OpenCharities

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

← Audioactive

2025-03-31-accounts

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 1/51

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Charity No. 1168749

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 2/51

Table of Contents

Legal and Administrative Information 2
Chair’s Review 3-4
Trustees’ Report 5-6
Social Change Workstream 6-11
Grassroots Talent Development Workstream 11-14
Fairer Industries and World of Work Workstream 14-16
Geographical Breakdown of Performance and Annual Highlights 16-17
Plans for the Future 17-20
Financial Review 20-22
Structure, Governance and Management 22-23
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 23-24
Independent auditors’ report on the financial statements 25-28
Statement of financial activities 29
Balance sheet 30
Statement of cash flows 31
Notes to the financial statements 32-50

1

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 3/51

Legal and Administrative Information

Charity
Name:		 AudioActive
Charity
Number:		 1168749
Registered
Address:		 Unit A 85-87 Montague Street, Worthing. BN11 3BN
Office
Address:		 Unit A 85-87 Montague Street, Worthing. BN11 3BN
Trustees: Arjo Ghosh (Chair)
Aurelia Butler-Ball
Damian Cataldo (Treasurer)
Bronya Curwen
Josephine Simonon (Resigned 10/2/2025)
Jasmine Marshall-Fraser (Resigned 30/09/2025)
Kriss Thakrar
Marilena Reina
CEO Adam Joolia
Patrons: Rag’n’Bone Man
Rizzle Kicks
Bankers: Metro Bank.
82 North Street, Brighton. BN1 1ZA
Triodos Bank.
Deanery Road, Bristol. BS1 5AS
Independent
Auditor:		 Kreston Reeves LLP.
Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1HW

2

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 4/51

Chair’s Review

It is with great pride that I present this year’s AudioActive Annual Report. Over the past year, we strengthened our foundations while remaining focused on what matters most: enabling young people to develop their musical talents, perform, build community, access genuine pathways into the music industry and use music as a catalyst for social change.

This year we delivered 1,121 music sessions to 1,915 young people , staged 19 sell-out events attended by almost 8,000 people , and expanded our education partnerships to over 40 senior schools . Of the young people referred to SHiFT, each at risk of exclusion, 95% remained in education ; an outstanding outcome for them and their families.

Whilst income grew 18% to £1.3m , and improved systems, management and cost-control delivered an operating surplus of £163,342 , many smaller organisations are under real pressure, and we remain vigilant to external risks during uncertain times while staying committed to young people who often have limited access to youth services.

As part of our strategic plan we extended our work into Crawley, contributing to discussions around its creative infrastructure, and began exploring a new base in Brighton to strengthen partnerships and position our programmes where they can have the greatest impact. Our Worthing HQ continues to thrive as a multi-functional hub and vital grassroots music venue.

Our work continues to gain recognition. AudioActive received multiple awards for social impact, and our CEO, Adam Joolia, was named a National Lottery ‘Gamechanger’ - one of only seven leaders in arts, community and film across the UK.

Programmes

Our year centred on our three core workstreams: Music for Social Change , Grassroots Talent

Development , and Fairer Industries & World of Work . We delivered open-access sessions, cyphers, performances, mental-health support through lyric writing, and collaborations with festivals, local authorities and youth clubs. We are particularly proud of Equaliser , our initiative addressing gender inequality in the music industry.

Our Truth to Power programme amplified the underrepresented voices of young people and culminated in a memorable public performance in Worthing.

‘TTP acted as a brilliant stepping stone from pushover loser music to awesome stand-up-for-yourself music.’ - C.

3

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 5/51

SHiFT continued its strong development during which we entered into a co-design and activation phase with external evaluators working for the Youth Endowment Fund, preparing the programme for scale and potential national significance. After the six-month pilot we were given the go-ahead to move into the main workstream which is a huge moment for the organisation, a huge well done to the brilliant development team at AudioActive.

Funding

Despite a highly competitive landscape, we continue to secure strong funding support. We remain grateful to Arts Council England as an NPO; their backing has been pivotal in strengthening our insight, safeguarding, policies, data and reporting.

A successful outcome from the Youth Endowment Fund application for SHiFT would represent a major milestone in obtaining validated, evidence-based assessment of our impact. We also secured significant support from Sony UK (Global Social Justice Fund), BBC Children in Need , BHCC , Esmee Fairbairn Foundation , Youth Music , and others. A full list of funders is included in the financial summary.

Operations and Scope

Balancing capacity with our ambition has been a challenge in the year but the operations team have continued to strengthen every aspect of our platform including staff training and personal development, health and safety, safeguarding and programme logistics.

Operations stretched along the coast from Hastings and Eastbourne to Littlehampton and north to Crawley, including all stops in-between.

We also launched MXTR , our record-label platform for emerging artists, marking a key step in advancing our Fairer Industries & World of Work mission.

Throughout, our focus has remained on creating inspiring, safe and supportive environments for young people, while maintaining a clear view of the shifting funding landscape and our long-term sustainability.

Thank you to everyone who has supported AudioActive and contributed to another outstanding year.

Sincerely, Arjo Ghosh

Chair of Trustees

4

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 6/51

Trustees’ Report

The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the Charity for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a Directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the Company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.

Objectives

The objectives of the charity are to encourage and promote the development of children and young people of all backgrounds living in the South East of England by:

This year has seen a steady growth in the programmes delivered by the organisation, with a scaling up of delivery of existing projects into different areas. We document some of this growth here with performance figures from this year and we use this as a backdrop for the highlights across the various programmes.

Activities undertaken to meet objectives

Overall this year, between our Social Change and Grassroots Talent Development workstreams, we delivered 1,121 music sessions to young people. We put on 19 music events which drew in almost 8,000 people.

