25,151
-
381
8,543
1,970
20,639
280,310
519
(300)
10,542
10,761
3,933
4,160
3,546
11,639
712,510
(35,341)		 2019
£
200,997
813
1,540
24,816
1,073
289
14,683
3,758
23,026
270,995
838
(135)
11,123
11,826
4,820
6,954
11,090
22,864
716,621
(75,184)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

29