Charity registration number 1166388
Company registration number 09664738 (England and Wales)
NORTHERN DANCE
(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
D Leonard T Morgan
Charity number 1166388 Company number 09664738 Registered office C/O RMT Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Gosforth Park Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom NE12 8EG
Independent examiner
RMT Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Gosforth Park Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8EG
NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 12 |
NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles, 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)" (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Charity objective
The charity's objective is the advancement of the arts (the visual and performance art in all its forms including dance, decorative and visual arts, literature, film, theatre, music, sculpture and photography) and the education of the public in the arts particularly but not exclusively by public performances, workshops, exhibitions and other similar activities.
Charity aims
Northern Dance's overall aim is to advance the arts and educate the public with a focus on ballet and contemporary dance in the north of England and further afield.
We have a distinctly northern perspective, drawing theme, talent and collaborations from the north of England and celebrating the existing and emerging creative talent in our region. Our ambition is to become a leading dance institution that promotes and represents dance and art in the north, to stand alongside the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts and The Glasshouse (formerly Sage Gateshead) as both charities promote excellence in their fields of contemporary art and music.
Northern Dance will provide opportunities for the public to see, engage and participate in contemporary dance and enrich their lives; for professional and aspiring dancers to stay in the north east; and for our own organisation and other dance organisations to create high quality, excellent work.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in determining the activities undertaken by the charity.
Charitable activities
Our activities will include
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An annual programme of activities for the public to experience and participate in contemporary dance including performances, workshops, exhibitions, talks and other events. We're especially keen to attract new audiences to ballet and contemporary dance through our collaborations with other art forms and emerging technology.
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A training and work placement programme for young and upcoming dancers to provide additional training and support on their road to becoming professional dancers, bridging the gap between graduation and professional dancing.
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Regular workshops and dance training plus access to rehearsal and performance space for north east based dancers (professional, semi-professional, talented amateur) for continued professional development, maintaining fitness and developing strong collaborative networks.
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Creating and performing our own original new works with our own dancers and choreographer and/or in collaboration with artists, art forms and emerging technologies. We will hold live performances of our own work and aspire to record all our live performances and make them publicly available to broaden access to our works.
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Charity has completed its eighth year since establishment.
A number of dancers and choreographers continue to be engaged on a consultancy basis with development work ongoing for various projects. Much of the work this year has been in R&D developing themes, ideas and choreographic content for future works and performances. The key ones of these to emerge are a series of works around the theme of 'Angels and Dreams'. This work hopefully will form the basis for a significant funding bid and public performance in 2025.
Further on-going collaboration with others, including experts in innovative digital media from Northumbria University. This includes Northern Dance being at the forefront of the real time use of cutting-edge motion tracking and projection technology in dance performance. ‘Ephemera’ continues to be presented to live audiences in short film form and made available on the Northern Dance website for viewing. We continue to develop our expertise in this specialist area combining dance and technology. This will be the basis of future projects for the medium term.
Public classes have continued as well as inviting dancers to more advanced masterclass ‘workshops’. Significant work has also been underway in developing Northern Dance’s website and social media presence through Facebook and Instagram
Paper Dove Company (the principal donor to Northern Dance to-date) has developed a space under a longerterm lease in a warehouse in the Ouseburn area of Newcastle upon Tyne, part of which is sublet to Northern Dance as a purpose-adapted practice and performance area.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
The charity made a net deficit of £300 (2023: deficit £934) and at the year end had total funds carried forward of £636 (2023: £936).
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. The charity will seek to build reserves as it becomes fully operational and gains wider donor support.
Risk factors
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Constitution
The charity is a company limited by guarantee constituted by Memorandum and Articles incorporated 1 July 2015.
Trustees
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were: D Leonard
T Morgan
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
How decisions are made
The work of Northern Dance is controlled by its trustees. The trustees will also take professional advice where needed, and use this and other information gathered to make our decisions, which will be in trustee meetings following our constitution and governance best practice. We make decisions about what activity to deliver based on our available resources and those that have the biggest impact and benefit to the public.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees, who are also the directors of Northern Dance for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these 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 judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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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 operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 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.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
T Morgan Trustee
Dated: 28 May 2025
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTHERN DANCE
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Northern Dance (the charity) for the year ended 31 July 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity 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 the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable 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 that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 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
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4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their 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 financial statements to be reached.
