EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO CHARITY NUMBER 1178975 COMPANY NU￿￿BER CE014458 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEIVIBER 2024 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO coNTE￿Ts FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Pages Charity Inforniation Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 8-14 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO CHARITY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 TRUSTEES: Andrew Munday Neil Hardy Elizabeth Barrow Linda Kemp Karen Pearce Duncan Mccubbine Resigncd 27 October 2024 Appointed 26th October 2023 Appointed 28th October 2023 Appointed 27th November 2024 CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Jo-Anne Collis TREASURER Jayne Djidjelli MAAT, A REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1178975 COMPANY NUMBER CE014458 PRINCIPAL ADDRESS Empire Theatre Trust CIO Empire Theatre Butler Road Halstead Essex C09 ILL INDEPENDENT EXAIIqINER Beaumont Seymour 47 Butt Road Colchester Essex C03 3BZ BANKERS: Barclays Bank plc Leicester LE87 2BB Page I EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR EIN,DED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 LNTRODUCTION The Trustees present Iheir annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 (FRS102) (effective l January 2015) (amended 2 February 2016) as detailed in the accounting policies. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Number 1178975: Company Number CE014458 Principal address Empire Theatre 57 Butlei" Road Halstead Essex C09 ILL Trustees The following trustees have served throughout the year: Andrew Munday Neil Hardy Elizabeth Barrow Linda Kemp Karen Pearce Duncaii Mccubbine Resigned 27 October 2024 Appointed 26th October 2023 Appointed 28th October 2023 Appointed 27th November 2024 Officers The Chairn]an of the Executive Committee: Jo-Anne Collis Treasurer: Jayne Djidjelli MAAT, ATT Governing document Halstead Empire Trust was approved by the Charity Commissioners as a registered charity on 31 March 1978. The Trust is governed by a constitution adopted on 31 March 1978. By resolution of the Trustees, dated the I I September 2018, Halstead Empire Trust registered charity number 275693 agreed to merge with Empire Theatre Trust CIO, a charitablc incorporated organisation, charity registered number 1178975. A pre-merger vesting declaration was made by Halstead Etnpire Trust that with effect from l October 2018 in accordance with S310(2) of the Charities Act 2011 the Empire Theatre Trust CIO shall assume full responsibility for the management and running of all its charitable activities. All the objectives, activities remain the same as set out below. The Lliarity operates under the name of the "Empire Theatre". An executive committee administers the everyday running of the theatre. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees All trustees <￿e briefed on their responsibilities as trustees prior to their acceptance of the role. Trustees shall hold office until they resign. Page 2 EMPTRE THEATRE TRUST CIO TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Organisational structure The trustees hold regular meetings, nornially monthly. RISK MANAGEMENT The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirn] that systems have been established to ensure regular reports are produced for Trustees to ensure all necessary actions are taken to lessen the risks. PUBLIC BENEFIT Thc Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Cornmission in respect of public benefit and in planning the activities for the year, have kept this in mind. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES The objectives, as set out in the original Halstead Empire Theatre Trust constitution document, are for the Trust to proinote for the benefit of the inhabitants of Halstead and the neighbourhood surrounding the town, without distinction of sex, political religious or other opinions by associating with the Local Authorities, voluntary organisations and inhabitants in a common effort to advance education and particularly to educate the said inhabitants in the Arts and Sciences of theatre including arts, drama, mime, dancing, singing, and music by the presentation of performances, lectures, film shows, exhibitions, recitals, art exhibitions, arts festivals and other artistic educational and recreational activities and events. The trustees believe that being involved "theatre" can play an active role in bringing benefits to all ages of society. including social interaction, relationships and confidence building. as well as the benefits from attending performances and being entertained. The Theatre is very much a community project, involving local people to use the Theatre for a variety of activities. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities The trust continued to be active by holding a variety of events. This year again saw streaming events, live bands, Comedy Club nights, bingo sessions, child and adult fihn parties and local theatre groups perfom]ing. Films have been shown aimed specifically at young people as part of the Government's Safer Streets project. The project is a Government initiative aimed at preventing anti social behaviour in town centres. There have also been events by Health Watch Essex to raise awareness about male health issues. Performance A new online booking system and front of house point of sale system was brought into use in August 2024 and the website has been overhauled. The theatre continues to be used by smaller local groups on a regular basis including the Halstead Community Choir, Bridge Club and Photography Club. Page 3 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (CONTThUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW The total incoming resources for the year amounted to £136,888 (2023 - £115,358). Expenditure for the year amounted to £168,561 (2023 - £142,000) which brought a (loss) surplus for the year of (£31,674) (2023 - (£26,642)). VOLUNTEERS The trust has no paid employees and is operated solely by between 30 - 40 unpaid volunteers. The trustees exprcss their thanks lo them for th¢ir hard work and achievements during the year. RESERVF.S POLICY The charity holds reserves in order that levels of service provided may be maintained should there be a reduction in incoming resources. Reserves in this context mean ￿ndS that are freely available for the purpose of the charity after all commitments have been met these funds were transferred to the Empire Theatre Trust CIO on l October 2018. FUTURE PLANS Thc cinema will be able to show new film releases with plans to install a new professional-grade cinema projector designed for smaller screens. This uses laser phosphor teclmology instead of traditional bulbs giving brighter, sharper images and a longer lifespan. Our Dementia Friendly and Autism Friendly Cinema will continue with support of local businesses. Our streaming events will also continue as these have proved to be very popular, Royal Opera House events especially. We shall continue with our rccruitment drive and projectionists and front of house volunteers will be fully trained. We plan to continue with the Dementia Friendly Choir with the support of Halstead Community Choir and CareUK, to engage with the less fortunate in our area. Our intention is to continue to encourage the use of the theatre so it maintains its role as an integral part of the community. Approved by order of the Board of Trustees on 30 July 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Andrew Dennis Keanne Munday Chair Trustees Page 4 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees of Empire Theatre Trust CIO. We report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 30 September 2024, which are set on pages 6 to 14. This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 201 l. Our independent examination 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 Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent pennitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for our independent examination worK for this report, OT for the opinions we have formed. Respective Responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 201 l Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act): to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions oiven by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 201 l Act. and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of tndependent Examiner's Report The examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions uiven by the Charity Commissioner. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement. Independent Examiner's Statement In connection with the examination and accounts preparation, no matter has come to our attention: (l) which gives us reasonable cause to believe thaL in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act; have not been met; or (2) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Beaumont Seymour Chartered Certified Accountants 47 Butt Road Colchester Essex C03 3BZ Date: 31 July 2025 Page 5 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Notes 2024 2023 JNCOME RESOURCES Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Separate material item of incoine TOTAL 8,118 128,770 8,567 106,791 136,888 115,358 RESOURCES EXPENDED Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Other TOTAL 10,867 116,082 41,613 11,630 66,864 63,507 168,561 142,000 NET (EXPENDITURE) INCOME (31,674) (26,642) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 116,043 142,685 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 84,369 116,043 All income and expenditure in the comparative and current Statement of Financial Activities were unrestricted. The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gFains or losses recognised in the year The notes on pages 8 to 14 forn] part of these financial statements. Page 6 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Notes 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 49,141 55,995 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 3,434 3,529 55,802 2,675 2,675 60,218 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 62,765 65,568 CREDITORS: Amounts fal]ing due within one year 27,536 5,519 NET CURRENT ASSETS 35,228 60,048 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 84,369 116,043 FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Unrestricted funds 10 84,369 116,043 The notes on pages 8 to 14 forni part of these financial statements. These flnancial statements were approved by the Board of Trustces on 30 July 2025 and w¢re signed on it's behalf by: Andrew Dennis Keanne Munday (chair) Trustee Page 7 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENL TS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 I. BASIS OF PREPARATION CIO Information The Empire Theatre Trust CIO was registered as a charitable Inco￿orated organisation on 28 June 2018. The Halstead Empire Trust, which was registered as a Charity and governed by a constitution dated 31 March 1978 agreed to merge with the Empire Theatre Trust CIO by a resolution dated I I September 2018. A pre-lnerger vesting declaration was made by the Halstead Empire Trust that with effect from l October 2018 in accordance with S310(2) of the Charities Act 2011 the Empire Theatre Trust CIO shall assume full responsibility for the management and running of all its charitable activities and the objectives remain the same per the original governing document. Basis of accounting These financial statcments have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these financial statements. The fmancial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparingy tbeir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 ("Ch￿itIeS SORP (FRS 102)") and the Charities Act 2011 and UK generally Accepted Practice as it applies from l January 2015. The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair view, and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view,. This departure has involved following Charities SORP (FRS 102) rather than Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from l April 2005 which has since been withdrawn. The Empire Theatre Trust CIO meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Going concern The Trustees have at the time of approving the financial statements a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for thc foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 2. ACCOU.NTING POLICIES INCOME Recognition of income Income is recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities ("SoFA") in the year in which it is receivable. Offsetting There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses. Grants and Donations Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when received. In the case of perforniance related grants, income is only recognised to the extent that the charity has provided the specified goods or services as entitlement to the grant only occurs when the performance related conditions are met. Income from interest Interest incorne from cash deposits is recognised in the SOFA gross when receivable. Page 8 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CTO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 2. INCOME (CONTINUED) Legacies Legacies are included in the SOFA when receipt is probable, that is, when there has been grant of probate, the executors have established that there are sufficient assets in the estate and any conditions attached to the legacy are either within the control of the charity or have been met before the income is received. Government grants The charity has I"eceived government grants in the reporting period. Tax reclaims on donations and gifts Gift aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise. The Charity was registered for Gift Aid on 28 June 2018. Contractual income and performance related grants This is only included in the SOFA once the charity has provided the related goods or serviLes or met the perfomance related conditions. Donated services and facilities Donated services and facilities are included in the SOFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably. Volunteer help The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the financial statements but is described in the Trustee's Annual Report. Settlement of insurance claims Insurance claims are only included in the SOFA when the general income recognition criteria are met and are included as an item of other income in the SOFA. 2. EXPEI¥DITURE AND LIABILITIES Liability recognition Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainly. Grants with performanee conditions Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only reCO￿lSed in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output. Page 9 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO NOTES TO THE FINAJ)CIAL STATEMENTS (CONTIINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 2. EXPEINDITURE AND LIABILITIES (CONTINUED) Grants payable without performance conditions Where there are no conditions attaching to the grant that enables the donor charity to realistically avoid conunitment, a liability for the full funding obligation must be recognised. Redundancy cost The charily is operated purely by volunteer staff therefore no redundancy payments were made during the reporting period. Deferred income No material item of deferred income has been included in the financial statements. Creditors The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts. Provisions for liabilities A liability is measured on reco.(ynition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the ainount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. Value added tax The charity is not registered for VAT, therefore expenditure in the SOFA includes the relevant VAT. Exceptional repairs Costs of exceptional repairs arc charged to the SOFA in the year in which they are incurred. 2. ASSETS Tangible fixed assets for the use by charity These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £100. They are valued at cost. Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Fixtures, fittings and equipment Website 20 % on reducing balance 20 % straight line Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand is held on a short tern] basis as working capital. Stocks StoLks held for resale ar¢ valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowances for obsolete and slow moving items. Page 10 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 2. ASSETS (CONTINUED) Debtors Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) arc measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received. 3. ANL ALYSIS OF INCOME All income in the comparative and current Statement of Financial Activities were unrestricted. 2024 2023 Donations and legacies Donations and gifts Gcneral grants provided by governmenvother charities Total 5,768 2,350 8,118 3,067 5,500 8,567 Charitable activities Charitable activities 128,770 106,791 TOTAL INCOME 136,888 115,358 Page 11 EMPIRE THEATRE TRUST CIO NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 4. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE All expenditure in the comparative and current Statement of Financial Activities were unrestricted. 2024 2023 Expenditure on raising funds Advertising, marketing, direct mail and publicity Other trading activities Total 4,873 5,993 10,867 5,986 5,644 11,630 Expenditure on charitable activities Hire of acts and purchase of supplies for resale being the cost of nmning shows and films 116,082 66,864 Other Property running expenses and overheads Depreciation Total 29,443 12,170 41,613 50,521 12,986 63,507 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 168,561 142,000 There were no staff employed by the charity (2023: no staff employed) The Trustees received no remuneration or benefits from the cliaritv during the year (2023: none) Fees paid for thc Independent Examin