OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07035527 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1141098

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Pagoda Arts

SB&P Chartered Accountants Oriel House 2-8 Oriel Road Bootle Liverpool Merseyside L20 7EP

Pagoda Arts

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 15

Pagoda Arts (Registered number: 07035527)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Pagoda Arts stands as a vibrant hub for Chinese culture, based in Liverpool, UK. As a charitable force, Pagoda Arts seamlessly integrates traditional and contemporary Chinese arts, spanning music, dance, community engagement, and health and wellbeing. This enriches Liverpool's cultural fabric by empowering communities through dynamic workshops, performances, and educational programs. Beyond cultural enrichment, Pagoda Arts actively addresses social challenges, taking a stance against issues such as hate crimes and campaigning against the injustice of the forced deportation of Chinese seafarers after World War II. This annual report underscores Pagoda Arts' unwavering commitment to cultural diversity, education, and its pivotal role in fostering unity through the captivating tapestry of Chinese arts.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Pagoda Arts aims to promote Chinese and ESEA culture through music, education, heritage and community wellbeing. In 2024-2025, we delivered over 64,000 engagements through arts programmes, classes, youth development and public events. We continued to nurture emerging artists, strengthen cultural exchange, and provide accessible activities for young people, adults and elders. Our work also focused on supporting community resilience and progressing long-term plans to secure the Pagoda Centre for future generations.

Public benefit

Pagoda Arts provided significant public benefit by offering inclusive cultural opportunities alongside essential social-welfare support. In 2024-2025, we delivered over 3,000 unfunded welfare engagements, including translation, advice, health clinics and support for vulnerable individuals facing scams, isolation and language barriers. Our work reduced inequality, improved access to services and promoted cohesion across Liverpool's diverse communities.

Page 1

Pagoda Arts (Registered number: 07035527)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Acknowledgements

Pagoda Arts was deeply saddened by the passing of our Chair, Ian Fisher, in September 2024.

Ian was a long-standing supporter of the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra (PCYO) and served as both Chair and Vice-Chair since the organisation's inception. His leadership and belief in our mission helped shape who we are today. We honour his memory with gratitude.

We extend sincere thanks to all volunteers, supporters, funders, in-kind supporters, and partners who contributed to our work during 2024-2025.

Our volunteers remain central to our success, contributing over 4,500 hours of service (valued at approximately £90,000) to sustain our cultural, educational, and social programmes.

Supporters and Collaborators

Funders (Financial Support)

- Arts Council England
- Culture Liverpool
- MPAC (HAF)
- National Museums Liverpool (NML)
- Pine Court
- Police and Crime Commissioner (Merseyside)
- LCVS Community Impact Fund

In-Kind Supporters

Delivery Partners (Collaborative, Non-Funding)

We also thank the Liverpool Chinese community, local residents, and community organisations for their continued trust and collaboration.

Introduction

Pagoda Arts is a Chinese-led hybrid arts and social centre based in Liverpool. We serve Chinese and East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) communities through arts, heritage, education, and wellbeing programmes.

The Pagoda Centre, the UK's first purpose-built Chinese community centre, offers a safe, inclusive, and culturally grounded environment for young people, elders, and families.

Pagoda Arts delivers over 64,000 engagements annually, supported by over 100 volunteers and a committed board of trustees. Since 2011, we have independently managed the Pagoda Centre following the withdrawal of direct staffing and funding by Liverpool City Council, which continues to provide in-kind support through rent-free use of the building.

Our integrated model combines creative, educational, and social support, addressing language barriers, isolation, and health inequalities while promoting cultural inclusion and community cohesion.

Page 2

Pagoda Arts (Registered number: 07035527)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities

Organisational Overview

Headline Annual Impact (April 2024 - March 2025)

- Total Footfall: 64,454
- Direct Engagements: 61,587
- Sessions Delivered: 2,174
- Average Monthly Centre Use: 1,034
- Volunteer Hours: 4,500
- Estimated Volunteer Value: £90,000+

Unfunded Social Welfare and Wellbeing Services

Delivered entirely without designated funding, these programmes were supported solely by volunteers, the CEO, and partner organisations who contributed time and expertise to sustain delivery.

The services provide vital support for Chinese-speaking and East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) residents, as well as refugees and migrants from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kurdistan, Somalia, and Sudan, including those attending ESOL classes delivered by a partner organisation.

Key Outcomes

Total Unfunded Wellbeing Engagements: 3,119

These figures represent individual support cases and attendances, including some repeat clients who received follow-up or multiple forms of support. They demonstrate the scale and complexity of community need addressed by Pagoda Arts through unfunded, volunteer- and partnership-led provision.

These activities tackle isolation, health inequality, and digital exclusion, ensuring that residents facing language or access barriers receive practical help and meaningful social connection. This work reflects exceptional community value, sustained entirely through volunteer commitment, unpaid leadership, and collaboration.

