Charity registration number 1129898 (England and Wales) Company registration number 6755687
SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | J Sells | |
|---|---|---|
| P Sells | ||
| J Halliday | ||
| C Barnfield | ||
| M Snelgrove | ||
| The Rt Hon Sir Alan Moses | ||
| William de Winton | (Appointed 9 December 2024) | |
| Charity number (England and Wales) | 1129898 | |
| Company number | 6755687 | |
| Registered office | C/o Browne Jacobson LLP | |
| 6 Bevis Marks | ||
| London | ||
| EC3A 7BA | ||
| Independent examiner | Summers Morgan | |
| First Floor, Sheraton House | ||
| Lower Road | ||
| Chorleywood | ||
| Hertfordshire | ||
| WD3 5LH |
SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 12 |
SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The Charity's objects are:
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To promote, maintain, and advance public education in art, in particular, but not exclusively, drama, mime, dancing, and singing;
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To promote, maintain, and advance public education in, and appreciation of the art and science of music, in particular, but not limited to, Baroque music, by any means the Trustees see fit, including providing and assisting in the provision of facilities for orchestral, operatic, and choral concerts;
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To further such charitable purpose or purposes as the trustees in their absolute discretion shall think fit.
Throughout the period covered by the financial statements, the policies adopted by the Trustees in furtherance of these objects were:
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To provide opportunities for young and talented instrumentalists and singers to perform on a professional stage and devise innovative programmes which challenge them as artists;
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To reveal the riches of music in ways that speak most directly to contemporary audiences, through our programming and through performances of the very highest quality and immediacy;
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To bring Baroque music to as wide an audience as possible, and, in particular, to offer access to the music, either on a subsidised or free basis, to young people and to those who would not otherwise have the means or the opportunity to have such access.
In formulating their strategy for achieving the Charity's objectives, the Trustees gave due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and fee charging.
The Charity delivered five distinct and ambitious programmes in the period ended 31[st] December 2024, exploring diverse repertoire and performing in a number of new territories:
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A project to bring the madrigals of Barbara Strozzi to prominence with a stylised production directed by Tom Guthrie which toured to Ghent (Belgium), 's-Hertogenbosch (The Netherlands) and London (Wigmore Hall).
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Following streaming release in late-2023, a new 2-CD recording was officially released in early-2024 entitled Lost Majesty. It features the complete English vocal works by George Jeffreys for 4 and 5 voices with continuo, including many world-premiere recordings, showing him to be the forgotten composer of the English 17th century. This subsequently won the prestigious Schallplattenkritik Quarterly Critics Choice award.
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An extensive tour of ‘Class of 1685’ which celebrated works by JS Bach, D Scarlatti & G Handel, all of whom were born in the same year. Five performances took the tour to London, Brighton, Arnstadt (Germany), Schaffhausen (Switzerland) & Antwerp (Belgium). Radio broadcasts were made by Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (Germany) & RTHK Radio 4 (Hong Kong).
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A dramatically charged production of G Handel’s first English oratorio: Esther . This was performed in Saarbrucken (Germany), Handel’s birth-town of Halle (Germany) & London (Wigmore Hall). Radio broadcasts were made by ARD (Germany) & BBC Radio 3 (UK).
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A collaboration with Finnish Baroque Orchestra (FiBO) on Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 , making a debut in Helsinki, then delivering further performances of the same with our own orchestral players in Cambridge & London.
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A North American debut in Montreal (Canada) with our programme of JS & JC Bach Motets, before returning to the UK for 3 performances in the Midlands & North of England: Manchester, Nottingham & York. The performance at The Stoller Hall (Manchester) was broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s In Concert programme.
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Achievements and performance
The Trustees are very pleased with the results that were achieved in the year. By continuing to experiment with programming and bringing out of obscurity some hidden Baroque gems, as well as performing well-known works, the Charity was able to produce performances that were received with warm praise by audiences and reviewers. These performances reached wide audiences through broadcasts and streaming of various of its performances throughout the year.
