Registered number: 05841963 Charity number: 1137255
20 Stories High
INDEPENDENTLY EXAMINED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
Prepared By:
Harvey Guinan LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit 17 Mersey House Matchworks Estate, 140 Speke Road Liverpool Merseyside L19 2PH
20 Stories High
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
TRUSTEES
Lisa Allen (resigned 18 September 2025) Manoka Mbolokele (resigned 27 November 2024) Catrina Hewitson Jennifer John Kieron Collins (resigned 23 November 2024) Tia Hume-Jennings Leon Varns (resigned 26 April 2024) Zoe Megins-Davis Dr. Priyanka Pradhan (resigned 27 November 2024) Peter Greggs Ashlee Cox (appointed 23 November 2024) Matthew Fitzpatrick (appointed 27 November 2024) Elizabeth Moreton (appointed 23 November 2024) Stella Okafor-Ross (appointed 18 November 2024) Bettina Taylor (appointed 18 September 2024) Kayleigh Coleman (appointed 27 November 2024; resigned 28 May 2025)
SECRETARY
Leanne Jones
REGISTERED OFFICE
37-45 Windsor Street Liverpool Merseyside L8 1XE
COMPANY NUMBER
05841963
CHARITY NUMBER
1137255
BANKERS
The Cooperative Bank plc, Santander plc, Charity Bank
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER - Julie Guinan FCCA
Harvey Guinan LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit 17 Mersey House Matchworks Estate, 140 Speke Road Liverpool Merseyside L19 2PH
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ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Statement | 12 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 14 |
| Balance Sheet | 15 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 16 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 17 to 27 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 28 |
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31/03/2025
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011, 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).
The Trustees intend that this report also serves as the Statutory Directors' Report
STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated 9 June 2006 and registered as a Charity 4 August 2010. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established objects and powers of the charity and it is governed under its Articles of Association.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Reference and administrative details are set out on page 1 and form part of this report.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The principal activity of the charity in the year under review was to create bold, contemporary and imaginative theatre with and for young people, particularly those from diverse and socially excluded communities .
This is achieved through:
a Providing a fully inclusive and accessible participation programme which aims to develop skills, give young people a voice, raise aspirations and combat isolation.
b Creating and touring high-quality and relevant productions to schools, youth clubs and small-scale theatre venues locally and nationally to reach, support and develop young audiences
c Piloting a Professional Development Programme for emerging theatre-makers from Merseyside
The Charity's objects are to advance the education of the general public in particular but not exclusively young people, the performing arts and to provide or facilitate or assist in the provision of activities in the interests of social welfare for the public and in particular, but not exclusively, young people.
POLICY FOR OBJECTS
The Trustees define the policies and oversee their implementation by management to enable the Charity to fulfill its aims and objectives.
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The Trustees pay due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding which activities the Charity should undertake. The policies are detailed in the Charity's business plan which documents the strategy for action.
The Board policy is implemented by the Artistic Director, the Executive Director and their team.
ORGANISATION
The Board set and approve the policy for the charity which is then implemented by the Artistic Director and Executive Director. The Board meet regularly throughout the year and in between scheduled meetings as required.
The Artistic Director and Executive Director are responsible for the delivery of the charity's objectives and the day to day operations management of the Charity.
No remuneration is paid to any trustee for their services as a trustee.
TRUSTEES
The trustees serving during the year and since the year end were as follows: Kieron Collins (resigned 23 November 2024), Manoka Mbolokele (resigned 27 November 2024), Dr Priyanka Pradhan (resigned 27 November 2024), Catrina Hewitson, Jennifer John, Lisa Allen (resigned 18 September 2025), Zoe Megins-Davis, Tia Hume-Jennings, Leon Varns (resigned 26 April 2024), Peter Greggs, Ashlee Cox (appointed 23 November 2024), Matthew Fitzpatrick (appointed 27 November 2024), Bettina Taylor (appointed 18 September 2024), Stella Okafor-Ross (appointed 18 November 2024), Elizabeth Moreton (appointed 23 November 2024) and Kayleigh Coleman (apponted 27 November 2024, resigned 28 May 2025).
In accordance with the change to the constitution approved by the Charities Commission in 2017, a Trustee's term of office will be from the date of first being elected or from the AGM (whichever is appropriate). A Trustee's term of office will be for 3 years, after which the Trustee may step down or be re-elected for a further 3 years, after which they must retire from the board. During each 3-year term of office, Trustees are not required to re-elect annually.
KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
Co-CEO Artistic Director - Keith Saha Co-CEO Executive Director - Leanne Jones Executive Producer - Lucy Graham
TRUSTEES APPOINTMENT
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
20 Stories High seeks to have a wide range of skills and experience on its board, contained within a small number of individuals. Applications from potential board members from backgrounds typically under-represented on Boards are particularly welcomed; Global majority, deaf, disabled and neurodivergent and young Board members. Trustees are recruited by a referral by existing members, by direct approaches from individuals or by open recruitment processes.
TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and Applicable Law).
Under Company Law the trustees must not approve the financial statements until they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the situation of the charity and of the net incoming or outgoing resources of the charity for that period.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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observe the methods and principles in the charities SORP.
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
RELATED PARTIES
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
Details of transactions with Trustees are given in the notes to these accounts.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
20 Stories High continued to deliver an innovative and exciting artistic programme that presents the authentic voices of culturally diverse and working-class young people and communities.
In 2024/25 we continued to build on the successes of the previous year whilst also adapting the company's structure and personnel to remain innovative and meet the demands of our future programming.
The key themes of our business plan for 24/25 were:
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New voices: the recruitment of a new Youth & Community Director, General Manager, Communications & Campaigns Co-ordinator and Assistant Producer, along with several new Trustees.
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New ways of working: developing new touring models and strands of activity, expanding the range of participants that we work with.
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Demonstrating impact: continuing to place Arts Council England's Investment Principles at the heart of everything that we do and communicating effectively with funding partners to highlight the impact that 20 Stories High work has.
Highlights of our 2024/25 programme included:
Local programme:
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Youth Theatre autumn skills: providing youth theatre with weekly workshops to develop skills, showcased at a Winter Sharing to invited audiences.
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Youth Theatre show: The Nova Effect, a sci-fi fantasy dealing with the climate crisis, AI, humanity and friendship presented over three nights at Unity Theatre.
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Changemakers: The launch of a new year-long professional development programme for young leaders who are passionate about business, decision-making, and driving positive change in their communities. Throughout the year our six selected Changemakers have helped us explore how 20 Stories High operates as an activist arts organisation and have played an active role in shaping our work.
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Actors LAB and tour: 10-skills and professional development training programme for 4 actors followed by 2 weeks paid rehearsals and a 2-week paid regional tour of SMILES and My Big Brother Sammy, a double bill of works exploring female friendship amongst careexperienced young women and misogynist culture amongst young men respectively. Supported by Unity Theatre.
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
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20SH community summer social: Bringing together participants from across our programmes for a sunny social with our team and Board.
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Trips: offering free tickets to our community to see local theatre at venues such as Unity Theatre, Contact, Empire, Everyman and Playhouse Theatres
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Mini-gigs: A series of small-scale live music events presented in community settings across Liverpool and aimed at young people for whom the cost-of-living is a serious barrier to being able to engage with live music.
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Outreach: Delivering workshops and other activities with schools and community groups across Liverpool including Spellow Library, Deaf Active, LIPA and Windsor Primary School.
National programme:
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Who the f*** is Shakespeare? national tour and participation programme – building on the success of 2023/24's Actors LAB show, a political occupation of some of Shakespeare's most famous characters. The show and accompanying participation programme (workshops, post show events and discussion) engaged thousands of young people and communities across the country. The show featured integrated Creative Captions, British Sign Language interpreted performances and audio description.
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Black with a Capital B: A new music video by Paislie Reid celebrating the Black community in Liverpool and beyond, highlighting the Black experience, resilience and self-worth. As well as launching online we also presented sold-out celebratory live screenings at FACT Liverpool and Storyhouse (Chester).
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Access Manifesto: A programme of activism work developed and championed by performers in our 23/24 production High Times & Dirty Monsters. As well as launching the manifesto online we also held live events in Liverpool and London promoting the manifesto to arts organisations and venues and encouraging them to develop their own access action plans.
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Black, Brown & Blue R&D: Research and development weeks exploring the lived experience of people of colour serving in the police force. The creative team included Artistic Director Keith Saha, Julia Samuels, Chantelle Lunt and Carol Cumberbatch.
Key learnings and feedback:
- New models of community touring that were carried out for the Actors LAB regional tour have proven effective in helping us to reach our target audiences. We will continue developing relationships with schools, local authorities, secure units and community organisations to nurture future activity.
