Report of the Directors and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital)
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital) Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Company Information Report of the Directors Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements: Independent Examiner's Report Profit and Loss Account Page 1 2 8 10 14 15
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital Company Information for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 DIRECTORS: SECRETARY: REGISTERED OFFICE: REGISTERED NUMBER: - COMPANY: - CHARITY: PLodge C Freeney D Brown K Upfold S Donegan - appointed 15 August 2024 L Hinnegan - appointed 15 August 2024 THumphreys - appointed 15 August 2024 1 Shallcross - appointed 15 August 202 ) Lauder - appointed 7 February 20: MABall Valley Community Theatre Childwall Valley Road Liverpool Merseyside L27 3YA 03900667 (England and Wales) 1150615 (England and Wales) Page 1
Valley Community Theatre Cing shy reaped by guarante and not Report of the Directors for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY The principal activity of the company in the year under review was that of an arts facilities operator. The company was incorporated under the Companies Act 1985, under the terms of its Memorandum and Articles of Association, on 29 December 1999, having already been registered as a Charity in accordance with this governing document on 19 October 1994. In 2013 a new Memorandum and Articles of Association was adopted and the charity was registered again. The new registration number is 1150615 RESULTS The results for the year are shown in the annexed financial statements. Mission The Valley Community Theatre - ims to advance the education of th understanding and appreciation of performance related skills. ffers opportunities in the arts for young people and other vulnerable groups e.g. vulnerable adul ffers alternative education provision for young people in danger of dropping out of full time education, at risk, hard reach or facing barriers and for other vuinerable, stigmatised groups. Provides a venue for high quality shows, conferences and events. Provide as a safe, intergenerational meeting place for those who are concerned or interested in the arts. Provide access to accreditation in the arts Public Benefit The Trustees have considered the Charities Commissions' Guidance on public benefit in the shaping of its mission and the planning of the Valley Community Theatre's activities for the year. Activity The principal activity of the company in the year under review was that of an arts facilities operator and providing theatre, dance, music, art and film opportunities for young people and the community. The Valley Community Theatre is one of the largest, newly refurbished youth theatres in the North West of England, and runs: Arts to Inclusion - educational programmes for young people at risk Youth Theatre Youth Dance, Art, Film & Music/Recording programmes : Youth Arts Development Forum Outreach projects secondary school levels and youth clubs • Community Arts projects Touring Companies for Community Theatre experience High quality-equipped training, rehearsal and performance venue for hire. The Board of Directors/Trustees fulfil their responsibilities as volunteers, and young people are encouraged to contribute to the activities of the VCT when appropriate as supervised volunteers. Page 2
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital) for tie ear Ented 31 March 2023 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The company is managed by its volunteer Board of Directors/Trustees, who appoint the Project Director, who line manages sessional and project tutors, artists and administrative staff. The directors of the Company, and Trustees of the registered charity, during the year under review were: PLodge LEvans E Lodge C Freeney M Rowland McLennan Drow K Upfold S Donegan (appointed 15 August 2024) L Hinnigan (appointed 15 August 2024) T Humphreys (appointed 15 August 2024) M Shallcross (appointed 15 August 2024) D Lauder (appointed 7 February 2025) The Trustees meet no fewer than four times per year and, when necessary, more often. All the directors, being eligible, offer themselves for election at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. All directors are Training for existing Trustees and further development of the Board of Directors remains under review. Via the Youth Arts Development Forum, young people have been encouraged and prepared to attend meetings of the Trustees as observers. The Board takes seriously its responsibilities and carries out through its Theatre Director full risk assessments on all activities undertaken. Proper consideration is given to fulfilling the requirements of such policies as the VCT Health and Safety, Fire, Diversity and Safeguarding Policies to ensure the safety of all staff, users and visitors. Regular reviews are carried out and the item is part of the standing Agenda at meetings FINANCIAL REVIEW Finances Total incoming resources for the year amounted to £174,724. Of this £83,138 was unrestricted. The total expended resources were £182,786 of which £91,200 was unrestricted. Reserves Policy The Valley Community Theatre aims to maintin a 3 month operating reserve in place. : Page 3