The CD recording of George Jeffreys was awarded the prestigious Schallplattenkritik Quarterly Critics Choice, which has been acclaimed in the press: "an outstanding and important recording" - BBC Music Magazine
Further reviews of work delivered in the year include the following:
“[Solomon’s Knot] conjured up a unique transcendent atmosphere in which the sense of time and space disappeared.” - Music Movement ( Esther , Halle)
“One of the best vocal ensembles of our time.” - NDR Radio (George Jeffreys CD Review)
“Solomon's Knot delivers a highlight of the Bachfest. With [their] powerful, lively rhythmic playing, Bach's wealth of ideas come into their own." - Schaffhauser Nachrichten (Class of 1685, Schaffhausen)
All of these aspects continue to produce impactful and high-quality performances that generate a growth in demand for the Charity's programming by promoters and venues worldwide, both through recommendations from high-profile professionals in the world of classical music, and through the spread of the reputation of the Charity amongst its national and international audience.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
Financial review
The Charity’s financial needs were met throughout the year by donations from Patrons and Friends, as well as fees paid by promoters.
The Charity has never been unable to meet its financial commitments, and the Trustees ensure that no programming is undertaken without funding being promised, committed, or actually received before liabilities are incurred.
The Trustees have ensured that the Charity does not incur liabilities beyond its means.
As of 31st December 2024, the Charity held total funds of £306,111 (2023: £211,799), of which £294,963 were unrestricted (2023: £201,976) and £11,648 were restricted (2023: £9,823).
The Trustees have managed to set aside reserves to protect the Charity against a significant drop in funding, enabling the Charity to continue its activities. The Trustees continue to operate on the basis of raising and obtaining funds for programmes on a project-by-project basis.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the Charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. At the accounting date, free reserves were £294,963 (2023: £201,976).
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Structure, governance and management
The Trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of UK company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of approval of these accounts, or who were appointed after the end of the year but before the date of approval of these accounts, were:
J Sells P Sells J Halliday C Barnfield H Lawrence (Resigned 2 February 2024) M Snelgrove The Rt Hon Sir Alan Moses William de Winton (Appointed 9 December 2024)
As required by the Articles of Association of the company, the appropriate number of Trustees retired at the AGM of the company held on 20[th] September 2024 and those Trustees were re-appointed during that Meeting.
None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the Charity.
All members are circulated with invitations to nominate trustees prior to the AGM, advising them of the retiring trustees and requesting nominations for the AGM.
The Board met four times in the year.
The Charity is managed, under the direct supervision of the Board, by an Executive Director and by one Artistic Director, with the assistance of a Project Manager. The finances of the Charity are also under the direct supervision and control of the Board. The Artistic Director may direct and take part in live performances, depending on the requirements of the repertory involved.
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to these risks.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
P Sells Trustee Dated: 11 June 2025
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Solomon's Knot Productions Limited (the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ACA, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Nicholas Corden, ACA First Floor, Sheraton House Lower Road Chorleywood Hertfordshire WD3 5LH
Dated: 16 June 2025
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Notes £ £ Income and endowments from: Donations and membership fees 2 40,270 4,300 Concert performances 3 267,427 - Investments 4 2,020 - Other income 5 91,720 - Total income 401,437 4,300 Expenditure on: Raising funds 6 76 - Charitable activities 7 303,312 2,475 Other 10 4,475 - Total resources expended 307,863 2,475 Net income for the year/ Net movement in funds 93,574 1,825 Fund balances at 1 January 201,976 9,823 Fund balances at 31 December 295,550 11,648 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 44,570 39,693 10,250 267,427 270,433 - 2,020 1,834 - 91,720 80,612 - 405,737 392,572 10,250 76 - - 305,787 316,218 10,155 4,475 5,273 - 310,338 321,491 10,155 95,399 71,081 95 211,799 130,895 9,728 307,198 201,976 9,823 |
Total 2023 £ 49,943 270,433 1,834 80,612 |
|---|---|---|
| 402,822 | ||
| - | ||
| 326,373 | ||
| 5,273 | ||
| 331,646 | ||
| 71,176 140,623 |
||
| 211,799 |
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Current assets Stocks 12 Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets The funds of the Charity Restricted funds 15 Unrestricted funds |
2024 £ 3,654 83,825 249,218 336,697 (29,499) |
£ 307,198 11,648 295,550 307,198 |
2023 £ 7,817 88,966 158,113 254,896 (43,097) |
£ 211,799 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9,823 201,976 |
||||
| 211,799 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the company.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 11 June 2025
P Sells Trustee
Company registration number 6755687 (England and Wales)
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Solomon's Knot Productions Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is C/o Browne Jacobson LLP, 6 Bevis Marks, London, EC3A 7BA.