5

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 7/51

Under our Fairer Industries and World of Work workstream, our Emerge programme delivered 20 bespoke sessions to 10 young artists, along with Emerge alumni performing at shows.

The breakdown for each programme and project is given below under the three workstreams (Social Change, Grassroots Talent Development and Fairer Industries & World of Work). The performance figures are given alongside other relevant updates in the text below. A geographical breakdown is provided at the end with relevant highlights.

Social Change Workstream

Our Social Change workstream comprises a number of innovative cross-sector partnerships, programmes and projects that use music and creativity as the agent for change for tackling difficult problems in the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities.

Overall performance on this workstream

This workstream saw delivery of 730 sessions. These figures are broken down by programme and location in Table 1. below and these are set out below under each programme, alongside the highlights throughout the year and feedback from stakeholders.

Table 1. Shows the total outputs by location, for programmes in the Social Change workstream

Programmes Location No. of Sessions delivered
SHIFT
All areas 442
Vocalise
Brighton 41
Crawley 2
Pass the Aux
Brighton 3
Worthing 3
Unmute: Truth to Power
Brighton 14
Worthing 12
Own Your Story
Brighton 7
Outreach and others
Cyphers Haywards Heath 1
Worthing 16
Eastbourne 15
Crawley 6
Bexhill 2
APC Crawley 6

6

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 8/51

Worthing 89
Other areas 23
HAF
Crawley 20
Eastbourne 9
Worthing 20
TOTALS 730

SHiFT

AudioActive's SHiFT programme works with young people who have offended or are at risk of offending due to different risk factors. Offering young people support and signposting sessions from our Local Authority partners, or a six-month programme of weekly one-to-one 90-minute music mentoring sessions delivered in schools and community settings.

SHiFT aims to support young people to develop positive relationships, improve behaviour, and enhance wellbeing, with the goal of reducing offending.

Partnering with an evaluation team, we are measuring impact using a Randomised Control Trial to explore evidencing the impact of music mentoring intervention on young people at risk.

Across Sussex, 442 music mentoring sessions were delivered to 101 individual young people during the YEF RCT pilot period (October 2024 - March 2025).

Table 2. Shows number of SHiFT sessions attended within the Social Change Workstream

County Area Local Authority District No. of Sessions delivered
Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove 123
West Sussex
Adur 11
Arun 18
Chichester 17
Crawley 98
Horsham 58
Mid Sussex 6
Worthing 21
East Sussex
Eastbourne 44
Hastings 27
Lewes 12
Wealden 7
TOTALS 442

7

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 9/51

Organisational highlights from the Senior SHiFT Manager:

Partners:

Staff:

Building and going live with our systems:

We are waiting for the pilot evaluation and YEF funding outcome which will be received in May 2025. Our evaluators are analysing the data collection which is anticipated to be rated green in all criteria. We have received very positive feedback from all our partners and stakeholders.

"As a team, we have noticed a lower risk of exclusion - no suspensions since mentoring began. There seems to be improved mental health and well-being, increased confidence, a new sense of motivation and a diversion away from antisocial behaviour, and negative activities." (Teacher)

"It's helped with challenges as we have had conversations that have really helped when I have been feeling low." (Mentee)

"I've not been getting involved - even when my friends are getting in trouble or something going on at school - I'm staying out of it." (Mentee)

"He has been settled at home for a year now and has limited educational support, he always makes himself available for AudioActive and speaks really positively of his sessions and of his mentor. He feels valued and understood." (Professional feedback)

We are aiming to actively engage 799 young people by the end of the two-year funding period. We are optimistic that the excellent partnerships we have developed and reputation we have gained of delivering high work with evidenced impactful outcomes will help us secure future funding for SHiFT to proceed to the efficacy stage.

8

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 10/51

Vocalise

This project delivers weekly wellbeing focused sessions for young women and gender variant individuals who want to express themselves through singing and song-writing. Sessions are led by female musicians, alongside an embedded mental health practitioner. This alternative to traditional therapy raises mental health awareness and reduces stigma.

The project aims to empower young people and improve mental wellbeing, confidence, creativity and resilience and develop musical skills & networks by providing a non-judgmental, safe and supportive space.

Between Brighton and Crawley, 43 sessions were delivered.

“As the senior music leader of Vocalise, I feel extremely proud of the space we created that supported not only the musical growth of the young women who attended, but the mental and emotional journey of each member of the group. Some members attended for the entire two years and I witnessed a huge growth in confidence and mindfulness. We had weekly check-ins where group members could share what they were going through. The space we created enabled them to be honest and open and explore different parts of themselves.”

“A has really started to increase in confidence, even in a space where she is usually the youngest in the room, has really started to contribute to song and lyric ideas when we are brainstorming as a group and is writing her own songs all on her own. She also recently started also going to Equaliser to learn how to make beats.”

Two of our core members of Vocalise returned to mainstream education after both having had long periods of being out of school.

A trans participant who first came to AudioActive with incredibly low self-esteem has grown in confidence and performed at multiple Kustom Vibes events, applied for a Waterbear Scholarship and applied for Emerge.

In April it was felt that Vocalise in Crawley should be wound down as, although there was a core group of engaged participants, the overall attendance figures weren’t enough to make the sessions viable. To mark the end of the project, the group made a collaborative zine to share and celebrate the achievements of each young person. Vocalise will continue in Brighton, with a renewed drive on recruitment and Vocalise provision in Crawley will be embedded into Studio Ready.

9

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 11/51

Unmute: Truth to Power

Truth to Power is a music creation and performance project empowering underrepresented teenagers and young adults to influence strategy and policy around issues and services that affect them. During two months of weekly workshops, young people bring issues to the table that matter most to them, and they’re supported to turn these ideas into songs and raps to be performed at a showcase event, attended by a panel of local community leaders and decision-makers.

