Charity No 1129485
Report and Accounts of the Trustees of Leyland Band
Year Ending 31[st] March 2025
Charity Principal Address 15 Hugh Barn Barn Lane New Longton Preston PR4 6ED
Trustees
Dan moore Chairman
Andrew Blackledge Treasurer
Minute Secretary Marianne Garbutt
Events Secretary Gary Westwood
Independent Examiner
Eric Rigby
Type of Organisation
Association
Type of Governing Document
Constitution
Trustees Report prepared by Andrew Blackledge
For and on behalf of the Trustees of Leyland Band 15th January 2025
CONTENTS
Report of the Trustees
Introduction Aims and Objectives Trustees Status Achievements Corporate Governance and Risk Management Ethics Accessibility Child Protection Public Benefit Short Financial Appraisal Reserves Policy Conclusion and Future Objectives
Appendices
Income and Expenditure Account for Year Ending 31[st] March 2025 Balance Sheet as at 31[st] March 2025 Fixed Asset Schedule as at 31[st] March 2025 Income and Expenditure Account Year Ending 31[st] March 2025 Independent Examiners Statement for Year Ending 31[st] March 2025 Balance Sheet as at 31[st] March 2025
Introduction
This is the sixteenth Report of the Trustees of Leyland Band. Charitable status continues to develop a disciplined approach to management of the organisation and the Trustees acknowledge this to be a positive outcome of the process. This Report summarises the status, activities, and financial status of the organisation in the reporting year.
Aims and Objectives
The object of the band is to advance the education of the public in the United Kingdom and throughout the World, in the art and science of British Brass Band Music through the provision of public band concerts and recitals and training in Brass Band Music
Trustees
Trustees of Leyland Band are appointed ‘ex officio’ (virtue of office) as outlined in the constitution. As members of the committee, Trustees are actively engaged in the normal running of the organisation. In addition to normal management meetings the Trustees meet independently on a regular basis to review the strategic direction of the organisation, monitor cash flow, and approve specific items of expenditure outside normal operational requirements. This is reported at management meetings and appropriate decisions taken considering the experience and advice of the Trustees. This allows the management committee and Trustees to ensure that both short term and long-term objectives and issues are being dealt with to time and cost.
The following Trustees were active during the reporting Period.
| Name | Office |
|---|---|
| Dan Moore | Chairman |
| Andrew Blackledge | Treasurer |
| Marrianne Garbutt | Minute Secretary |
| Events Secretary | Gary Westwood |
Trustees have been appointed by the committee based on professional experience and added value to the organisation. The Trustees are minded of the need to ensure any new Trustees appointed at AGM are fully aware of their responsibilities.
Summary of Report Period
Status
Since the report of 31[st] March 2024, the revitalisation of Leyland Band continues at pace with vigour and renewed vision for sustainable long-term success.
Musical Direction
FY2024 reported the appointment of a young and vibrant Musical Director, Danny Brookes. With a proven record of developing youth, building musical outfits from bottom up and a long-term vision of encouraging young talent Danny introduced a total of thirteen players to the band. A mix of experience and young aspirants completed the new player line up for the 2024/2025 contest season. Danny has brought vibrancy, fun and a strong work ethic to the band and the commitment and drive to succeed was noted almost immediately. Danny also brought to the table a long-term plan of
success, not just in achieving top ten status in the World Rankings but developing concert formats to appeal to the wider community, plan for succession and develop partnerships with affiliated youth organisations.
Achievements
Competitions
As reported FY2024 the first competition with the new team was the Northwest Area Championships. A very raw team assembled very quickly resulted in fourth place. The band did not qualify for the National Finals with this result but was a great measure of where the band needed to be. The Whit Friday March Contests were next in June 2024. The band had a great run achieving third place overall in the Thameside competition and won a substantial prize fund. The next objective was to ensure staying in the most prestigious contest of all, The British Open Championship. With a previous 17th place, another low aggregate score could mean demotion and an arduous task of requalification it was imperative the band achieved a top ten finish. The revitalised band took to the stage and performed magnificently achieving a ninth place. This was a high enough result to ensure continued participation and further cemented the recovery process and philosophy. The run of good results and confirmation of the plan working was a resounding second place (February 2025) at the Northwest Area Qualifier for The National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. The band pushed nine-time past winners Foden’s band to a very close second to a delighted Leyland Band. The belief in the strategy was achieving set goals.