Community Advocacy Case Study

Between 2022 and 2025, Pagoda Arts supported 35 Chinese-speaking families (70 individuals) affected by an immigration-related financial scam, with collective losses exceeding £150,000.

Support included translation, police liaison, and bank correspondence, enabling most victims to recover funds. The scammer was finally sentenced in August 2024.

Pagoda provided:

Merseyside Police formally recognised Pagoda's contribution:

"Without Pagoda, this investigation would still be ongoing." - DC Paul O'Brien

Page 3

Pagoda Arts (Registered number: 07035527)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Funded Cultural Programmes

Funded through ACE, Culture Liverpool, MPAC (HAF), NML, and class income.

Programme Summary

Total Funded Cultural Engagements : 58,483

These programmes celebrate heritage, promote intergenerational wellbeing, and foster international cultural exchange.

Recognition and Achievements

Artistic Highlights

Demographics and Reach

Pagoda's work supports the Government's Levelling Up agenda by delivering locally rooted, culturally relevant services.

Community Heritage and Partnerships

Pagoda Arts continues its long-term advocacy for recognition of the Chinese seafarers deported from the UK after WWII, in partnership with the University of Liverpool and National Museums Liverpool (NML).

This included oral history collection, community consultations, and plans for a memorial garden.

Key Partnerships

Page 4

Pagoda Arts (Registered number: 07035527)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

The trustees have set a reserves policy based on the requirement of retaining the equivalent of at least 6 months running costs in general reserves. The optimum range is considered to be between £60,000 to £85,000. The current general fund position, excluding designated funds, meets the requirements of the policy.

The trustees have separately set aside a designated building fund, amounting to £200,000. The building that the Charity operates from, is due to be transferred by its existing owners to the Charity in the next financial year. Once the transfer has completed, the Charity will become responsible for some long overdue repairs and maintenance to the building. The fund balance represents the fair value of works required.

FUTURE PLANS

Pagoda Arts will continue to deliver integrated arts, education, and social welfare programmes at scale and low public cost, supported by volunteers, funders, and Liverpool City Council's in-kind provision of the Pagoda Centre. We will also continue developing strategic partnerships to secure long-term sustainability and expand intercultural programmes across the Liverpool City Region.

Discussions are ongoing with the Council regarding a Community Asset Transfer (CAT), which would secure long-term community stewardship of the Pagoda Centre and ensure sustainability, while introducing new operational responsibilities.

To sustain this vital hybrid model of cultural and social impact, Pagoda Arts seeks core investment to maintain the Pagoda Centre, support welfare and cultural programmes, and continue serving communities facing barriers to access.

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.

Governance and Board Development

In 2024, Pagoda Arts welcomed new trustees who completed LCVS board training to strengthen oversight, safeguarding, and compliance with Arts Council England's Investment Principles.

The organisation operates under a charitable governance model led by a volunteer board of trustees.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

07035527 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1141098

Registered office

Chinese Youth And Community Centre Henry Street Liverpool Merseyside L1 5BU

Trustees

I Fisher (resigned 1.12.24) S Mitchell H Um C W Wong P Traynor L F Iley (resigned 12.12.24) A McGowan (resigned 12.12.24) A Reynolds (appointed 12.12.24) K Sing (appointed 12.12.24) P Wong (appointed 12.12.24) T Maharaj (appointed 12.12.24)

Page 5

Pagoda Arts (Registered number: 07035527)

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Independent Examiner SB&P Chartered Accountants Oriel House 2-8 Oriel Road Bootle Liverpool Merseyside L20 7EP

20/12/2025 Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:

.................................................................... A Reynolds - Trustee

Page 6

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Pagoda Arts

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Pagoda Arts ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors 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 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 examiner's statement

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act 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

  3. the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts to be reached.

Suzanne Draper ACA FCCA

SB&P Chartered Accountants Oriel House 2-8 Oriel Road Bootle Liverpool Merseyside L20 7EP 22/12/2025 Date: .............................................

Page 7

Pagoda Arts

Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

31.3.25
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations, grants and legacies
29,717
117,133
146,850
Investment income
2
4,351
-
4,351
Total
34,068
117,133
151,201
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Youth Projects
48,553
113,123
161,676
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(14,485)
4,010
(10,475)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
329,191
-
329,191
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
314,706
4,010
318,716		 31.3.24
Total
funds
£
183,841
5,419
189,260
213,983
(24,723)
353,914
329,191

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Pagoda Arts (Registered number: 07035527)

Balance Sheet 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
5,940
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
7,289
Cash at bank and in hand
313,154
320,443
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
9
(11,677)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
308,766
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
314,706
NET ASSETS
314,706
FUNDS
10
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Restricted
funds
£
341
-
3,669
3,669
-
3,669
4,010
4,010		 31.3.25
Total
funds
£
6,281
7,289
316,823
324,112
(11,677)
312,435
318,716
318,716
314,706
4,010
318,716		 31.3.24
Total
funds
£
7,917
18,844
310,960
329,804
(8,530)
321,274
329,191
329,191
329,191
-
329,191

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

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 20/12/2025 ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. A Reynolds - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 9

Pagoda Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. 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.