Truth to Power ran in Worthing and Brighton. 26 sessions were delivered, with 23 young people engaged throughout. The two showcase events were well attended and well received.

“It was a truly impressive experience and I’m so glad to have been part of it. Well done for bringing us all together. Definitely interested to be involved going forward.” Claire Hunt, Green Party

“I thoroughly enjoyed the event and thought the young people were extremely talented and brave (especially when coming to challenge the panel).” Hannah Stevens, Sussex Police

A significant highlight from the project was when two care-experienced young people from the Brighton cohort were invited to speak and perform at the BHCC Social Work Conference, where they shared their thoughts and experience about the sector directly with professionals.

Following the success of this project, we will run in both areas again in 2025-26.

Outreach

Engaging ‘hard-to-reach’ young people in their own neighbourhoods is a powerful way to build their confidence and encourage them to take the next step—whether that’s attending an open-access session or accessing other forms of support. By working with skilled, trained music leaders, we create organic and impactful interactions, showcasing our commitment to music and creating connections with young people. This approach allows us to better understand their relationships with their communities and shared spaces.

Our outreach efforts focused primarily on engaging young people during school holidays to divert them from anti-social behaviour, violence, criminality, and substance misuse.

Key highlights from this strand of work include:

10

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 12/51

HAF

HAF is a central government initiative that stands for "Holiday, Activities and Food" and is funded by the Department for Education. It provides free music sessions for young people aged 12-16 who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals (FSM). This year the programme was delivered in Crawley, Eastbourne and Worthing.

The sessions are led by professional artists and include rap, singing, production and recording. The participants receive a free balanced lunch and learn about nutrition and creativity. Activities involve music production, singing, instrumental performances, radio interviews, and healthy food discussions. We delivered 49 sessions across the 3 areas.

Highlights from the Eastbourne HAF Manager:

Parents expressed surprise at their children's high level of engagement, and 4 young people went on to sign up for our open access sessions in Eastbourne. We were visited on day 2 by Louise from the HAF team who loved seeing the young people working on music.

“It was good to meet you yesterday and really great to see the young people so engaged and positive about what they were doing.”

“This was a very engaging activity for this age group and was very enjoyable.” Parent feedback

“It was an amazing experience and really increased his confidence. I will definitely book again for the next one!“

Parent Feedback

Grassroots Talent Development Workstream

This workstream includes several programmes which come under the umbrella brand "SESSIONS". Programme strands are all recognisable by being year-round, open access, dropin sessions (Music Production, Rap, Beats & Bars, Equaliser, recording sessions and one off small projects).

These projects cater for young people and emerging artists from entry to advanced and semiprofessional levels and so provide support and opportunities for young people at any point in their journey from participant to (should they wish) professional.

11

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 13/51

Overall performance on this workstream

This workstream saw delivery of 371 sessions. These figures are broken down by programme and location in Table 2 below, and a description of each programme is provided below.

Table 3. Shows the outputs, by location, in the Grassroots Talent Development workstream

Programmes
~~ee~~		 Location
~~ee~~		 No. of sessions delivered
~~ee~~
SESSIONS(Music Production, Rap, Beats & Bars)
Brighton 79
Crawley 75
Eastbourne 39
Worthing 99
Equaliser
Brighton 39
Worthing 40
TOTAL 371

SESSIONS

This programme is a weekly music-making drop in which focuses on music production and performance; this includes lyric writing, freestyling, recording etc. and it is led by experienced music leaders and artists.

The project aims to increase young people's motivation, confidence, creativity, connectivity and musical talent, develop musical networks and opportunities, and build currency for further musical progression beyond the project.

This year we delivered 292 drop-in sessions in total across Sussex.

“I have learned so much about DJing through the mentor support and my confidence has grown in the events.” Beats & Bars participant

12

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 14/51

“It’s made such a big difference for him, after he’s come here he’s much calmer at home and seems more regulated, it’s amazing.”

Assisted living support worker

“R has been loving everything - he is comfortable in the space and has settled and loves the team. Coming to AudioActive has really motivated him - this will help with his GCSEs and he is talking about pursuing music as a career.”

Parent feedback

A 23 year-old Rap participant, who had turned their life round after previously experiencing homelessness and addiction, has become a positive presence in the wider group. He has overcome shyness about performing, had a track featured on an AudioActive mixtape, and has some Kustom Vibes performances lined up for next year.

With the opening of a new space in Crawley in April 2025, we will be putting on some special events during the Easter holidays; including masterclasses, taster sessions, and a gig and cypher. As well as this we will start a new regular Production session there. There are also plans to expand our provision into Mid Sussex, with a short run of Beats & Bars sessions in Hurstpierpoint.

Equaliser

This project is a series of music production workshops for young people identifying as women or gender variant, led by female musicians who offer guidance & support, and expertise in music production. This project helps promote gender equality in the music industries from the bottom up, addresses the lack of female representation in music production and sound engineering. It aims to strengthen confidence, promote collaboration and establish connections whilst developing a community of self-sufficient female identifying digital music creators.

This year we delivered 79 regular workshop sessions including 40 in Worthing and 39 in Brighton.

“I felt really proud when Bobbie shared a beat I had made with the whole group, this group has given me a lot of confidence and has really helped with my music progression.”

“I have been coming to these sessions for 2 years, I've made new friends and having this opportunity has opened up my life and built my confidence.”

A long-term participant in Worthing came out as trans, reflecting how comfortable they feel within the space to talk about how they feel and adapt to the changes within themself.

13

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 15/51

They’ve discussed how home life is difficult with their mum finding it hard to accept the change and how they value the consistency and acceptance of the Equaliser group for its inclusive and supportive environment.

A Brighton participant has really grown in confidence and has started performing regularly at Kustom Vibes events in Brighton and Crawley, as well as working on their first music release.

