British Suzuki Music Association Report and Accounts for the year ended 31[st] August 2023
Charity number: 1186062
Legal and administrative information
Principal address : Unit C, Q West, 1110 Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 0GP
Trustees
Michelle Bernard Hannah Biss (Chair) Helen Brunner Paola de Carolis Sue Finn Lauren Noon Jane Panter Jamey Whitnall CA(SA) CIMA CISA
Office staff
Nickie Chapman
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British Suzuki Music Association Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31[st] August 2023
Principal aims and activities
The principal objects of the British Suzuki Music Association (“BSMA”) are ‘to advance education in the art and science of music by the promotion of the methods of education developed by Dr Shinichi Suzuki with particular reference to the musical education of children in the United Kingdom’. We continue to operate in accordance with those charitable objects.
The Suzuki teaching method developed in Japan by Shinichi Suzuki is founded on the belief that every child can learn and emphasises the advantages of providing an environment in which every child’s ability can flourish. An early start for the child at three or four years old, with a qualified Suzuki teacher and the involvement of parents in daily practice, step by step learning, repetition, group lessons and listening all contribute to the success of Suzuki teaching.
The main focus of the BSMA is on teacher training. We currently hold part-time courses in violin, viola, piano, cello, flute and recorder which lead to the Certificate and Diploma of the European Suzuki Association. Additional courses are held for trained teachers. There are also short courses, demonstration days and meetings for parents.
As the national association, the BSMA is the umbrella organisation for trained teachers and their students throughout the UK. The BSMA promotes the Suzuki approach by providing information to the public and the media. Members receive the BSMA journal Ability three times a year. Repertoire and publications are available from the BSMA bookshop at a discount for members. Events are held around the country, including concerts, workshops and conferences. Funds and donations provide scholarships and bursaries for teacher training. The BSMA also maintains links with other Suzuki organisations throughout the world, including the European Suzuki Association and International Suzuki Association.
Organisation
The BSMA is Charitable Incorporated Organization and registered as a charity in October 2020.
The Executive Committee (which includes the Trustees of the charity) consists mainly of Suzuki teachers and parents. It is responsible for governance and policy making. The School Committee, a standing committee of qualified teachers and teacher trainers from various parts of the country, has an important advisory role. The Chair of the School Committee is also an elected member of the Executive Committee. The School Committee advises the Executive Committee on policies relating to teacher training and implements the BSMA policy in the regular organisation of teacher training courses. The directors of the principal teacher training courses are ex officio members of the School Committee. Sub- committees are also set up from time to time to report to the School Committee or the Executive Committee.
The day-to-day management of the BSMA is undertaken by full time staff at the BSMA office. Volunteers, many of them members of the committees, also play an important role in individual projects.
Membership of the BSMA is largely made up of Suzuki teachers and pupils’ families but is also open to
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anyone with a general interest in music and education.
Progress during the year
The Gala Concert and the 2023 National Suzuki Workshop were quite spectacular. The Royal Albert Hall provided such an uplifting and exciting venue for the 1300 students to perform, and the very clever accompaniment written by Tim Murray brought all the instruments and our Suzuki repertoire together as if it has always been one. The international aspect of our national workshop meant that the Royal College of Music was packed. There was such a positive atmosphere from students and parents alike.
Public benefit
To enable wider public access to the benefits of a music education, the BSMA continues to take its Suzuki teaching into Local Authority schools on the basis of a heavily subsidised membership arrangement. It also makes a number of bursary awards annually to deserving trainee teachers. In addition, all BSMA concerts are open to the public with seats priced below normal commercial levels.
Financial results for the year
The BSMA has enjoyed a prosperous year during 2023 as a result of a number of highly successful events and concerts including the Gala Event at the Royal Albert Hall. Collectively, these events generated funds of £306,109 (2022-5 months: £5,738). Combined with an increase from Subscriptions to £100,800 (2022-5 months: £46,815) and the regular support form the LSG, the funds generated amounted to £542,324 for the year. (2022-5 months: £100,815)
As expected, the significant increase in activity generated a corresponding increase in costs of hosting these events increased to £230,011 (2022- 5 months: £29,269). Office, Staff and Governance costs were in line with expectations, leading to a surplus of £70,761 for the year (2022-5 months: loss: £17,246).
The surplus has restored the BSMA balance sheet with a pleasing increase in the cash balances to £100,112 (2022: £12,909) and an overall 46.91% increase in the BSMA’s Net Current Assets.