Concerts
The band continues to maintain its matinee series of concerts four times yearly. This is a great outreach to the community and gives the band an opportunity to play for and meet its many supporters and Patrons.
Other events of note included
Festival of Makings Concert for RNLI Preston Playhouse
The provision of a fanfare team for UCLAN degree ceremonies is a major fixture, a significant earner and provides a public platform for many people to enjoy our services. Hopefully this long-term relationship can be maintained.
It was evident that ‘traditional’ concert bookings were reducing at a significant rate, and it was evident that there was not enough paid work to sustain the organisation. With the renewed vigour of musical direction and playing standard there was a considerable up turn in the committee involvement especially the creative proposals of several members. It was proposed that a screening of ‘The Snowman’ to live band accompaniment would be staged. Consisting of three houses, thanks to the creative talents of several committee members and Musical Director the band was able to perform three shows to an enthralled audience harnessing commercial realities of online ticketing, promotion and merchandising. It was an enormous success and provided the blueprint for future productions. In March 2025 the band staged its biggest production ever with two screenings with live brass accompaniment of the Ardman Wallace and Gromit classic ‘the Wrong Trousers’. The screenings were very profitable raising much needed cash to sustain the band with falling concert revenue. This model will now form a cornerstone as to the future viability and sustainability of the
organisation. Replacing traditional concert revenue with self-generated funds from a totally new ‘non brass band’ audience is a new and unique concept that will hopefully provide significant revenue streams, allowing the band to continue to be successful, not just on the contest stage but with a whole new self-made audience.
CD Recordings
CD Recordings are a very specialised genre now. The band has managed to record live concerts with a streaming provider and it is suspected that there will be development in this form.
World Rankings
The band continue to hold their position as one of the top twenty-five brass bands in the world (sources – www.4barsrest.com/rankings and www.brassstats.com). The rankings aim to grade competing brass bands in an aggregate score. This is an enviable position for a self-funded organisation maintaining a proud tradition within the community.
Community
The band continued to have strong links with the community. Brass Attack is an annual event that combines the bands of Lancashire Youth, Lostock Hall High School, Lostock Hall senior and junior band and Leyland Band. The band has also established a partnership with Red Admiral Music Academy that will be the catalyst for many future players of Leyland Band. Once again, the South Ribble Mayors Charity Concert was delivered for no charge in December 2024 to support charity fundraising. Leyland Band continues to support local and national charitable organisations.
Patrons and Support
The band continue to be incredibly grateful to the members of the Patrons scheme who continue to give financial support, attend the Matinee series concerts, play the 100 club and support our activities in the community. The band also acknowledges and thanks Patrons for many donations and gifts throughout the period. Many of these are gift aided adding to the financial benefit. A small support committee of Patrons and helpers continue to contribute to our local organisational needs assisting with ticket sales, refreshments and raffle organisation. A great help to the band.
Corporate Governance and Risk Management
Corporate Governance is the internal procedure that ensures the organisation operates within the boundaries and rules of the constitution and requirements of the Charities Acts. Risk Management is the process of adopting policies that protect the assets and the people of the organisation. Corporate Governance and Risk Management are therefore considered under the same category. The Trustees recognise the need for Corporate Governance to ensure correct appropriation of finance, maintenance of assets and protection of people to maintain a compliant organisation. As part of the management structure the Trustees recognise a responsibility to ensure advice is obtained in each professional field required. The greatest risks to the organisation are financial control, protection of assets and people related issues including Health and Safety and Child Protection.
Financial control is maintained by adopting the constitutional procedures. In addition, all expenditure outside ‘normal’ operating expenditure requires the consent of the Trustees and
Management Committee. The financial transactions are authorised before commitment and the payment and approval functions are segregated. This provides transparency of commitment, income collected and payments made.
The ‘people’ issues are equally as important to the organisation. All members undertake a duty of care to act responsibly when travelling, performing, and rehearsing with the band. Leyland Band is involved in educational workshops and therefore each event is risk assessed prior to implementation. Advice is sought from the many CRB cleared teachers within the band. The policy is stated in the constitution of the organisation.