Equaliser has a core group of very committed and engaged attendees in both Worthing and Brighton, the sessions will continue in both areas into next year.

Fairer Industries and World of Work Workstream

This workstream brings together projects for young adults who want to focus on a career in the music industries, either as creators and artists or in the many other professions in the industries.

Overall performance on this workstream

This workstream saw delivery of 20 sessions which engaged 10 young people and produced three events.

Emerge

Emerge is AudioActive's professional level artist development programme, providing up to twelve exciting emerging artists per year with the support, guidance and funding needed to springboard them onto the next stage of their careers. The programme is funded by PRS Foundation.

This 20-week bespoke programme saw us working with 10 young artists, along with 5 Emerge alumni performing at shows. Highlights from the year included:

14

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 16/51

“It's hard for me to put into words just how much the AudioActive Emerge Programme has supported me—I could write hundreds of pages and still feel like I've left something out. But what I can say, without any exaggeration, is that the experience has been life changing.

The support, opportunities, and care I have received throughout has not only transformed my music career, but has had a profoundly positive impact on my mental health and selfesteem. I entered Emerge as a relatively amateur rapper who often felt somewhat creatively isolated, like an outsider to the scene. Now, I'm moving forward more confident, informed and well-connected, with a clear sense of direction and assuredness in what I have to offer—not just artistically, but as a person.

Then there were the performance opportunities, from countless smaller venues to much larger stages (like Springfest with the LPO). Emerge helped me feel like I deserved to be there. That confidence boost, and real performance experience, is invaluable, and something I will carry with me into every future show for the rest of my career.

Through Emerge, I was given the opportunity to access funding that allowed me to embark on projects that I simply wouldn't have been able to afford on my own. Furthermore, the free access to the AudioActive Worthing rehearsal and recording studios enabled me to master my craft without having to worry about how I would afford it.

But above all, what sets Emerge apart is the community. Through the programme, and AudioActive as a whole, I have met so, so many lovely people, all of whom try to lift up and support one another. It's a real privilege to be a part of such a positive community and movement.

So, yeah. 11/10.” JJM / Joe

2025/26 looks very promising for Emerge with the aforementioned monthly sessions with the LPO, exciting performance opportunities available at new venues in Brighton, and the Land Beyond Festival.

Guest speakers for Emerge 2025-26 will include Clementine Douglas who just had one of the biggest records of the summer with Calvin Harris and we are excited to continue to establish Emerge as the go-to course for young artists across Sussex.

15

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 17/51

MXTR

Launched in September 2024, MXTR is an ambitious artist accelerator, platform and label aiming to support the most exciting emerging artists to launch their commercial careers. In addition to supporting artists with small but radically artist centred recording deals, MXTR launched a platform spotlighting emerging talent through tastefully shot live sessions, broadening artists audiences and profiles beyond their immediate localities.

Platform:

Throughout the year MXTR published 6 live sessions, music videos with 5 different emerging artists achieving a total of 64,315 views across all MXTR channels.

Label:

Orla Rae & Dredd signed as the label’s inaugural artists. Their initial single releases on MXTR have been well received with regular radio play on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Kiss and local radio stations laying strong foundations for their hotly anticipated E.P releases in May 2025.

AudioActive x Waterbear Scholarship

WaterBear College of Music and AudioActive have forged a strong partnership to create lifechanging opportunities for young people from marginalized communities. Together, we offer a fully funded, three-year degree scholarship designed to break down barriers and provide access to further music education. For the 2024/25 academic year, the scholarship was awarded to Kanukai Nyambudzi an alumni of our Emerge artist development programme in 2024.

“Coming from council housing and a single-parent household, there were huge barriers to getting into the music industry, but joining AudioActive gave me a real sense of community and belief. Even being around people levels above me never felt competitive, it pushed me. Winning the scholarship means I finally get to study music properly at WaterBear, and it proves that if you put the work in, you can achieve your goals no matter where you start. I’m grateful. AudioActive opened the door, and WaterBear will give me the tools to build a career.”

Geographical Breakdown of Performance and Annual Highlights

In Brighton & Hove we delivered 304 sessions in total this year, through our flagship programmes; SHiFT, Sessions, Truth to Power, HAF, Vocalise and Equaliser. In addition to this work we organised seven key events attended by over 5,000 people.

In Crawley we delivered 207 sessions this year, which included Sessions, Vocalise, SHiFT, HAF, Outreach and APC. We also organised four events which were attended by more than 1,000 people.

16

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 18/51

In Worthing we delivered 300 sessions in total this year, through Sessions, Outreach, SHiFT, Equaliser, Truth to Power, APC and HAF; and we organised six events, attended by 342 people.

The Worthing Hub has continued its growth and has now cemented its reputation as a key player in the local music scene.

In Eastbourne we delivered 107 sessions in total; through Sessions, HAF, SHiFT and Outreach activity.

The YEF SHiFT project has now seen our presence expand across the entire county. We have now delivered 1:1 mentoring sessions in every local authority district in Sussex. This greatly raises awareness of our offer amongst schools and youth services in areas where we were previously unknown, and allows us to gauge levels of need for our provision in those areas.

In addition to the 156 SHiFT sessions that were delivered outside of our regular core target districts, we also delivered 25 Outreach and APC sessions.

Notable Achievements

We were proud to win a raft of awards this year including Community Hero at Sussex Business Awards, Social Impact at the Brighton Change Maker Awards and being included as one of the Big Issue’s ‘100 Change Makers of 2024’

Our CEO was one of only 7 people working in the arts & film in the UK who was awarded Gamechanger status by The National Lottery as part of their 30th Birthday Celebrations.