Investment policy
The policy is to invest monies which are surplus to immediate requirements in suitable investment funds.
Restricted scholarship fund
The BSMA offers bursaries and scholarships to assist trainees in meeting the costs of teacher training and, in certain instances, to assist with travel costs. The scholarship fund is a restricted fund, which represents an accumulation of donations received by the BSMA specifically for the purposes of funding teacher training bursaries and scholarships. Bursaries and scholarships are generally awarded annually and the Trustees consider that the level of funding is sufficient for current purposes
Reserves policy
The general fund is considered to be a prudent reserve to give confidence in the future
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of the BSMA for teacher training and to encourage more pupils to study by the Suzuki method.
Accounting and reporting responsibilities
The Charities Act 2006 requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the BSMA’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position.
at the end of the year.
In preparing the financial statements the Trustees should follow best practice and: select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; make judgements and estimates which are reasonable and prudent; follow applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP, disclosing and explaining any departures in the financial statements; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which are such as to disclose, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the charity at any time, and to enable them as trustees to ensure that the financial statements comply with charity law. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Executive Committee of the BSMA on 19 February 2022 and signed on its behalf by
Hannah Biss
Chair of the Trustees 11 May 2024
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH SUZUKI MUSIC ASSOCIATION
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023 set out on pages 6 to 9.
Respective responsibilities of 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 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 statements below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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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 my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Andrew Thurburn Andrew Thurburn & Co Chartered Accountants 38 Tamworth Road Croydon Surrey, CR0 1XU 11 May 2024
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THE BRITISH SUZUKI MUSIC ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 August 2023
(2022 Five Months)
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from funds generated Investment Income Voluntary Income Donations 1 Membership Subscriptions Incoming resources from charitable activities Teacher Trainging Fees Events Music and Literature Sales Total Incoming Resources RESOURCES EXPENDED Notes Costs of generating voluntary income Salaries and National Insurance 1,3 Office and Communications 4 Depreciation 7 Costs of activities for generating funds Journal Charitable Activities Teacher Training Costs Events Music and Literature Bursaries 1 Publicity Governance Costs ESA and ISA membership costs Committee and AGM costs Total Resources Expended Net (outgoing)/incoming resources Total Funds brought forward at 1 April 2021 Total Funds carried forward at 31 March 2022 6 |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total 2023 2023 2023 2022 338 338 - 36,316 36,316 15,178 100,800 100,800 46,815 74,194 74,194 24,327 306,109 306,109 5,738 24,567 24,567 8,757 |
|---|---|
| 542,324 - 542,324 100,815 |
|
| Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total 2023 2023 2023 2022 59,088 59,088 22,920 58,856 58,856 36,384 - - - 2,850 2,850 2,368 97,598 97,598 24,566 230,011 230,011 29,269 11,595 11,595 1,284 1,953 1,953 1,270 - - - 9,613 9,613 - - - - |
|
| 471,563 - 471,563 118,061 |
|
| 70,761 - 70,761 17,246 - 127,381 - 127,381 145,077 |
|
| 198,142 - 198,142 127,831 |
There were no recognized gains or losses other than those stated above.
The notes on page 8 form part of these accounts
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THE BRITISH SUZUKI MUSIC ASSOCIATION BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023
Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2023
| Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2023 | |
|---|---|
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Fixed Assets 7 CURRENT ASSETS Stock 1,10 Debtors 8 Short term deposits and cash at bank 5 Total current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 Net Current Assets Net Assets less liabilities FUNDS Unrestricted general funds 6 Restricted scholarship funds 6 Total Funds |
Total Total 2023 2022 - - 985 985 105,691 137,736 100,112 12,909 206,789 151,630 255 15,407 206,534 136,223 206,534 136,223 |
| 198,142 127,831 8,392 8,392 |
|
| 206,534 136,223 |
Approved by the Trustees on 11 May 2024
Jamey Whitnall Trustee
The notes on pages 8 & 9 form part of these accounts
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THE BRITISH SUZUKI MUSIC ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
1. Accounting Policies
The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the financial statements.
a) Basis of preparation of accounts
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and comply with the Companies Act 1985. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of recommended practice” published in March 2005 and applicable accounting standards. Where appropriate comparative figures have been restated. b) Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the charitable objectives of the BSI. Restricted scholarship funds are funds subject to specific restrictions imposed by donors.
