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← Arts & Heritage Alliance Milton Keynes

2025-04-05-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

Charity Registration No: 1158874

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

CONTENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

Page
Report of the Trustees 2-7
Independent Examiner's Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11-14

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Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 05 April 2025.

Objectives and Activities

The charitable aims of the alliance are :

Arts and Heritage Alliance Milton Keynes is an alliance of over 40 cultural sector members, working collaboratively to ensure culture is at the heart of the growing city of Milton Keynes. There is emphasis on the areas of Cutural Advocacy, Inclusion and Diversity together with a Schools alliance to promote the importance of creative skills for children and young people.

The Alliance promotes, supports and celebrates the diverity of Milton Keynes culture by engaging with events held by underrepresented communities. It acts as a bridge between the cultural sector and diverse communties to build social cohesion through culture.

The Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit is at the forefront of our work and the trustees have due regard to the guidance when exercising their powers and duties.

Achievements and Performance

Aim 1: Sustainability and Development of AHA-MK as a Sector Support Organisation

In 2024/25, AHA-MK continued to strengthen its role as the central support organisation for Milton Keynes cultural sector. We delivered a range of forums, communications, CPD opportunities, and direct support actvities designed to enhance sector connectivity, build resilience, and extend our reach.

To support Membership, we delivered two full forums during the year, alongside four newsletters, which continued to be a key communication channel across the network. Member support expanded through two member meetings, a sector social event in July, and specialist gatherings such as two Marketing and Audience Development meetings and four Cultural Leaders Meetings. These provided strategic touchpoints and opportunities for collaboration and problem-solving.

Professional development grew significantly this year. We delivered a CPD Case for Support training programme, AI risk and funding training, and specialist marketing support took place in February 2025 with Sophie and Cerys from Destination MK. These sessions aimed to address sector-wide capacity gaps and align with evolving digital and funding landscapes.

Community engagement remained a priority. We provided over 15 hours of one-to-one support focused on cultural heritage storytelling and grassroots organisational development specifically around supporting ACE funding applications. We also saw an increase in community attendance at meetings and training sessions, demonstrating improved engagement and reach.

Early work has begun on shaping a new Community Membership level which will be developed through a new funding project with School of Social Entrepreneurs in 2026-27 to build capacity to support informal cultural organisations more effectively, enabling them to access AHA-MK resources and contribute their perspectives.

Digital resources and social media output increased through the support and skills of Camille Poole, broadening access to sector information for both members and non-members

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Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

Aim 2 – MAKE: Connecting Children, Young People, Education and Culture Partnership and Sector Connectivity

The MAKE programme continued to support strong links between cultural organisations, creative industries and the education sector. Four MAKE partnership meetings were delivered in March, July, October and January, bringing together 46 participants and generating valuable cross-sector connections.

Our Learning and Inclusion Manager engaged approximately 440 learners across a range of education settings, reflecting a growing demand for cultural learning opportunities. MAKE newsletters saw continued growth, with 321 subscribers and an increased open rate of 43–47%.

Participants consistently reported that MAKE meetings broadened their understanding of local cultural work, offering insights into community-led initiatives and cultural diversity. The feedback demonstates the programme’s value in raising awareness, connecting practitioners and strengthening the cultural education ecosystem.

Key achievements included contributions to the Cornerstones Meeting in July and MK Gallery Inclusion Training, ongoing support for Supplementary Schools, and work on a new Toolkit developed with funding from the Foyle Foundation. Work also progressed on Creative Industries career profiles and early discussions around Youth Parliament consultation. CPD for MAKE partners continued to focus on diversity and inclusion, in direct response to teacher requests.

Cultural Apprenticeship Pilot Programme

As part of widening access for young people across Milton Keynes, AHA-MK delivered a 15-month Cultural Apprenticeship Pilot Programme in partnership with Milton Keynes City Council, Creative Alliance, MK Gallery Bletchley Park, and Milton Keynes Theatre.

Programme Purpose

The pilot aimed to:

Three Level 3 apprentices were placed:

Evie Spillings, Events Assistant, Bletchley Park Joshua Yon, Digital Marketer, MK Gallery

Remi Ajibola, Cultural Learning & Participation Officer, Milton Keynes Theatre

Each apprentice completed over 1,400 hours of work experience, supplemented by Creative Alliance's stuctured training. The apprentices made significant contributions to their host venues.