Stephen Slater (FCA) for and on behalf of RMT Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd Gosforth Park Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8EG
Dated: 29 May 2025
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
| Unrestricted Unrestricted | Unrestricted Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 39,071 | 57,263 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | - | 300 |
| Total income | 39,071 | 57,563 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 4 | 39,371 | 58,497 |
| Net expenditure for the year/ | |||
| Net movement in funds | (300) | (934) | |
| Fund balances at 1 August 2023 | 936 | 1,870 | |
| Fund balances at 31 July 2024 | 636 | 936 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 JULY 2024
| 2024 Notes £ Current assets Debtors 9 419 Cash at bank and in hand 2,493 2,912 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 (2,276) Net current assets Income funds Unrestricted funds |
2023 £ £ 685 5,515 6,200 (5,264) 636 636 636 |
£ 936 |
|---|---|---|
| 936 | ||
| 936 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 July 2024.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 28 May 2025
T Morgan Trustee
Company Registration No. 09664738
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Northern Dance is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is C/O RMT Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd, Gosforth Park Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 8EG, United Kingdom. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.The Board has concluded that the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
1.4 Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
1.5 Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Support costs are those cost incurred that assist the work of the charity but are not directly incurred by the charitable activities. These cost are allocated between cost of raising funds and charitable activities. The basis on which support costs are allocated are set out in note 5.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Fixtures and fittings
20% straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.8 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Donations and legacies
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 39,071 | 57,263 |
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
3 Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Activity | |||
| Training | - | 300 | |
| 4 | Charitable activities | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Dancers | 33,339 | 49,866 | |
| Pension costs | 683 | 727 | |
| Clothing and equipment | 700 | 2,571 | |
| 34,722 | 53,164 | ||
| Share of support costs (see note 5) | 3,449 | 4,133 | |
| Share of governance costs (see note 5) | 1,200 | 1,200 | |
| 39,371 | 58,497 | ||
| 5 | Support costs allocated to activities | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Telephone | 366 | 445 | |
| Marketing | - | 162 | |
| Insurance | - | 504 | |
| Bank charges | (60) | 90 | |
| Repairs and maintenance | 840 | 999 | |
| Travelling and subsistence | 447 | 699 | |
| Legal and professional fees | 877 | 819 | |
| General expenses | 979 | 415 | |
| Governance costs | 1,200 | 1,200 | |
| 4,649 | 5,333 | ||
| Analysed between: | |||
| Charitable activities | 4,649 | 5,333 |
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
| 5 Support costs allocated to activities Governance costs comprise: Accountancy |
(Continued) 2024 2023 £ £ 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 |
(Continued) 2024 2023 £ £ 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 |
All cost incurred have been in the pursuit of the objectives of the charity and thus all support costs have been allocated to charitable activities.
The examiner's remuneration amounts to an Independent examiner's fee of £1,200 (2023: £1,200).
6 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
7 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| 1 | 1 | |
| Employment costs | 2024 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 29,000 | 30,000 |
| Other pension costs | 683 | 727 |
| 29,683 | 30,727 |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
Remuneration of key management personnel
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees. Remuneration for key management personnel is detailed below.
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Aggregate compensation | - | - |
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
8 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
9 Debtors
| Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other taxation and social security Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ - 419 419 2024 £ - 885 145 1,246 2,276 |
2023 £ 300 385 |
| 685 | ||
| 2023 £ 438 645 535 3,646 |
||
| 5,264 |
10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
11 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 August | Incoming | Resources | At 31 July | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | resources | expended | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 936 | 39,071 | (39,371) | 636 |
| Previous year: | At 1 August | Incoming | Resources | At 31 July |
| 2022 | resources | expended | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 1,870 | 57,563 | (58,497) | 936 |
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NORTHERN DANCE (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
12 Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties
During the year the charity received donations totalling £37,071 (2023: £57,263) from Paper Dove Company Ltd, a company controlled by Trustee D Leonard. These donations are included as unrestricted donations as no restriction or conditions have been imposed by the donor.
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