Against stiff competition our application to remain as a Talent Development Partner with PRS Foundation (2024-2027) was successful. PRSF’s Talent Development Network is composed of 73 organisations deemed to be at the forefront of talent development in music across the UK. Membership of the network comes with an annual grant from PRSF to support partners’ talent development programmes. AudioActive received an uplift in our annual grant, the majority of which will support our Emerge programme, MXTR and performance platforms in the coming year.

Plans for the Future

Following another year of significant growth of the organisation and further growth projected in the future, our focus for the next few years will be to consolidate and professionalise our programme into a more sustainable and scalable model. This will involve working to ensure better parity of offer to young people living across the breadth of our geographic footprint so that fewer young people are at a disadvantage in terms of reaching their potential because of where they live.

17

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 19/51

We also want to develop our governance, culture, systems and use of data as we grow to enable deeper insights into our work and public benefit so that we can better manage and allocate our resources in response to the changing economic, political and social landscape in which we operate.

In the table below we have outlined our key goals for 2023-26 and our objectives against each goal for the coming year (2025-26).

MUSIC FOR SOCIAL CHANGE MUSIC FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Strategic Goals Objectives
Innovation in music for social change Explore and develop opportunities to scale up and
further develop innovative and creative approaches to
youth voice, co-production and power
Revive Room to Rant (currently unfunded)
Increased parity of offer for young people
across our main 'focus towns' and access
for young people in other 'priority places'
within our area of operation		 Develop further opportunities for music for social
change in Eastbourne
Progression and Social Mobility Further develop progression opportunities and
outcomes for young people in Worthing & Crawley (and
surrounding areas) to progress from our social change
projects into our Grass Roots talent development
projects and beyond
Stronger Evidence of Impact Develop systems and software solutions to enable a
better data framework and culture
Work with independent experts to produce rigorous
evaluations of our social change interventions
GRASSROOTS TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Strategic Goals Objectives
Offer a broader range of activities in
response to young peoples’ feedback		 Re-introduce DJ workshop activities
Develop additional live & band work sessions in
Worthing
Provide more career development and industry-
focussed activities

18

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 20/51

Improve promotion of existing opportunities e.g.
Emerge, to young people already attending
AudioActive (but unaware of some activities)
Recovery and development of live scene Further development of our grassroots venue, promoter
and live performance opportunities partnerships and gig programme at AudioActive
Worthing
Strategic facilitation and development of performance
platforms for grass roots music in Crawley
Broaden horizons and pathways for young Realise cross-genre/disciplinary collaborations with
people to reach their potential other artists & organisations
Nurture crossover and collaboration between projects,
participants and hubs in our different localities
Develop partnerships with Further and Higher Education
& skills/talent development programmes beyond
AudioActive e.g. signposting, scholarships, exchanges
FAIRER INDUSTRIES AND WORLD OF WORK
Strategic Goals Objectives
Enabling emerging artists (with barriers to Launch our inaugural E.P. releases on the MXTR label
access) to launch their professional &
commercial careers
Creating accessible & sustainable talent Pilot a hub for socially engaged talent development in
development infrastructure in our region Crawley
Secure and open a new hub to accommodate our
programme in Brighton & Hove
Work with partners & stakeholders to develop a plan for
a future hub in Worthing following redevelopment of
our current site
Building a resilient organisation, fit for the Develop & implement an environmental responsibility
future strategy & plan
Increase capacity to enable and facilitate youth co-
production
Increase representation of 'young trustees' (U30) on the
board

19

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 21/51

Nurturing and maintaining commissioning relationships to develop new business and more sustainable income streams Increase organisational dynamism & efficiency through the development of a robust data framework and culture

Financial Review

The total income for the year was £1,364,691 (2024: £1,103,774) and expenditure of £1,201,349 (2024: £951,009). The accounts show a surplus for the year of £163,342 (2024: £152,765).

During the year, the Trustees took a decision to hold unrestricted reserves above the level set out in the Charity’s reserves policy. This reflects the commencement and scaling of a major, multi-year programme of work with forecast expenditure of approximately £1.7m between late 2024 and 2026. Delivery of this programme is subject to quarterly grant payments in arrears from the principal funder, which creates increased medium-term cash flow exposure. In addition, the planned relocation of the Charity’s Brighton premises in 2025 will include a

modest capital investment to refit and equip the space and will carry associated risks. The Trustees therefore considered it prudent to strengthen unrestricted reserves to manage timing differences between expenditure and income, safeguard operational stability, support change management, and provide an appropriate contingency given the scale and relative novelty of this work for the Charity.

At the year end the charity held total reserves of £688,277 (2024: £524,935). Included in this is restricted funds of £124,109 (2024: £97,723) and fixed assets with a value of £100,346 (2024: £123,527). and unrestricted designated funds of £117,000. Therefore, the charity's total unrestricted free reserves at the year end totalled £346,822 (2024: £303,685).

Our main funders for the year:

20

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 22/51

Income and expenditure at a glance

Income £1,364,691

Expenditure £1,201,349

21

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 23/51

Reserves policy

It is the Charity's aim that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use, should be maintained at a level equivalent to 4 months operating expenditure being £188,000. 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 aim to maintain this level of reserves throughout the year.

At the year end, the Charity is holding unrestricted reserves above the level set out in its reserves policy. This reflects an exceptional and time-limited position linked to the delivery of a large-scale, two-year programme with heightened cash flow and delivery risk and a planned relocation and small capital project in 2025. Further detail is set out in the Financial Review. The Trustees will keep the level of reserves under regular review and expect it to move closer to the policy level once the programme is fully embedded and associated risks reduce.

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the below financial review and the accounting policies in the accounts.

Structure, Governance and Management

Constitution

AudioActive is registered as a Charitable Incorporation Organisation and is constituted by a CIO Foundation dated 12 August 2016. Its registered charity number is 1168749.

Appointment of Trustees

At present the board consists of 8 trustees. Trustees are appointed by a resolution passed at a convened meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, due consideration is given to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.