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital) Report of the Directors (continued) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Statement of Directors' responsibilities Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and applicatio of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the director: should follow best practice and: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the company will continue on that basis. The directors are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Valley Community Theatre, Trustees' report 24-25 Over the past year we have facilitated free arts activities for 230 children, young people and adults from ages 8 upwards. This includes 270 arts-based workshops, live events and performances in theatre, live music, music production, dance, theatre tech and arts and props making. Our service has supported vulnerable groups including people living in an area of high disadvantage, people with disabilities, poor mental and / or physical health, young carers, LGBTQ+ people, older people, women and girls and care-experienced people including children and young people from age 8 to adults and families within our community. 47% of our beneficiaries consider themselves to be disabled. We provided informal opportunities to strengthen community connections using a joined-up approach to provide our activities. Our facilities include: Foyer with small open mic stage and café, Theatre auditorium with seating for 150 people, 2 Dance studios, music recording studio, vocal room, drum room. These spaces have allowed us to facilitate multiple arts disciplines across the building at one time, creating a buzz and hive of artistic freedom, the opportunity to be yourself, meet new people and most of all have fun! We facilitated a warm, welcoming safe space for our community to access free of charge and facilitated outreach sessions in the community for project promotion to reach more people. ADULT DRAMA In addition to our regular workshops, a busy performance year started with our Homelessness Drama Project supported by a grant from Network Theatre. This involved workshopping ideas into a finished performance, "Lifestyle Choice" by Steve Bird and Tom Mclennan, which culminated in performances in July 2024 at Valley and was well received. Our seasonal Panto followed, this year Jack and the Beanstalk, which was performed to packed audiences in January 2025, with prices kept low to encourage local families and groups to attend. 2025 saw us embark on our next funded project, on the Workers Theatre Movement, supported by Unity Theatre Trust Barry Amiel and Norman Melbourne Trust and the Lipman Miliband Trust. This involved active workshops for the public creating modern Living Newspapers. While most of the performances were in the Summer of 2025, we did enter one for the 2025 Leverhulme Drama festival in March. This was called "Next Edition" and was awarded the Richard Tom Mclennan, Adult Drama Facilitator Page 4
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital) Report of the Directors (continued) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 MUSIC FOR YOUNG PEOPLE wished to perform. YOUTH DANCE Our Youth Dance offer provided weekly free access to our dance studios to choreograph routines. The provision was not only excellent at improving physical and mental health but the group formed a friendship group outside of Valley. YOUTH THEATRE Youth theatre engaged with over 50 young people, providing a safe and creative space for them to develop skills, grow in confidence and thrive in the arts. The foundation of our sessions being our weekly drama workshops, in which young people expanded their techniques and engaged in a mixture of core skills, devising scenes and working with scripts. This was complemented by additional half-term workshops which culminated in small-scale showcases, giving participants the chance to perform on stage, build confidence, and celebrate their progress whilst also giving them practice performing in front of smaller audiences whilst we began rehearsals for our big show in the summer. For many, this was their first experience of taking part in a production and this helped them to build resilience and gain insight in how a show is put together from start to finish. Although the progress seen onstage is remarkable, the benefits of these weekly sessions extend beyond the stage. The young people have developed self-confidence, have found their voices in expressing ideas, and built strong friendships that continue outside of the sessions. And whether they decide to pursue a career in the arts in the future or create a career in another area, they have developed many transferable skills which will benefit them such as collaborating to solve problems and public speaking. Looking ahead, our youth theatre has already begun preparations for our Christmas production. We have also restructured our programme to ensure even more young people can take on meaningful roles and develop their skills with ambitions to deliver three productions in the coming year. Georgia Bowers, Youth Drama Lead PARTNERSHIPS: We have worked with 3 local disability charities and 32 local dance and drama businesses as host venue for theatre, dance over 700 stor. and soci and peria even helied to supporte sustainabity of socal businesses socials f ance and drama schools throughout the Liverpool region which attracted more visitors increasing socio-econom silience in our neighbourhood. We were also a host venue for Liverpool Fringe Festiv WELCOMING TOURING ARTS COMPANIES We have hosted professional touring theatre companies and musicians such as OddArts, Manchester, Big Telly Theatre Co. Ireland and LGBTQ+ Band "The Irrepressibles', Manchester for our beneficiaries and local community to access. Page 5