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
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There is still strong demand for creative opportunities and we have successfully managed to expand the range of people that we work with and the variety of organisations that we partner with.
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There is a significant need for continued activism within the theatre sector to promote disability access and for ongoing support around the wellbeing and safety of the communities that we engage with.
In 2024/25 we reached:
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7,559 participants
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2,937 audience members
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Through a total of 258 workshops and events, as well as 21 performances
THANKS
We would like to thank all our participants, audiences, artists, staff and funders for all that they've contributed to 20 Stories High and its ongoing development.
FUTURE PLANS
2025-26 will be a landmark year for 20 Stories High as we recruit new artistic leadership, bringing a bold new creative vision as we enter our 20th Anniversary year.
Over the course of the year we will be preparing for a major programme of events in 2026, supported by a wide range of business development activities. At the same time we will continue maintaining our core programme of work, built around the 5 core elements of; our Creative Programme, EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Activism), State of Mind (Wellbeing), Board and team development and New Chapter (new work and experimentation).
Our 2025-26 programme includes:
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A year programme of celebrations marking the company's 20th Birthday, including; live events, films and an Associate artist programme.
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Youth theatre: weekly creative workshops for 13-18 year olds, leading to a Summer production of Ghost Town, and a winter sharing. In partnership with Unity Theatre.
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Delivery of Youth Theatre Together – a national symposium for youth theatre companies, delivered in partnership with Ned Glasier, Emmy Lahouel, Burnley Youth Theatre, Company Three, Mortal Fools, Prime Theatre and Theatre Factory. 20 Stories High will be providing wrap-around access consultancy in addition to co-curating the event.
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
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Community Company: We are piloting a brand-new group for 18+ theatre makers, working together between February and October to make a new show.
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Development: Working on research and development for Half Rice, Half Chips – a new site-responsive show looking at the experience of Liverpool's Chinese / mixed race community and intended to be performed in Chinese-owned chip shops across Merseyside.
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Writers LAB: a continuation of the professional development work that we have carried out with actors, this time focussed on working with emerging writers over a 6-week period to provide 1-2-1 support and the chance to develop a short play. Readings of the final work will be presented in partnership with Liverpool Playhouse.
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Changemakers: working with a second cohort of young leaders to develop their creative practice while giving them the means to help shape 20 Stories High's future work.
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POWER UP: we will continue delivering collaborative work with the sector through projects and shows to develop a more inclusive sector for young people. In 2025 we have a particular focus on class and will be presenting a one-day ‘Class Assembly' event in partnership with Liverpool Everyman and Fair Play.
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Schools: a renewed programme of work with Merseyside schools, aiming to bring live theatre to as many young people as possible across the region.
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Outreach: specific workshops / projects working with local children, young people, schools and community groups with a special emphasis on cultural bridging. Working with Deaf Active, Positive Impact, Liverpool Sisterhood Network and Venus Centre.
RISK MANAGEMENT
For each project we produce a detailed risk assessment. In addition, we maintain an organisational risk register, a requirement of the Charities SORP, which shows impact and likelihood scores for identified risks. It details control procedures and produces a net risk score for each item. Monitoring of the identified risks is in place and the regularity of review for each is established.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are a valuable resource for the charity. This includes the Trustees, specific project volunteers and young people undertaking work placement opportunities.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The results for the year and the charity's position at 31 March 2025 are shown in the attached financial statements. Total incoming resources were £626,670 (2024 £727,596) and total resources expended were £559,507 (2024 £701,869) resulting in net incoming resources for the year of £67,163 (2024 £25,727), being net incoming resources on the unrestricted funds of £28,663 (2024 £25,727) and net incoming resources on the restricted funds of £38,500 (2024 £nil). Designated funds at 31 March 2025 are £56,042 (2024 £40,227) as detailed at note 8. At 31 March 2025 total unrestricted funds on the Balance Sheet were £156,062 (2024 £127,399) and restricted funds were £38,500 (2024 £nil).
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
RESERVES POLICY
Though the charity operates on a not for profit basis the charity will endeavour to provide for financial stability and sustainability by maintaining a free reserve. The Board have set an ideal free reserve of £100,000 as an amount sufficient to cover three months of running costs. Actual free reserves at 31 March 2025 were £99,951 (£100,020 general fund less £69 in fixed assets).
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
The independent examiner Julie Guinan on behalf of Harvey Guinan has indicated her willingness to remain in office and a resolution will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming annual general meeting.
