Trustees’ annual report (including Directors’ report) for the period
From: 1 July 2023 To: 30 June 2024
Charity name: Engines Orchestra Charity registration number: 1166455
Objectives and activities
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
To advance, improve and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art of music in all its aspects. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
During the year, the charity supported the professional development of composer and performer Joy Ellis, focusing on advancing her skills in large-ensemble arranging as part of a longer-term project designed to raise her national profile. This included mentorship, a structured research and development phase for her upcoming public-facing music project, and support in successfully applying for an Arts Council Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grant. The charity also collaborated with classical-crossover pianist Belle Chen to develop and premiere an immersive orchestral performance integrating 360-degree spatial audio technology. Performed twice in London, the project aimed to widen public access to innovative musical experiences by bridging classical, improvisational, and electronic genres, while also exploring new formats for audience engagement. The charity additionally supported Belle Chen’s grant applications to secure funding for a UK tour of the project in 2025, following a confirmed headline performance at the EFG London Jazz Festival in November 2024. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
The trustees confirm they have had regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission |
Achievements and performance
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
This year, the charity focused on high-impact, artist-led development that supports its long-term mission to nurture innovative music-making. With a focus on two projects (with Joy Ellis and Belle Chen) the charity played a pivotal role in enabling new, cross-genre work to take shape. These collaborations will lead to significant public outcomes: Belle Chen has confirmed a headline performance at the EFG London Jazz Festival in November 2024, with a UK tour of the immersive orchestral show planned for 2025; meanwhile plans are developing for Joy Ellis to record, release, and launch her large-ensemble project. Alongside this creative work, the charity took meaningful steps to strengthen its organisational capacity. This included shaping a longer-term strategy to support future concert series, developing relationships with key funders, and conceptualising theCreator Fund - a new donation model designed to connect supporters more closely with the creative process and provide direct backing for artist-led projects (set to launch in November 2024). Through these initiatives, the charity has laid strong foundations for expanding its public benefit in the coming years, both through artistic output and more inclusive, sustainable models of engagement. |
|---|---|
Financial review
| Financial review | |
|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
The charity posted a deficit of £720 |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Policy to be agreed in next financial period. |
| Amount of reserves held | £5,972 |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
None |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
None |
Structure, governance and management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
|
|---|---|
| Type of governing document: for example, |
Written constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? |
Charitable Incorporated Organisation |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years by a resolution passed at a meeting of the charity trustees. |
Reference and administrative details
| Charity name | Engines Orchestra |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses |
|
| Registered charity number | 1166455 |
| Charity’s principal address | 6 West Terrace, Scarborough YO11 6LR |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Warner | Chair | |||
| Jason Yarde | ||||
| Jane Richardson | Treasurer | |||
| Jonathan Carvell | ||||
| Natasha Thomas | ||||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and
how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements N/A for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Declarations
The company has taken advantage of the small companies’ exemption in preparing the report above.
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report (including directors’ report) above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees/directors
Signature(s) Full name(s) DAVID WARNER Position (for example CHAIR Secretary, Chair, etc) Date
ENGINES ORCHESTRA
Receipts and Payments Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2024
| RECEIPTS Fees & Expenses Grants and donations received Total Receipts PAYMENTS Musicians Production costs Administration Total Payments Receipts minus payments Cash b/f 1/7/2023 Deficit y/e 30/6/24 Cash c/f 30/6/24 |
30/06/2024 30/06/2023 3075 0 4042 2100 7117 2100 7202 2480 720 0 100 -100 8022 2380 -905 -280 £6,877 £7,157 -£905 -£280 £5,972 £6,877 |
|---|---|