MK Gallery saw a 1086% increase in TikTok engagement, new digital engagement strategies, and high-response audience surveys; staff noted Joshua’s skills filled a critical digital gap

Bletchley Park reported transformative growth in Evie's confidence and project management capabilities, including delivering major events such as the National Cipher Challenge and Women in Intelligence events.

3

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

Milton Keynes Theatre benefited from Remi’s work on youth programmes, new partnerships, and leadership in developing content and delivering sessions.

All venues confirmed they would host an apprentice again, citing increased inclusivity, organisational learning, and widened access to cultural careers.

Apprentice Development

Apprentices reported:

Two apprentices received distinctions; Evie progressed to a full-time role at Bletchley Park; Joshua gained full-time employment in digital marketing; Remi continues to work on youth programmes with MKT.

Extended Cultural Experiences

AHA-MK curated monthly cross-sector visits introducing apprentices to:

These visits built sector knowledge, strengthened confidence, and fostered advocacy for Milton Keynes's cultural ecosystem.

Learning & Recommendations

Key lessons included

This programme demonstrated a powerful, scalable model of young people’s engagement in culture that AHA-MK hopes to expand.

Aim 3: Fundraising Support

This year AHA-MK prioritised addressing the sector-wide skills gap in fundraising. We provided more than 20 hours of one-to-one community mentorship on evidence gathering, reporting, and evaluation, including support for ACE applications by individual creatives and community groups.

4

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

Match Funding Applications

As part of our Organisational Development Grant work, AHA-MK pursued several match-funding opportunties.

Successful Applications

This match-funding activity has strengthened partnerships, increased our organisational visibility, and supported grassroots capacity building.

Aim 4: Supporting Emerging Artists

AHA-MK delivered work designed to bring artists together, identify needs, provide mentoring, and improve progression pathways within Milton Keynes. Two Artist Feedback meetings took place, alongside three meetings supporting a proposed new community art and dance venue. We gathered evidence in July 2024 and presented findings back to artists and creatives in September 2025 with the aim of developing a programme of support over the autumn of 2025.

Five Spotlight organisations contributed to the sessions, and 10 hours of one-to-one support were delivered This included supporting one artist through six mentorship sessions and putting in a funding application with Honey Mosaics to Community Foundation.

AHA-MK also met with ACE on three occasions regarding creative sector development and consulted with Gateway Arts, MKAC, Black Sheep Collective, MK Gallery, Arts for Health, and the Fringe Festival to ensure a joined-up approach. A potential sponsorship offer emerged from these conservations.

Aim 5: Collaborative Comms Group for Culture

Work continued to strengthen shared marketing and communications across the sector. We delivered two forums and three marketing meetings. A Meet and Greet event—rescheduled twice due to external factors will now take place in February 2025.

The sector’s clash diary is now regularly included in the newsletter. A draft Audience Matrix has been produced, though progress is paused due to reduced engagement from key members. A proposed citywide Cultural Brochure has secured positive sector support, and quotes have been gathered for next steps.

Aim 6: Data Collection

AHA-MK refreshed its sector-wide data collection process, aligning with NPO, Audience Agency, and MDO requirements. Vital Elements questions were distributed across Member groups, Cultural Leaders, Marketing Groups, and Trustees, with the final report delivered from the Community Foundation.

A new AHA-MK Data Questionnaire has been developed for distribution incorporating sector feedback. We also raised the sector’s profile through participation in three tech and community business events and contributed cultural insights from the entire sector to discussions on the MK50 City Plan.

5

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

Challenges Encountered

AHA-MK has faced several challenges over the past year:

1 Leadership Changes

We experienced the departure of our Chair twice within one year, which created periods of transition and uncertainty. Fortunately, Emma Courtney and Rob Gifford have stepped in to support the Vice-Chair and Treasurer roles, providing stability. Additionally, we have recruited four new trustees who have applied for interview, strengthening governance capacity

2 Limited Access to Infrastructure Funding

3 Business and Technology Networking Challenges

Financial Review and Reserves Policy

Total Funds at 5th April 2025 were £31,197 , however,the trustees are aware that £22,904 of this is represented by restricted funds, the expenditure of which is carefully monitored throughout the year.