Ethics
The Trustees acknowledge the necessity to always maintain an ethical code of conduct. In our activity this relates mainly to the negotiation of fee related performance and the management of people. The Committee must manage the people aspects of the organisation. In the world at large the Trustees recognise the importance of maintaining credible business relations and professional integrity in all undertakings.
Accessibility
Leyland Band has an open membership and is represented without prejudice of race, gender or sexual orientation. Membership is drawn from the local community, the United Kingdom at large and has included members from Australia, Japan and Switzerland. Young people are encouraged to join the band to aspire to reach their full potential with the North West’s premier brass band.
Child Protection
The band continues to admit and develop members under the age of eighteen. This is testament to the ability of brass players as young as fourteen to attain the high standards required. The band is also involved with youth development workshops. The band is fully aware of its obligations to ensure the welfare and protection of minors. The band maintains a child protection policy and takes advice and guidance from the many CRB cleared teachers within the band. Leyland Band is fully signed up to ‘Band safe’ and has several fully trained and accredited personnel. ‘Band Safe’ is the scheme championed by BBE ((Brass Bands England) to ensure minors are supervised and not subject to coercive or abusive behaviour. With an emphasis on developing young talent in the future this is the responsibility of all band members to ensure policies and procedures are adhered to.
Public Benefit
The Trustees have re-examined the statement of public benefit and have categorised into the following headings.
a) Benefits to playing members
To attain the standards of competence to perform with a championship section brass band takes dedication, personal practice, and self-development. Membership of Leyland Band may be the culmination of many years of study and the band provides the outlet to perform at the highest level to a wide cross section of audience throughout the United Kingdom and the world at large. The benefits to the individual may be expressed as a vehicle to perform at the highest level, continue development and become a role model for the many hundreds of brass musicians in the lower sections.
b) Benefits to non-playing members
Members who cannot commit to the dedication and standard of playing membership are encouraged to be actively involved in the organisation and administration of the band. Non-playing administrative functions include band marketing, library, transport, and CD sales. Non-playing members have a pride in supporting Leyland Band and are integral to the long-term growth of the organisation.
c) Benefits to supporters and Patrons
Leyland band enjoys an enthusiastic following of Patrons. Patrons subscribe annually supporting the band. Patrons are spread through a wide geographical area and receive a quarterly newsletter including news and special features such as player profiles. Patrons have their own concert series and obtain discounts on tickets and purchases of CDs. Many Patrons are now actively involved promoting the concerts and organising fundraising activities. The Patrons have become integral to the ongoing success of the organisation providing many retired members with an ongoing interest and focus.
d) Benefits to the local community
Leyland Band was formed as Leyland Motors in 1946. Whilst associated with the vehicle works the band enjoyed a high profile within the local community. With the demise of the motor works, Leyland Band had to leave the area to seek support and rehearsal premises. The last few years has seen the band return to the town of Leyland and the Trustees have placed great importance on the establishment of community links and strategic partnerships to encourage development of local brass band talent, mentor youth and provide accessibility opportunities for members of the community who may be restricted due to physical disadvantage.
In the period Leyland Band has successfully: -
1) Through the new MD a link has been made to Red Admiral Music Academy. Leyland Band will be actively involved in training the young brass players and many joint ventures are planned to develop the talent of this organisation as a source for future players once progression in standard is obtained.
2) The Patrons support committee continues to work alongside the operational committee to support the ongoing objectives. This is made up of Patrons and supporters drawn from the community.
e) Benefits to the world at large
Leyland Band performs throughout the country and has previously performed in countries as far away as USA, Korea, and Japan. The language of music has no boundary and our role in this sphere can be summarised as ‘entertainment, education and enjoyment’.