c) Incoming resources
All income is accounted for as soon as the BSI has entitlement to the income and there is certainty of receipt and the amount is quantifiable. d) Members subscriptions and events & conferences
Subscriptions and events are accounted for in the year to which they apply. Subscription income received during the year that relates to a subsequent financial accounting period is carried forward as a creditor in the balance sheet and shown as deferred income. e) Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been listed under headings that aggregate all the costs related to that activity. Resources expended on staff and office and communications costs are not allocated between cost categories, as any apportionment would be arbitrary given the small size of the office. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with the management of BSI’s assets, organisational administration and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
f) Fixed assets
Assets intended to be of ongoing use to BSI in carrying out its activities are capitalised as fixed assets. Depreciation is charged on tangible fixed assets at the following rates, so as to write them off over their expected useful lives.
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Office equipment 10% of cost per annum
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Computer equipment and software 20% of cost per annum
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Website design 25% of cost per annum
g) Gift Aid
In December 2002 the Inland Revenue confirmed that all categories of membership would be eligible for tax relief under the Gift Aid Scheme. Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate. h) Stock
Stocks of music and literature are held at the lower of cost or net realisable value. i) Investments
Investments are valued at market value at the accounts date.
2. Payments to Trustees and families for their services as teachers and examiners were:
| 2. Payments to Trustees and families for their services as teachers and examiners were: | Total | Total | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
| Hannah Biss | 2,056 | - | ||
| Amanda Martin | - | - | ||
| Helen Brunner | 2,414 | - | ||
| Jane Panter | 3,342 | - | ||
| Sue Finn | 825 | - |
The rate of remuneration si the same for non-Trustee teachers and examiners. None of the Trustees receive remuneration for their services as trustees.
| 3. Salaries and national insurance Wages and Salaries National Insurance Pension Costs |
Total Total 2023 2022 54,627 20,354 2,879 1,930 1,582 636 |
|---|---|
| 59,088 22,920 |
The average number of employees during the year was 1 (2021: 1) No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year was 0. (2021: 0)
4. Office and communications expenditure
| 4. Office and communications expenditure Legal and Professional fees Rent, rates, light and heating Stationery, equipment and copying Post and telephone Insurance Staff travel and welfare Subscriptions and seminars Bank Charges Other Donations |
Total Total 2023 2022 - 2,429 50,103 28,646 588 650 2,820 1,144 - 2,634 225 96 - - 5,120 784 |
|---|---|
| 58,856 36,384 |
5. Cash and Investments
Investments as at 1 April Net addtions / (withdrawals) Investments as at 31 March Cash and bank as at 31 March Short term deposits and cash at bank
| Total | Total |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 |
| 2,012 | - |
| 338 | 2,012 |
| 2,350 | 2,012 |
| 97,762 | 10,897 |
| 100,112 | 12,909 |
The investments of the BSI are held in COIF Charity Funds, which are investment funds managed by CCLA Investment Management.
| 6. Reserves Restricted scholarship fund and scholarships Scholarship fund at 1 April Interest Donations Bursaries Scholarship fund at 31 March General Fund Balance as at 1 April Surplus / (Deficit) Balance as at 31 March Total Funds as at 31 March |
Total Total 2023 2022 8,392 8,392 - - - - - - |
|---|---|
| 8,392 8,392 127,381 145,077 70,761 17,246 - |
|
| 198,142 127,831 |
|
| 206,534 136,223 |
7. Fixed Assets
| Cost Opening Balance at 1 April Additions Closing Balance at 31 March Depreciation Opening Balance at 1 April Closing Balance at 31 March Net Book Value Opening Balance at 1 April Closing Balance at 31 March 8. Debtors Trade Debtors Prepayments Gift Aid 9. Creditors Trade Creditors Accruals and deferred income |
Fixtures & Fittings Office Equipment Computer Equipment - - - - - - |
Total 2023 Total 2022 - - - - |
|---|---|---|
| - - - |
- - |
|
| - - - - - - |
- - - |
|
| - - - |
- - |
|
| - - - |
- - |
|
| - - - |
- - |
|
| Total Total 2023 2022 105,691 137,736 - - |
||
| 105,691 137,736 |
||
| Total Total 2023 2022 255 15,407 - - |
||
| 255 15,407 |
10. Stock
Stock comprises goods for resale
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