In the year to 5th April 2025, membership fees added to the unrestricted funds , as all expenditure was able to be paid out of restricted funds due to overhead support and organisation grants from Milton Keynes City Council. Unrestricted funds at the year end were £8,293 ( £5,663 5th April 2024 )

There is a reliance on funding from Milton Keynes City Council, but the trustees are confident this will continue for the forseeable future as there is strong collaboration with the Council on mutual projects and objectives.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Arts and Heritage Alliance Milton Keynes is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission under number 1158874. It is governed by a constitution dated July 2014, with an amendment February 2018 and January 2020.

Trustees are recruited through an open call, charity contacts and membership ; their appointment is confirmed at the Annual General Meeting. The maximum number of trustees is ten and the minimum is five. They meet regularly throughout the year.

6

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

Trustees

The Trustees at the date of this report are as follows :

Simon Kearey Chair appointed 4th August 2025 Emma Courtney Vice Chair Robert Gifford Treasurer Victoria Gibb Lakshmana Kastala Yvonne Owour Julie-Anne Dawes appointed 25th March 2025 Afreen Akhter Patel appointed 24th March 2025

The following Trustees resigned during the period :

Anna Francesca Skelton Chair resigned 6th February 2025 Laura Margaret Keen Treasurer resigned 6th February 2025 Hannah Olarewaju resigned 25th November 2024 Amanda Louise Farr resigned 6th February 2025

Trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They are also responsible for safe guarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps or the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees' Report above.

Signed on behalf of the Charity's Trustees

Chair : Simon Kearey Date : 11th December 2025.

7

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (" the Trust ") for the year ended 05 April 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act ").

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

Signature:

Name: Denise Balch Qualification: A.C.A Address: 15 Towcester Road Old Stratford Milton Keynes MK19 6AN

Date:

3rd February 2026

8

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

Notes
Incoming resources
Grants received
3
Membership
Total
Resources expended
Project Delivery
Staff costs
2
Office costs
Bookeeping and payroll
Consultancy
Forum costs
Insurance
Training
Independent Examination
Total
Net income/(expenditure)
Reconciliation of Funds
Total funds brought forward
Total Funds carried forward at 05 April 2025
6		 2025
2024
£
£
£
£
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
-
97,825
97,825
46,720
2,630
2,630
3,850
-
2,630
97,825
100,455
50,570
-
58,941
58,941
21,916
-
47,813
47,813
14,276
-
2,419
2,419
2,230
3,193
3,193
-
-
-
2,754
-
867
867
434
-
752
752
750
-
1,445
1,445
52
-
750
750
660
-
116,180
116,180
43,072
2,630
(18,355)
(15,725)
7,498
5,663
41,259
46,922
39,424
8,293
22,904
31,197
46,922

9

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 05 APRIL 2025

Notes
Current Assets
Debtors
4
Cash at bank and in hand		 2025
2024
£
£
34,597
7,686
12,681
56,378
Creditors : amounts falling due within one year
5		 47,278
64,064
16,081
17,142
Total Net Assets 31,197
46,922
Funds of the Charity
6
Restricted
Unrestricted		 22,904
41,259
8,293
5,663
Total Funds 31,197
46,922

Approved on behalf of all the trustees and authorised for issue on 11th December 2025.

………………………………………………….. 898E8C6C54DA441...

Chair : Simon Kearey ………………………………………………….. [raeC19826525B4F4DC...by:

Treasurer : Robert Gifford

10

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice : Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and with the Charities Act 2011.

There have been no changes to accounting estimates in the reporting period and no material prior year errors have been identified.

INCOMING RESOURCES

Recognition of incoming resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

  1. the charity becomes entitled to the resources;

  2. it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources;

  3. the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP.

Grants and donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met.

Government grants

The charity has received government grants in the reporting period.

Contractual Income and performance related grants

This is only included in the SoFA once the charity has provided the related goods or services or met the performance related conditions.

EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Grants with performance conditions

Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SoFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the service or output.

Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

Debtors

Debtors are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

11

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

2 Staff Costs

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Salaries|46,458|13,860| |Pension costs ( defined contribution scheme )|1,355|416| |47,813|14,276|

----- End of picture text -----

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

----- Start of picture text -----
||| |---|---| |2025|2024| |£|£| |2|2|

----- End of picture text -----

3 Government Grants

Grants were received from Milton Keynes City Council ( MKCC ) for the following

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Apprenticeship scheme|32,097|21,680| |Operational Grant|20,000|7,500| |Director/ Overhead Funding|10,228|3,290| |63,325|32,470|

----- End of picture text -----

Further details regarding funds are shown in note 6

4 Debtors

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Trade Debtors|34,597|6,934| |Prepayments|-|751| |34,597|7,685| |5|Creditors : amounts falling due within one year| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Trade creditors|12,972|11,974| |Accruals|1,560|4,515| |Taxation and social security|1,549|653| |16,081|17,142|

----- End of picture text -----

12

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

6 (a) Movement in funds during the current reporting period

Restricted Funds:
MAKE projects
Apprenticeship scheme
Heritage Lottery Fund
MKCC Director/overhead support
MKCC Organisation Grant
Artist project
Q Alliance
Foyle Foundation		 Balance
Incoming
Outgoing
Balance
Resources Resources
31/03/25
£
£
£
-
(2,623)
-
32,097
(58,551)
-
13,750
(15,878)
9,342
10,228
(10,940)
-
20,000
(11,438)
8,562
10,000
(5,000)
5,000
2,000
(2,000)
-
9,750
(9,750)
-
712
-
01/04/24
£
2,623
26,454
11,470
-
-
-
General Funds 97,825
(116,180)
22,904
2,630
-
8,293
41,259
5,663
Total Funds 100,455
(116,180)
31,197
46,922

6 (b) Movement in funds during the previous reporting period


Restricted Funds:
MAKE projects
Programme of Change
Apprenticeship scheme
Heritage Lottery Fund
MKCC/Director overhead support
MKCC Organisation Grant
Magic Little Grant		 Balance
Incoming
Outgoing
Balance
Resources Resources
31/03/24
£
£
£
-
(2,446)
2,623
-
(1,632)
-
21,680
(21,226)
26,454
13,750
(2,280)
11,470
3,290
(2,578)
712
7,500
(7,500)
-
500
(500)
-
01/04/23
5,069
£
1,632
26,000
General Funds 46,720
(38,162)
41,259
3,850
(4,910)
5,663
32,701
6,723
Total Funds 50,570
(43,072)
46,922
39,424

6 (c) Restricted Funds

MAKE Projects

Make is the Milton Keynes Cultural Education Partnership, with it's vision to work together to nourish and support the creative skills and cultural wellbeing of Milton Keynes children and young people, being part of a national movement of Cultural Education Partnerships to deliver creative thinking at the heart of education.

Programme of Change

A two year project funded by Milton Keynes Community Foundation, to build cultural inclusion and diversify the cultural ecology of Milton Keynes, focusing on the importance of connectivity, building bridges and trusted relationships between the cultural sector and communities.

13

Docusign Envelope ID: 12194BF3-5E06-4DCF-A436-45AAE61E342E

ARTS & HERITAGE ALLIANCE MILTON KEYNES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2025

6 (c ) continued

Artswork

Funding from Artswork to develop a MAKE website as a central portal for the MK Cultural Education Partnership network. This included arts and heritage resources for teachers, cultural sector education offers, and a platform for connection and information between the cultural sector and education sector.

Apprenticeship Scheme

Funds from MKCC as part of our inclusion and diversity stategy.

Following applications for on-the-job training for an apprentice, it was decided to support the following three cultural organisations ; Bletchley Park, MK Gallery and Milton Keynes Theatre.

HLF ( Heritage Lottery Fund )

Funding from MK Musuem for projects involving inclusion and engagement with underrepresented communities.

Organisation grant

Funds from MKCC for traing and promoting in the following three areas ; Inclusion and Diversity Cultural and Creative Education Cultural Advocacy

14 Transactions with trustees and related parties

14 (a) Trustee remuneration and benefits

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or expenses, or received any other benefits from the charity or a related entity.

14 (b) Transactions with related parties

There have been no related party transactions in the current and prior year reporting periods.

14