Valley Community Theatre Company limited by guarantee and not zaving share capical) Report of the Directors (continued) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 PLANS FOR THE FUTURE To become a more modem, independent, sustainable community venue as per our long-term vision. Be a central part of community life for people of all ages and abilities, bringing people together to improve lives via mental health and physical well-being arts activities. Promote increased engagement in the arts, particularly amongst those who face obstacles to doing so such as financial barners/ poor health /disability. Promote our services to a wades community, facilitating opportunities for people to "have a go" to gain new shills and achieve their goals. Reach more people via increased capital investment. Become more sustainable via increased income generation. Continue to provide fred arts activities for children, young people and adults in our community via grant funding and income generation; meeting our charity aims and objectives. In line with the 5 ways to well-being, ensure that people are more active hy taking part in actvities such as dance and drama sessions, Encourage civic engagement by facilitating volunteerism to create n culture of collaboration and solidarity, Embrace diversity and inclusion: continue to create an invaluable inclusive space where all individuals fect welcomed, respected, and valued for their unique contributions. Approximately half of our beneficiaries have a disability Build on existing and expand new social connections through our events, acavities, and social gatherings, promoting a sense of belonging and support amongst our communsty. Create a thnving, empowered and compassionate community through a senes of inclusive events, workshops, consultations and arts sessions. Provicle outreach workshop delivery to more arts-based community groups in Líverpool to promote the project and react more people. Provide a detached youth arts service 'on the streets" to engage more young people who may be at risk of engaging in ant- socirl behaviour. Provide mentoring foraspiring musicians and artists. Increase safety and promote social cohesion by providing a space for community members to meet up and engage in cultural activities to strengthen social bonds and reduce feclings of'isolation, ultimately contributing to a safer and more connected community. belonging and steer them away from negative influences. Address social issues through our productons and programming. By staging or liosting plays or performances that tackle topics such as mental health, bullying, extremism or discrmination, we have raised awareness, sparked conversations, and promoted better understanding within our community. wild resilience by offering opportunities for community members to participate in creative activities, express themselve ad connect with others to help build resilience and coping skills that contribute to overall community well-beir ON BEILALF OF THE BOARD: S. MYeunom T McLerman - Chass of Trustees Dated: 7ª November 2025 Page 6
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital) Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Funds € Notes Incoming resources from generated funds: Voluntary income: Grants received 2 Donations received Incoming resources from charitable activities: Total incoming resources Resources expended Costs of generating funds: Costs of generating voluntary income 3 Charitable activities Governance costs Total resources expended 6 Net incoming resources - Net income for the year Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds at 1 April 2024 Total funds at 31 March 2025 Restricted Funds 2025 Total Funds : 83,138 83,138 21,586 91,586 91,586 - 83,138 174,724 - 89,527 1,673 21,200 (8,062) 1,164 90,422 91,586 - 1,164 179,949 1,673. 182.786 (8,062) (8,062) 70,136 62,074 - (8,062) 70,136 62,074 Movements in funds are disclosed in Note 13 to the financial statements. DESIGNATED AND ENDOWMENT FUNDS The charity had no designated or endowment funds in the year. The notes form part of these financial statements. Page 7 2024 Total Funds 114,519 51,707 54.423 220,649 670 166,418 2,011 169.099 51,550 51,550 18,586 70,136
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital Balance Sleet As at 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Notes 10 FIXED ASSETS: Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS: Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS: Amounts falling due with one year NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTALASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 11 NETASSETS RESERVES: Unrestricted income funds - general Restricted income funds 12 E 34,319 14,589 28405 650 26,197 - 650 27,755 62,074 102074 25,547 70,136 E70,136 62,074 70,136 162074 470,136 The compans is entitled to eterption from audit under Socison 477 of the Companies Act 2006 forthe year ended 31 March 2025. The members have not required the company to obiain an audic of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance writt Section 476 of the Companies Act 200G The financial statements have beer prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 resting io small companies and with FRS 102. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: -TeLeman Approved by the board on 7* November 2025 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 8