Short Financial Appraisal
INCOME
| Turnover Concert Fees Patrons Activity Grants Gift Aid Other Expenditure Income Less Expenditure Cash Balance |
2025 59155 34229 11485 0 5016 8424 59154 49495 9659 6947 |
2024 40494 17641 12933 0 4680 5241 40495 55696 -15201 797 |
+/- +18660 +16588 -1448 0 +336 +3183 +18659 -6201 +24860 +6150 |
|---|---|---|---|
In conjunction with the revitalisation of the playing aspects of the band the financial position of the organisation was steadied. Turnover was increased by 19k and excess income over expenditure turned around from -15k to +10k in the period. Costs were reduced but this was reflected as not attending the National Championships. Due to a legacy from a Patron the band was able to contribute this to the purchase of a Marimba. The first renewal of musical kit for many years. The turnaround in financial stability is largely due to the vision of certain committee members bringing a new concept of film screening with live brass band accompaniment. The screenings of ‘The Snowman’ and ‘The Wrong Trousers’ brought in significant revenue, developed ticketing and marketing concepts and built a new nontraditional brass band audience. This audience base will form the basis for ongoing productions, and it is envisaged this formula will sustain the long-term financial security of the band allowing the profits to be used to fund the more traditional aspects such as competing.
The reporting period is a milestone achievement. Playing standards have been achieved beyond expectations combined with improved financial performance is securing the long term future for generations to come.
Reserves Policy
The organisation has no restricted funds. It is revenue based and must ensure that it operates within the confines of cash generation. Expenditure outside normal operating requirements is identified during the cash cycle and funds raised or allocated appropriately. Considering the improvements in performance and financial security the Trustees will monitor and recommend future minimum cash reserve balances to be maintained.
Conclusion and Future Objectives
The Trustees acknowledge the long-term stability and maintenance of a Championship Brass Band cannot rely solely on the ‘traditional’ activity of fee generation. This has been recognised in the reporting period and the new approach of encouraging new audiences to new musical experiences will continue to be explored for both musical and financial advantage. Further plans will be announced in relation to the Red Admiral Academy Partnership which will see closer collaboration. FY 2026 sees the band reach a milestone 80[th] anniversary and this will be ideal opportunity to celebrate the success of the local’champion’ town band.
Cheri No 1129485 nditure Accounts Year stm 2025 2024 INCOME Concert Fees Ilneluding UCLANIRecordingsl P8tions Concertsndatinee Concerts P31ions Subs and snsOrShIps 100 Club Prize Money Sponsorship Gift Aid CD Sales and Merchandisè M229 7466 3371 648 2340 17.641 8.264 4.670 485 5016 497 4.680 338 Donations Grants and Matched Funding 2858 1000 Other Misc Income Player Contniwlion5 Hotel OpenlNalional 264 1465 4.373 Total Income 59155 40,495 ]EXPENDITURE 2015 2443 3165 Vans Fees & Registrations Ilncludes web hostillgldeveloprnentl Licences Insurance Coaches Inol Op&nlNationalsl Boriowed P13yers Miscellaneous (Bandroom Supplieslsocial Media Athertsl Musical Director Player Expense5 Ilncludes UCLANI Uniforms & Instrument R&p8iiS SlationerylPrintlPosifAeroMIEngr Bsndroom Rent 100 Club CD Cost5 Instruments Musie & Aceessori&s (includes AVI 1.603 1.316 1.017 1.160 1.065 485 9.530 6.636 1.523 587 7.566 287 42 379 1.017 3.211 18.271 695 1298 1681 9000 6391 140 764 7566 360 1323 1016 3560 7092 Hsll Hire5 & Misc Rehearsal Faciliti&s Events (Bntlsh QpenlN8lion31 Fina15 Accomm and Facilitieslcoachl Merchandise Stock CommissionslProfft Share Ptyments transfers Total Expendilure 2178 49495 55,696 Total Income Le89 Tothl Expendlture 9660 -15,201
Chari No 1129485 Balancè Shèet as at 31st March 2025 31 March 2025 31 March 2024 Fixed Assets Music Musical Instfum&nts 22656 10539 33195 22656 7239 29895 Current Assèts Bank Current Account Bank Cornmunity Account Prepayments Accrued Income Cash Total Current Assets 6947 797 2087 1906 2791 11644 CurreNI Liabilities Creditors Loans Accrua15 2400 2400 Nel CUent Assets 9244 2884 Total Assets 42439 32779 Represenied By Gener31 Fund Exce55 Income (her Expenditure for Year 32719 9660 47981 -15201 48235 .2fv1 42439 32719 419B1 Pr8par8d ty Da18 Andr8w Bl8cWed98 12 Jun8 2025 Signed Examined ty Dale Eric Ri9by 12 June 2025 Signed
Examiners Statement for Year Ending 31[st] March 2025