APPROVAL
The report was prepared in accordance with the special provisions within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 26/11/2025
Catrina Hewitson Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF 20 STORIES HIGH
I report to the Charity's Trustees on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31/03/2025 .
RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT
As the Charity's Trustees of the company (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited for this year under part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145 (5) (b) of the 2011 Act).
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT
The company's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ACCA.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or the accounts do not accord with such records; or the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102).
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 accounts to be reached.
................................................. Julie Guinan FCCA Independent Examiner Date: 26/11/2025 fobs fran
Harvey Guinan LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit 17 Mersey House Matchworks Estate, 140 Speke Road Liverpool
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
Merseyside L19 2PH 0151 709 7797
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Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31/03/2025
| Income Income from generated funds Income from charitable activities Total Income Expenses Costs of generating funds Expenditure on Charitable activities Total Expenses Net Income Net movement in funds: Net income for the year Total funds brought forward Net funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 427,635 427,635 398,972 398,972 28,663 28,663 127,399 156,062 |
Restricted funds £ 199,035 199,035 160,535 160,535 38,500 38,500 - 38,500 |
2025 Total £ 626,670 626,670 559,507 559,507 67,163 67,163 127,399 194,562 |
2024 Total £ 727,596 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 727,596 | ||||
| 701,869 | ||||
| 701,869 | ||||
| 25,727 | ||||
| 25,727 101,672 |
||||
| 127,399 |
This statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities
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| BALANCE SHEET AT 31/03/2025 | BALANCE SHEET AT 31/03/2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Notes | £ | £ | |||
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||
| Tangible assets | 4 | 69 | 118 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Debtors (amounts falling due within one year) | 5 | 9,889 | 97,388 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 196,307 | 106,368 | |||
| 206,196 | 203,756 | ||||
| CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year | 6 | 11,703 | 76,475 | ||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 194,493 | 127,281 | |||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 194,562 | 127,399 | |||
| RESERVES | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 8 | ||||
| General fund | 100,020 | 87,172 | |||
| Designated funds | 56,042 | 40,227 | |||
| Restricted funds | 9 | 38,500 | - | ||
| 194,562 | 127,399 |
For the year ending 31/03/2025 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by the board of trustees on 26/11/2025 and signed on their
behalf by . ff
.............................
Catrina Hewitson Trustee
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CASH FLOW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
| Notes NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 17a CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENT NET CASH INFLOW BEFORE FINANCING FINANCING INCREASE IN CASH |
2025 £ 89,939 89,939 |
|---|---|
| 89,939 |
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/03/2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1a. Basis Of Accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS102 - The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
1b. Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
1c. Resources Expended
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.
1d. Allocation And Apportionment Of Costs
All costs relate to the single activity of the charitable company and are recognised accordingly.
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1e. 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.
Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for the specific future purposes or projects.
1f. Depreciation
Fixed assets are shown at historical cost. Items costing less than £500 are not capitalised but written off to the income and expenditure account in the year of acquisition.
Depreciation is provided, after taking account of any grants receivable, at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any ).
Plant And Machinery
straight line 25 %
1g. Pension Costs
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension charge represents the amounts payable by the company to the fund in respect of the year.
1h. Turnover
Turnover represents all incoming resources and comprises revenue project grants, donations, bank interest and earned income from performances and workshops. The Charity is not registered for value added tax.
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1i. Debtors Policy
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any discount due.
1j. Policy For Income Recognition
Items of income are recognised and included in the accounts when all of the following are met:
(1) The charity has entitlement to the funds; (2) Any performance conditions attached to the income have been met or are fully within the control of the charity; (3) There is sufficient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable and (4) The amount can be measured reliably.
1k. Cash At Bank And In Hand Policy
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1l. Creditors And Provisions Policy
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in a transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement value amount after allowing for any discount due.
1m. Financial Instruments Policy
The charity 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 their settlement value.
Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
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1n. Policy For Preparing The Accounts
The directors believe that the company is experiencing good levels of income growth and that it is well placed to manage its business risks successfully. Accordingly they have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
2. DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES
Particulars of employees (including directors) are shown below:
| Employee costs during the year amounted to: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs |
2025 £ 239,717 14,647 4,995 259,359 |
2024 £ 238,133 10,362 4,906 |
|---|---|---|
| 253,401 |
No Trustee received remuneration for their services as a Trustee.