Trustee Induction and Training

New Trustees are given a role description and orientation. Trustees are also given access to training relevant to their role.

22

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 24/51

Decision Making

Trustees are responsible for setting the strategy for the organisation. The day to day running of the charity is delegated by the Trustees to the CEO, Adam Joolia and his staff team consisting of Director of Programmes, Director of Finance & Operations, Programme Managers and a team of freelance artist practitioners.

Staff remuneration

We are committed to Living Wage and ensuring that we pay our staff fairly. Trustees approve the annual percentage increase for all staff. Pay scale is determined by looking at similar roles within the local area. A pay-scale review was carried out by an external evaluator in 2019.

Risk Management

The Board of Trustees are satisfied that reasonable steps are being taken to limit the probability and the impact of risks.

Public Benefit

The trustees declare that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their power or duties.

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees 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).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, 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, for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

23

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 25/51

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which 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 Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulation 2008 and provisions of the CIO Foundation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Arjo Ghosh 23 Jan 2026 14:58:16 GMT (UTC +0)

Arjo Ghosh

Chair of Trustees

19 December 2025

24

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 26/51

AudioActive

Independent auditors' report to the Members of AudioActive

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of AudioActive (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Page 25

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 27/51

AudioActive

Independent auditors' report to the Members of AudioActive (continued)

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Page 26

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 28/51

AudioActive

Independent auditors' report to the Members of AudioActive (continued)

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud

Based on our understanding of the charitable incorporated organisation and the sector as a whole, and through discussion with the Trustees and other management (as required by auditing standards), we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Charities SORP (FRS 102) Second Edition (released October 2019), and other relevant legislation. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. We evaluated Trustees' and management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks related to posting inappropriate journal entries. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance.

Page 27

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 29/51

AudioActive

Independent auditors' report to the Members of AudioActive (continued)

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Lucy Hammond 23 Jan 2026 15:19:17 GMT (UTC +0)

Kreston Reeves Audit LLP

Statutory Auditor Brighton 6 January 2026

Kreston Reeves Audit LLP are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 28

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 30/51

AudioActive

Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
6
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
717,415
-
717,415
-
691,029
691,029
26,386
97,723
26,386
124,109		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
317,463
329,813
647,276
28,964
481,356
510,320
136,956
427,212
136,956
564,168		 Total
funds
2025
£
1,034,878
329,813
1,364,691
28,964
1,172,385
1,201,349
163,342
524,935
163,342
688,277		 Total
funds
2024
£
640,741
463,033
1,103,774
26,841
924,168
951,009
152,765
372,170
152,765
524,935

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 32 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 29

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 31/51

AudioActive Registered number: CE008541

Balance sheet As at 31 March 2025

2025 2025 2024
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 11 100,346 123,527
100,346 123,527
Current assets
Debtors 12 269,241 131,013
Cash at bank and in hand 543,170 509,809
812,411 640,822
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year 13 (224,480) (239,414)
Net current assets 587,931 401,408
Total net assets 688,277 524,935
Charity funds
Restricted funds 14 124,109 97,723
Unrestricted funds 14 564,168 427,212
Total funds 688,277 524,935

The entity is required to have an audit in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Arjo Ghosh 23 Jan 2026 14:58:16 GMT (UTC +0) ................................................ Arjo Ghosh (Chair of Trustees) Date: 19 December 2025

The notes on pages 32 to 50 form part of these financial statements.

Page 30

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 32/51

AudioActive

Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
The notes on pages 32 to 50 form part of these financial statements		 2025
£
42,738
(16,039)
6,662
(9,377)
33,361
509,809
543,170		 2024
£
271,129
(24,149)
-
(24,149)
246,980
262,829
509,809

Page 31

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 33/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. General information

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered at the Charities Commission in England and Wales. Its registered office and principal place of business is Unit A 85-87 Montague Street Worthing West Sussex BN11 3BN.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

AudioActive meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 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.

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the company and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Page 32

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 34/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £1000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, .

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

2.6 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.7 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.8 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

2.9 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.10 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of financial activities on a straightline basis over the lease term.

2.11 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

Page 33

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 35/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.12 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Page 34

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 36/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

3. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Grants
Donations
Grants
4.
Income from charitable activities		 Restricted
funds
2025
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
£
-
10,343
717,415
307,120
717,415
317,463
Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
-
48,825
203,796
388,120
203,796
436,945		 Total
funds
2025
£
10,343
1,024,535
1,034,878
Total
funds
2024
£
48,825
591,916
640,741
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
Commissions
49,061
Contracts
231,498
Rental of rehearsal studios/rooms
42,383
Other charitable income
209
Interest received
6,662
329,813		 Total
funds
2025
£
49,061
231,498
42,383
209
6,662
329,813

Page 35

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 37/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

4. Income from charitable activities (continued)

Commissions
Contracts
Rental of rehearsal studios/rooms
Other charitable income
Interest received		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
94,629
307,859
52,903
4,093
3,549
463,033		 Total
funds
2024
£
94,629
307,859
52,903
4,093
3,549
463,033

5. Expenditure on raising funds

Costs of raising voluntary income

Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
Professional fees
9,461
Wages and salaries
19,503
28,964
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
Professional fees
7,906
Wages and salaries
18,935
26,841		 Total
funds
2025
£
9,461
19,503
28,964
Total
funds
2024
£
7,906
18,935
26,841

Page 36

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 38/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Support of young people
Support of young people		 Restricted
funds
2025
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
£
691,029
481,356
Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
189,910
734,258		 Total
2025
£
1,172,385
Total
2024
£
924,168

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Support of young people
Support of young people		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2025
£
813,990
Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
563,101		 Support
costs
2025
£
358,395
Support
costs
2024
£
361,067		 Total
funds
2025
£
1,172,385
Total
funds
2024
£
924,168