1.1 Accounting convention
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Incoming resources
Donations, legacies and other forms of voluntary income are recognised as incoming resources when receivable, except insofar as they are incapable of financial measurement. Income and expenditure relating to concert promotions is recognised on an accruals basis.
1.5 Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Stocks
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value; cost includes all costs of production.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.8 Financial instruments
The company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ Donations and gifts 15,430 4,300 Grants 10,000 - Membership fees 14,840 - 40,270 4,300 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 19,730 14,408 4,250 10,000 10,000 6,000 14,840 15,285 - 44,570 39,693 10,250 |
Total 2023 £ 18,658 16,000 15,285 |
|---|---|---|
| 49,943 |
3 Concert performances
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Performance Fees | 267,248 | 270,433 |
| Ancillary trading income | 179 | - |
| 267,427 | 270,433 |
4 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest receivable | 2,020 | 1,834 |
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5 Other income
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| CD & DVD Sales | 6,652 | 5,145 | |
| Orchestra Tax Relief | 85,068 | 75,467 | |
| 91,720 | 80,612 | ||
| 6 | Expenditure on raising funds | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Trading costs | |||
| Other trading activities | 76 | - | |
| 7 | Charitable activities | ||
| Concert | Concert |
||
| performances | performances | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct costs | 240,252 | 260,891 | |
| Share of support costs (see note 8) | 51,555 | 60,221 | |
| Share of governance costs (see note 8) | 13,980 | 5,261 | |
| 305,787 | 326,373 | ||
| Analysis by fund | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 303,312 | 316,218 | |
| Restricted funds | 2,475 | 10,155 | |
| 305,787 | 326,373 |
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8 Support costs allocated to activities
| Bank charges Insurance Administration Consultancy fees Governance costs Analysed between: Concert performances Governance costs comprise: Independent Examination fees Legal and professional |
2024 £ 644 1,014 6,313 43,584 13,980 65,535 65,535 2024 £ 3,850 10,130 13,980 |
2023 £ 785 1,484 6,045 51,907 5,261 |
|---|---|---|
| 65,482 | ||
| 65,482 | ||
| 2023 £ 1,310 3,951 |
||
| 5,261 |
9 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year for their services as Trustees.
A total of £21,201 (2023 - £14,327) was paid to Trustees for their administration, artistic direction and/or performances in the Charity's concerts.
Aggregated donations received from the Trustees or related parties without conditions amounted to £678 (2023 - £5,897).
10 Other
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | ||
| CD and DVD expenditure | 4,475 | 5,273 |
| 4,475 | 5,273 |
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
12 Stocks
| Finished goods and goods for resale 13 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Notes Bank overdrafts Other taxation and social security Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 3,654 2024 £ 79,412 4,413 83,825 2024 £ - 3,523 85 25,891 29,499 |
2023 £ 7,817 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 £ 7,431 81,535 |
||
| 88,966 | ||
| 2023 £ 750 2,549 5,395 34,403 |
||
| 43,097 |
15 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| At | 1 | January | Incoming | Resources | At 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | resources | expended | December | |||
| 2024 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Streaming and recording | 9,823 | 4,300 | (2,475) | 11,648 |
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SOLOMON'S KNOT PRODUCTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 15 Restricted funds Previous year: At 1 Streaming and recording 16 Analysis of net assets between funds At 31 December 2024: Current assets/(liabilities) At 31 December 2023: Current assets/(liabilities) |
(Continued) January 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 December 2023 £ £ £ £ 9,728 10,250 (10,155) 9,823 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 295,550 11,648 307,198 295,550 11,648 307,198 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ 201,976 9,823 211,799 201,976 9,823 211,799 |
(Continued) January 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 December 2023 £ £ £ £ 9,728 10,250 (10,155) 9,823 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 295,550 11,648 307,198 295,550 11,648 307,198 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ 201,976 9,823 211,799 201,976 9,823 211,799 |
|---|---|---|
| Total 2024 £ 307,198 |
||
| 307,198 | ||
| Total 2023 £ 211,799 |
||
| 211,799 |
17 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
18 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year other than those related party transactions with trustees disclosed in Note 9 (2023 - none).
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