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.

Tangible fixed assets

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

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.

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Deposit account interest 4,351 5,419

Page 10

continued...

Pagoda Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

3. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Accountancy and independent examination 5,236 3,896
Depreciation - owned assets 3,516 3,870

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

5. STAFF COSTS

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

6.

Staff
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations, grants and legacies
25,993
Investment income
5,419
Total
31,412
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Youth Projects
32,704
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(1,292)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
330,483
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
329,191		 31.3.25
31.3.24
4
6
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
£
£
157,848
183,841
-
5,419
157,848
189,260
181,279
213,983
(23,431)
(24,723)
23,431
353,914
-
329,191

Page 11

continued...

Pagoda Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024
Charge for year
At 31 March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
8.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
9.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 Fixtures
and
Computer
fittings
equipment
Totals
£
£
£
4,041
23,650
27,691
-
1,880
1,880
4,041
25,530
29,571
1,931
17,843
19,774
525
2,991
3,516
2,456
20,834
23,290
1,585
4,696
6,281
2,110
5,807
7,917
31.3.25
31.3.24
£
£
150
15,700
4,250
-
2,889
3,144
7,289
18,844
31.3.25
31.3.24
£
£
1,372
620
5,105
4,130
874
-
4,326
3,780
11,677
8,530		 Totals
£
27,691
1,880
29,571
19,774
3,516
23,290
6,281
7,917
8,530

Page 12

continued...

Pagoda Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Building Fund (designated)
Restricted funds
HAF Programme
Maritime Museum: Chinese Community
Contribution
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Art Council
HAF Programme
Shanghai Exchange
Pine Court
Maritime Museum: Chinese Community
Contribution
Merseyside Community Fund
LCVS
Liverpool City Council
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.24
£
129,191
200,000
329,191
-
-
-
329,191
Incoming
resources
£
34,068
60,000
14,109
10,449
2,000
12,000
5,000
2,750
10,825
117,133
151,201		 Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.25
£
£
(14,485)
114,706
-
200,000
(14,485)
314,706
341
341
3,669
3,669
4,010
4,010
(10,475)
318,716
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(48,553)
(14,485)
(60,000)
-
(13,768)
341
(10,449)
-
(2,000)
-
(8,331)
3,669
(5,000)
-
(2,750)
-
(10,825)
-
(113,123)
4,010
(161,676)
(10,475)

Page 13

continued...

Pagoda Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net
movement At
At 1.4.23 in funds 31.3.24
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 130,483 (1,292) 129,191
Building Fund (designated) 200,000 - 200,000
330,483 (1,292) 329,191
Restricted funds
Art Council 12,500 (12,500) -
PH Holt Foundation 207 (207) -
Merseyside Playscheme 7,194 (7,194) -
Community Champion 3,530 (3,530) -
23,431 (23,431) -
TOTAL FUNDS 353,914 (24,723) 329,191
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 28,121 (29,413) (1,292)
Pagoda Centre 40 years Celebration
Project 3,291 (3,291) -
31,412 (32,704) (1,292)
Restricted funds
Art Council 55,922 (68,422) (12,500)
PH Holt Foundation - (207) (207)
Liverpool City Council Mental Health Fund 45,251 (45,251) -
HAF Programme 27,125 (27,125) -
Merseyside Playscheme - (7,194) (7,194)
Community Champion 18,750 (22,280) (3,530)
IBIE - Liverpool City Region 10,800 (10,800) -
157,848 (181,279) (23,431)
TOTAL FUNDS 189,260 (213,983) (24,723)

Page 14

continued...

Pagoda Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.

12. RESTRICTED FUNDS

Arts Council England

A grant awarded to the charity as a contribution towards running costs of the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra.

P H Holt Foundation

A grant awarded to contribute towards the cost of equipment purchases for the charity.

Liverpool City Council

Grants received in the year to contribute towards payroll and running costs.

Merseyside HAF Programmes

Multiple grants received from MPAC and HAF programmes to contribute towards programme and volunteer costs of the centres for half term and summer activities.

Merseyside Community Fund

Grants received in the year to contribute towards payroll costs, project costs and volunteer expenses.

Shanghai Exchange

Various donations received in the year to help with the running costs of the new exchange programme.

Maritime Museum

A grant to help towards the costs of the new project in the year, researching the relationship between China and the UK and to host events to present the research findings.

Pine Court

Grants received in the year to contribute towards volunteer expenses.

Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS)

Grants received in the year contributing to the project costs and running expenses of the "Celebration the Year of Snake".

13. DESIGNATED FUND

Building fund

The purpose of this fund is to provide for unexpected maintenance and repair costs as they arise.

Page 15