Page 37

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 39/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Tuition
Studio/rooms hire
Participant costs
Equipment
Marketing and print
Sundries
Staff costs
Tuition
Bottega room costs
Studio/rooms hire
Project partner costs
Participant costs
Equipment
Sundries		 Support of
young
people
2025
£
306,555
349,580
28,753
23,641
49,598
14,168
41,695
813,990
Support of
young
people
2024
£
119,298
314,356
49,180
22,049
16,008
26,670
6,317
9,223
563,101		 Total
funds
2025
£
306,555
349,580
28,753
23,641
49,598
14,168
41,695
813,990
Total
funds
2024
£
119,298
314,356
49,180
22,049
16,008
26,670
6,317
9,223
563,101

During the current year, a reassessment of cost allocations was undertaken. As a result, comparative figures for direct and support costs have been reclassified to enhance consistency and comparability of financial information across reporting periods.

Costs associated with the Bottega room are also no longer recognised, as the property is no longer occupied by AudioActive.

Page 38

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 40/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Equipment
Administration costs
Staff training & development
Professional fees
Office rent
Marketing and print
Phone, internet and photocopy
Utilities
Staff motor and travel expenses
Insurance
Subscriptions and licenses
Sundries
Governance costs		 Support of
young
people
2025
£
90,398
39,220
2,071
16,589
1,588
51,809
38,254
28,591
1,703
26,788
10,808
4,303
4,478
21,439
20,356
358,395		 Total
funds
2025
£
90,398
39,220
2,071
16,589
1,588
51,809
38,254
28,591
1,703
26,788
10,808
4,303
4,478
21,439
20,356
358,395

Page 39

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 41/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

Staff costs
Depreciation
Equipment
Administration costs
Staff training & development
Professional fees
Office rent
Marketing and print
Phone, internet and photocopy
Utilities
Staff motor and travel expenses
Insurance
Subscriptions and licenses
Sundries
Governance costs		 Support of
young
people
2024
£
162,809
37,265
6,118
4,154
4,057
25,750
42,576
9,264
1,316
21,368
6,316
3,723
2,895
17,920
15,536
361,067		 Total
funds
2024
£
162,809
37,265
6,118
4,154
4,057
25,750
42,576
9,264
1,316
21,368
6,316
3,723
2,895
17,920
15,536
361,067

8. Auditor's remuneration

2025 2024
£ £
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor for the audit of the Charity's annual
accounts 13,650 17,700
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor in respect of:
Accounting services 2,544 2,400

Page 40

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 42/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

9. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2025
£
375,236
30,264
10,956
416,456		 2024
£
273,770
19,896
7,376
301,042

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

2025 2024
No. No.
Employees 13 11

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The Charity considers its key management personnel comprises the trustees and its Senior Management Team. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel including employers pension contributions in the year amounted to £149,919 (2024: £139,292)

10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 March 2025, expenses totalling £NIL were reimbursed or paid directly to Trustee (2024 - £40 to 1 Trustee. The expenses related to training.)

Page 41

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 43/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

11. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
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
Debtors
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Office
equipment
£
56,948
16,039
72,987
17,802
11,691
29,493
43,494
39,146		 Leasehold
improvements
£
137,644
-
137,644
53,263
27,529
80,792
56,852
84,381
2025
£
11,123
5,367
252,751
269,241		 Total
£
194,592
16,039
210,631
71,065
39,220
110,285
100,346
123,527
2024
£
79,310
1,620
50,083
131,013

12. Debtors

Page 42

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 44/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income at 1 April
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous periods
Deferred income at 31 March		 2025
£
50,093
10,082
6,409
157,896
224,480
2025
£
145,949
97,794
(145,949)
97,794		 2024
£
15,668
11,459
7,262
205,025
239,414
2024
£
171,037
145,949
(171,037)
145,949

Deferred income relates to revenue received in advance for contracts entered into where the contract has not been fully complete.

Page 43

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 45/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Capital expenditure
Room to Rant
Projects
General funds
General Funds
Total Unrestricted funds		 Balance at 1
April 2024
£
-
-
-
-
427,212
427,212		 Income
£
-
-
-
-
647,276
647,276		 Expenditure
£
-
-
-
-
(510,320)
(510,320)		 Transfers
in/out
£
50,000
37,500
29,500
117,000
(117,000)
-		 Balance at
31 March
2025
£
50,000
37,500
29,500
117,000
447,168
564,168

Page 44

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 46/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Statement of funds (continued)

Restricted funds
YEF
YM - Music Catalyser
Sony Music Group
Comic Relief fund
National Lottery-Equaliser
PRS Foundation
YM Incubator
YM-Fund B (22-24)
East Sussex Music Hub
Mid Sussex District Council
Lawson Trust
Eastbourne & Lewes CSF
Hyde
Children In Need
Worthing CIL
Esmee Foundation
Fonthill
National Lottery - Vocalise
Million Hours Fund
Other Restricted Funds
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
April 2024
£
-
-
-
2,701
4,723
(5,041)
6,848
28,075
4,375
-
-
8,592
10,806
11,890
-
8,000
3,533
1,653
4,568
7,000
97,723
524,935		 Income
£
452,494
40,000
53,494
-
-
22,757
3,000
62,500
-
9,400
5,000
-
1,000
26,920
27,850
-
3,000
-
-
10,000
717,415
1,364,691		 Expenditure
£
(452,494)
(4,527)
-
(2,701)
(3,761)
(17,716)
(9,848)
(90,575)
-
(9,400)
-
(8,592)
(11,806)
(33,231)
(20,761)
(6,984)
(6,533)
(1,653)
(4,568)
(5,879)
(691,029)
(1,201,349)		 Transfers
in/out
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance at
31 March
2025
£
-
35,473
53,494
-
962
-
-
-
4,375
-
5,000
-
-
5,579
7,089
1,016
-
-
-
11,121
124,109
688,277

Page 45

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 47/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Statement of funds (continued)

Designated Funds

Capital expenditure - For use towards the fit-out costs of the new spaces.