Artistic Director 1 x FT (2024 1 x FT); Executive Director 1 x FT (2024 1 x FT), General Management 1x FT (from November 2024) (2024 1 x 0.2 FTE); Project Administration 1 x FT (2024 1 x FT); AssociateDirector 1 x FT (from November 2024) (2024 1 x 0.8 FTE); Executive Producer 1 x 0.8 FT (2024 1 x 1FT); Associate Producer 1 x FT (2024 1 x FT); Youth Worker 1 x 0.6 FTE (2024 1 x 0.8 FTE); MarketingManager 1 x 0.6 FTE (2024 1 x 0.6 FTE).
3. PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS
| Pension contributions | 2025 £ 4,995 4,995 |
2024 £ 4,906 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,906 |
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4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 01/04/2024 At 31/03/2025 Depreciation At 01/04/2024 For the year At 31/03/2025 Net Book Amounts At 31/03/2025 At 31/03/2024 5. DEBTORS Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Other debtors |
Plant and Machinery £ 12,605 12,605 12,487 49 12,536 69 118 2025 £ 2,600 7,289 9,889 |
Total £ 12,605 |
|---|---|---|
| 12,605 | ||
| 12,487 49 |
||
| 12,536 | ||
| 69 | ||
| 118 | ||
| 2024 £ 4,362 93,026 |
||
| 97,388 |
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6. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| 6. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors |
2025 £ 765 5,242 5,696 11,703 |
2024 £ 20,872 7,004 48,599 |
| 76,475 |
Other Creditors comprise accrued costs of £3,696 (2024 £3,599) and deferred income of £2,000 (2024 £45,000) being project income in advance of spend for future periods.
7. LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Each member gives a guarantee to contribute a sum not exceeding £1, to the company should it be wound up. At 31/03/2025 there were 12 members.
8. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
| General fund Designated Creative Reserve Fund |
Brought forward £ 87,172 40,227 127,399 |
Incoming resources £ 427,482 153 427,635 |
Outgoing resources £ (398,972) - (398,972) |
Transfers £ (15,662) 15,662 - |
Carried forward £ 100,020 56,042 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156,062 |
Designated Creative Reserve Fund
Funds for research and development for future projects and additional creative projects.
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9. RESTRICTED FUNDS
| Access to Work Rayne Foundation Granada Foundation PH Holt Foundation Paul Hamlyn Foundation Community Foundation for Merseyside John Ellerman Coutts Foundation |
Brought forward £ - - - - - - - - - |
Incoming resources £ 16,920 12,500 4,000 8,115 43,000 1,000 40,000 73,500 199,035 |
Outgoing resources £ (16,920) (12,500) (4,000) (8,115) (43,000) (1,000) (40,000) (35,000) (160,535) |
Transfers £ - - - - - - - - - |
Carried forward £ - - - - - - - 38,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38,500 |
Access to Work
Funds to support people into work
Rayne Foundation
Funding to develop and create new shows specifically addressing the mental health and wellbeing of young people
Granada Foundation
Funding for making young people's theatre
PH Holt Foundation
Funding for making young people's theatre
Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Funding for New Chapter project for organisational development
Community Foundation for Merseyside
Funds for creating theatre with young people
John Ellerman
Funding for core costs and organisational development
Coutts Foundation
Funding to support the charity's work with young people
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10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year the charity had no related party transactions to disclose.
The aggregate remuneration of key personnel, including pension contributions and employer's national insurance, was £124,941 (2024 £128,292). No employee received remuneration in excess of £60,000 in either year.
11. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
In the application of the company's accounting policies, which are described in note 1, management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. There are no critical accounting estimates or judgements in these accounts.
12. GENERAL INFORMATION
20 Stories High (Company Number: 5841963) (Registered Charity Number 1137255 ) is a private company limited by guarantee and incorporated in England and Wales. Its registered office is 37-45 Windsor Street Liverpool L8 1XE. The accounts are stated in sterling the functional currency of the company.
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13. INCOMING RESOURCES
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sundry Grants and Donations | 7,753 | 3,617 |
| Investment Income: Bank Interest | 477 | 1,734 |
| Charitable Activities | ||
| Arts Council England NPO | 215,804 | 215,804 |
| Restricted Project Grants - note 9 to accounts | 125,535 | 269,099 |
| Theatre Relief Claim | 162,665 | 72,265 |
| Liverpool City Council | 18,620 | 18,600 |
| Partner Contributions | 19,242 | 107,686 |
| Coutts Foundation | 73,500 | 38,500 |
| Other Income | 3,074 | 291 |
| __ | __ | |
| Total Incoming Resources | 626,670 | 727,596 |
| __ | __ |
14. TAX STATUS
20 Stories High is a registered charity and all the activity is in furtherance of our charitable objects therefore we claim exemption from corporation tax. The charity intends to make a claim for theatre relief accounted for on a received basis.