• Valley Community Theatre Company limited by guarantee and no aving share capital Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES ccounting conventio ompanies At 206 and fallove the recommendations of satement Reconned Practed apil rs shorie ncoming resource Fundraising and publicity costs comprise those costs incurred in raising funds for the charity and promoting its public profile. is shares e plied on chariable activities comprise all expenditure directly in undertaking the charity's work to meet Governance costs comprise costs incurred directly in govemance arrangements relating to the general running of the charity, Tangible fired assets Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off the cost of each asset over its estimated useful Fixtures & Fittings Theatre Equipment - 15% straight line - 15% straight line Restricted funds Restricted funds are funded by grants received for use on specified projects, identified as part of the original bid for such funding, and may not be used to finance any other projects or the general operations of the charity. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged against restricted funds, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs. Uhrestricted und are grants and other incoming resources receivable or generated for the objeets ofthe charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds. Page 9
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital) Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM ACTIVITIES TO FURTHER THE CHARITY'S OBJECTS 2025 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds € 2024 Total Funds € Grants received LCC Merseyside Play Action Council LCVS Netherley Youth Foundation MWRA Liverpool HAF Postcode Lottery National Lottery Community Fund Barry Amiel & Norman Melbourne Trust Unity Theatre Trust Lipman Miliband Trust Picton Family Fund - 16,450 - - - - - - : : 3. COSTS OF GENERATING VOLUNTARY INCOME Unrestricted Funds € Restricted Funds 1,164 2025 Total Funds 1,164 2024 Total Funds 670 4. Publicity and promotions CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Staff costs (note 8) Performance & project costs Practitioners Rent, rates and water Light and heat Telephone Repairs & maintenance Catering Insurance Bank charges Professional Fees Depreciation Unrestricted 35,554 2,430 12,259 1,521 7,390 6,174 88 1,537 _ 9,546 82,527 Page 10 88 166,418 •
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 GOVERNANCE COSTS 6. Telephone Rent, rates and water Accountancy Depreciation TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED Unrestricted Funds 299 724 1,673 Staff Depreciation Costs (owned assets) Restricted Sands : - 2025 Total Funds 299 650 _ 724 1,673 2025 Total Costs 2024 Total Funds 272 - 650 1,089 2,011 2024 Total Costs 7. 8. Other Costs Costs of generating voluntary income Charitable activities Governance costs 84,554 9,546 34554 12270 NET INCOMING RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR 1,164 85,849 949 87,962 1,164 179,949 1,673 182,786 670 166,418 2.011 169,099 2025 2024 This is stated after charging: Depreciation STAFF COSTS 10,270 10,635 2025 2024 € Staff costs were as follows: Wages and salaries 84,554 79,829 No employee received emoluments of more than £50,000. The average weekly number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of full-time equivalents, was as follows: 2025 2024 Fundraising and publicity Charitable activities Governance costs : No remuneration was paid to the directors, nor were any expenses incurred by directors in both years. Page 11
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital) Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 9. 10. 11. TAXATION The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST OR VALUATION: At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 DEPRECIATION: At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 NET BOOK VALUE: At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 Fixtures & Fittings 22,431 22431 21,706 724 22,431 725 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Accrued expenses Theatre Equipment 88,095 88.095 44,231 9,546 53,777 34,318 43,864 Total 110,526 110.526 65,937 10,270 76,207 34,319 44,582 2025 650 650 2024 : 650 -650 12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Net assets at 31 March 2025 General Funds 34,319 28,405 ( 650) 62,074 Restricted Funds Total Funds € 44,589 26,197 ( 650) 70,136 Page 12
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Valley Community Theatre Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 Act; • to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charities Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: • which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and (b) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or • to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Name: Relevant professional qualification or body: Address: Date: P Taylor ACCA 74 Brook Vale Waterloo Liverpool L22 3YB 7ü November 2025 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 13
Valley Community Theatre (Company limited by guarantee and not having share capital) Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Income: Grants received Donations received Other incoming resources 91,586 - 83,138 114,519 51,707 54,423 174,724 Expenditure: Wages and salaries Telephone Publicity and promotions ICT equipment & maintenance Performance & project costs Practitioners Repairs and equipment Professional fees Accountancy Rates and water Insurance Light and heat Catering expenses 84,554 1,992 1,164 16,146 3,237 32,443 1,681 650 2,700 6,848 13,623 7,390 79,829 1,815 670 21,479 5,720 11,832 1,822 650 2,598 6,394 15,896 8.610 Finance costs: Bank charges Bank interest Depreciation: Fixtures & fittings Theatre equipment NET PROFIT/(LOSS) 88 172,428 2,296 88 149 724 2,546 1,089 2,546 10,270 € (8,062) This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 14 - 220,649 158,315 62,334 149 10,635 € 51,550