Room to Rant - For use towards the relaunch of Room to Rant Worthing.

Projects - For use towards underwritten ongoing projects.

Restricted Funds

Arts Council England Elevate - For use towards the development of organisation and Worthing site.

Arts Council Worthing Hub - For use towards the development of the Worthing site.

Devonshire West Big Local Eastbourne - Eastbourne Beats and Bars.

Comic Relief Fund - For use towards the Room to Rent project and Worthing Capital costs.

National Lottery Equaliser - Brighton Equaliser.

PRS Foundation - For talent development.

YM Incubator - Developing talent - Music Video making.

YM-Fund B (22-24) - Provision of sessions in Brighton & Music Leader Training and Digital Master classes.

Co-op - For use towards the Worthing space.

Hiller Trust - For development of the Worthing space.

Eastbourne & Lewes CSF - Eastbourne Beats and Bars.

Hyde - Brighton Equaliser and Evolve and outreach work. This fund will run until October 2024.

Fonthill - Worthing Equaliser.

Worthing Borough Council - Worthing Equaliser.

Million Hours Fund - Outreach work in Sussex for various sessions.

National Lottery Vocalise - Brighton Vocalise.

Yorkshire BS - Vocalise.

Chalk Cliff - For use towards Radio Show.

Children In Need - Shift Worthing and used to match fund the YEF program which did not start until May 2024. The Children In Need grant will run for 3 years.

Tarner Community Project - Provision of sessions at the Level Brighton.

Esmee Foundation - Building an CRM.

HCF Grant Herefordshire - Radio Show.

YEF - pre bid - Funding for Bid.

Page 46

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 48/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Statement of funds (continued)

YEF - Delivery of a full large scale efficacy study on SHIFT (1-2-1 mentoring programmme)

YM - Music Catalyser - provision of sessions in Brighton, Crawley and Worthing.

Sony Music Group - Room to Rant - Brighton.

Mid Sussex District Council - Summer Cyphers and Kustom Vibes.

Lawson Trust - Room to Rant - Worthing.

Worthing CIL - Venue improvements and Worthing sessions.

Safer Crawley Partnership - Kustom Vibes and Cypher.

East Sussex Music Hub - Eastbourne Beats and Bars.

Brighton Youth Centre - Brighton Equaliser.

The Sussex Community Foundation - For use towards the community Studio in Crawley.

Other restricted funds include - Worthing Borough Council, HCF Grant Herefordshire, YEF - Pre bid, Safer Crawley Partnership, Yorkshire BS, Chalk Cliff, Brighton Youth Centre, The Sussex Community Foundation.

Page 47

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 49/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

14. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
General Funds
Restricted funds
Arts Council England-Elevate
Arts Council-Worthing Hub
Devonshire West Big Local-
E'bourne
Comic Relief fund
National Lottery-Equaliser
PRS Foundation
YM Incubator
YM-Fund B (22-24)
East Sussex Music Hub
Co-op
Hiller Trust
Eastbourne & Lewes CSF
Hyde
Children In Need
Tarner Community Project
Esmee Foundation
Fonthill
National Lottery - Vocalise
Million Hours Fund
Other Restricted Funds
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 April 2023
£
290,602
(5,000)
(38,750)
3,296
49,143
8,502
(4,486)
27,000
26,526
4,375
5,962
5,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
81,568
372,170		 Income
£
899,978
5,000
38,750
6,706
10,529
-
6,000
-
45,000
-
-
-
8,592
15,000
11,890
3,675
8,000
6,884
9,960
8,930
18,880
203,796
1,103,774		 Expenditure
£
(761,099)
-
-
(10,002)
(59,051)
(3,779)
(6,555)
(20,152)
(43,451)
-
(5,962)
(5,000)
-
(4,194)
-
(3,864)
-
(3,351)
(8,307)
(4,362)
(11,880)
(189,910)
(951,009)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(2,269)
-
-
-
2,080
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
189
-
-
-
-
-
2,269
-		 Balance at
31 March
2024
£
427,212
-
-
-
2,701
4,723
(5,041)
6,848
28,075
4,375
-
-
8,592
10,806
11,890
-
8,000
3,533
1,653
4,568
7,000
97,723
524,935

Page 48

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 50/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2025
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
£
-
100,346
147,102
665,309
(22,993)
(201,487)
124,109
564,168		 Total
funds
2025
£
100,346
812,411
(224,480)
688,277

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
98,564
(841)
97,723		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
123,527
542,258
(238,573)
427,212		 Total
funds
2024
£
123,527
640,822
(239,414)
524,935

16. Pension commitments

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the group to the fund and amounted to £10,956 (2024: £7,376). At the balance sheet date, the amount payable to the fund was £2,909 (2024: £2,622).

17. Operating lease commitments

At 31 March 2025 the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:

2025 2024
£ £
Not later than 1 year 22,949 22,949

Page 49

VirtualSignature Transaction Ref. YQP2-JBF8-46FT 23 Jan 2026 15:19:19 GMT (UTC +0) D 1/1 P 51/51

AudioActive

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

18. Related party transactions

AudioActive purchased bagels from Hillingdon Retail Limited to provide to staff at projects and events. Michelle Hunter (a member of key management) was a director. The total value of these transactions was £Nil (2024: £1,248). No balances were outstanding at the year end (2024: £Nil).

19. Post balance sheet events

On the 7 May 2025, Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) approved the commencement of the Efficacy phase of the Shift Mentoring project. This phase of the project is expected to generate income of £1,025k from this date to November 2026.

Page 50