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15. RESOURCES EXPENDED
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Charitable Expenditure | ||
| Other Direct Project Costs | 162,423 | 284,918 |
| Administration | 93,199 | 125,209 |
| Finance Costs | 90 | 91 |
| Marketing | 15,958 | 13,547 |
| Premises Costs | 23,269 | 20,860 |
| Staff Costs | 259,359 | 253,401 |
| __ | __ | |
| 554,298 | 698,026 | |
| Governance Costs | ||
| Accountancy | 4,278 | 2,911 |
| Board Expenses | 931 | 932 |
| __ | __ | |
| 5,209 | 3,843 | |
| __ | __ | |
| Total Resources Expended | 559,507 | 701,869 |
| __ | __ |
16. NET ASSETS BY FUND
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | |
| Tangible Fixed Assets | 69 | - | 69 |
| Net Current Assets | 155,993 | 38,500 | 194,493 |
| __ | __ | __ | |
| 156,062 | 38,500 | 194,562 | |
| __ | __ | __ |
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17. NOTES TO THE CASHFLOW STATEMENT
17a. Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash flow from operating activities
| Operating profit Depreciation of tangible assets Decrease in debtors Decrease in creditors Net cash inflow from operating activities 17b. Analysis of changes in cash and cash equivalents during the year Balance at 01/04/2024 Net cash inflow / (outflow) Balance at 31/03/2025 17c. Analysis of changes in financing year Share Capital £ |
2025 £ 106,368 89,939 196,307 |
£ 67,163 49 87,499 (64,772) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 89,939 | |||
| 2024 £ 202,610 (96,242) 106,368 Loans and finance lease obligations £ |
2024 £ 202,610 (96,242) |
||
| 106,368 |
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Incoming Resources for the year ended 31/03/2025
| Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Charitable Activity Arts Council England NPO Liverpool City Council Core Funding Granada Foundation - Restricted Restricted Project Grants John Ellerman Foundation Partner Contributions Access to Work Theatre Relief Claim Other Income Community Foundation for Merseyside PH Holt Foundation - Restricted Coutts Foundation Charitable Activity 2 Investment Income - Bank Interest Donations |
215,804 18,620 4,000 55,500 40,000 19,242 16,920 162,665 3,074 1,000 8,115 73,500 477 7,753 |
2025 £ 618,440 8,230 626,670 626,670 |
215,804 18,600 - 192,040 40,000 107,686 37,059 72,265 291 - - 38,500 1,734 3,617 |
2024 £ 722,245 5,351 727,596 727,596 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Expenses for the year ended 31/03/2025
| Expenses Costs of generating funds Charitable Activities Cultural Education and the Operation of a Theatre company Performers Fees Workshop Fees Production Costs, Costumes, Props, Sound and Photos DBS Costs Outsource and Freelance Fee Research Storage and Space Hire Rent and Rates Cleaning Access Salaries NIC employer (wages and salaries) Pension contributions Hospitality and Refreshments Training and wellbeing Equipment Travel and Subsistence Freelance Support Staff Creative and Project Team Fees Insurance Staff Recruitment Postage Stationery and office supplies IT Running Costs Telephone and Internet Website Costs Subscriptions and Membership Fees Event tickets Marketing and Branding Bank charges Sundry expenses Depreciation of plant and machinery |
2025 £ 30,675 9,012 11,872 639 35,438 1,048 11,137 11,088 1,044 21,254 239,717 14,647 4,995 4,869 4,722 3,820 42,556 57,161 14,445 729 2,683 109 1,922 3,397 2,704 250 1,882 180 13,896 90 6,268 49 554,298 |
2024 £ 70,026 11,166 32,248 526 70,132 457 11,189 10,208 (537) 11,187 238,133 10,362 4,906 3,101 2,930 2,214 95,250 67,664 31,468 1,276 82 30 3,292 3,525 2,560 - 1,764 1,540 10,243 67 968 49 |
|---|---|---|
| 698,026 |
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Expenses for the year ended 31/03/2025
| Governance Costs Board Away Days, Training and Subsistence Professional Fees |
2025 931 4,278 5,209 559,507 |
2024 932 2,911 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,843 | ||
| 701,869 |
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