## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

**ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025** 

**Charity number 1186728** 



**GATEWAY STUDIO CIO Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025** 

The Trustees of Gateway Studio CIO are pleased to present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. These financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). 

**REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS** Registered Charity Number: 1186728 Registered Office: Trinity Centre, High Street, Gateshead, NE8 1EP 

## **Governing Documents** 

Gateway Studio CIO was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 4 December 2019, replacing and taking forward the activities of Gateway Studio Community Interest Company. As a CIO it is governed by its constitution and Articles of Association. Structure and Governance / Board of Trustees. 

At 31 March 2025 the charity had a board of eleven non-executive Trustees. The Trustees of Gateway Studio CIO during the period and to the date of signing this report were as follows: 

Mr Jeffrey Martin Dean (Chair) Ms Sarah Louise Hogarth Ms Rebecca Jane Miller Mr Peter Huggins MBE Ms Eleanor Farrington Mr Kema Sikazwe Mr Edward Lynch MBE Mr Stephen Derrick Ms Karen Ann Cruise Ms Akosua Boakye Mrs Megan Nichols 

**Independent Examiner:** Jim Dodds, 33 The Glebe, Morpeth. NE61 6HW 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

**Board Meetings:** The constitution provides for main board meetings on a quarterly basis, with occasional business conducted by correspondence. An agenda and written board reports are prepared and circulated in advance of each meeting and minutes taken. Meetings are a hybrid of inperson and virtual (Zoom/Teams) meetings, with further contact with and between Trustees and formal delegations to Officers as appropriate from time to time. 

**Recruitment and Appointment of Board of Trustees:** In selecting individuals for appointment, the Trustees aim to ensure that the Board has the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the charity and is as diverse as possible. 

**Trustee Induction and Training:** Trustees are provided with a range of resources to support their understanding of Gateway Studio’s activities and outlining Trustee duties and responsibilities. 

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**GATEWAY STUDIO CIO Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025** 

Specific training and workshops are delivered using external consultants or specialists as appropriate. 

**Management:** Day-to-day operation of the charity is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director, Martin Hylton, and to the Assistant Director and Head of Education and Community, Debbie Hylton. 

## **CHARITABLE PURPOSE, AIMS & OBJECTIVES** 

Gateway Studio CIO’s charitable objectives are to advance the education of the public in the arts, in particular the art of dance, by the provision of accessible dance education and teaching and ancillary activities, and the presentation of public performances and other similar activities. The wider charitable objects are to: 

1. Further or benefit the residents, without distinction, of Gateshead and the surrounding neighbourhood, by providing facilities for and associating together with the said residents and local authorities, voluntary and other organisations, in a common effort to advance education; 

2. Provide facilities in the interests of social welfare, including physical and mental well-being and special needs, and for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for residents; 

3. Preserve, maintain and enhance the Trinity Centre (the Property), its environs and contents for the benefit of the local community and nation at large, and to advance the education of the public regarding the historical, architectural and natural heritage of the Property of the Chapel of St Edmund, adjoining the Property, being buildings of particular historical and architectural interest; 

## **PUBLIC BENEFIT** 

The Trustees understand and have discussed the implications of the provisions of the Charities Act 2006, which requires all charities to be able to demonstrate that they are established for public benefit and have had due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. Gateway Studio aims to bring professional dance education and practice to Gateshead and its hinterland and provide a centre of arts, heritage and community. It seeks particularly to work with disadvantaged and minority groups in Gateshead’s diverse communities but does not limit its creative, educational, and community activities to these groups. 

The Trustees believe that the charity therefore meets both the key principles: 

- Principle 1 – There must be an identifiable benefit, or benefits Our benefit to the public is that the charity provides community dance classes that support and encourage the development of children, young people and adults, and makes space available for community groups to meet. A heritage programme is being devised to allow the public to visit and learn about the history of the site and will be integral to Gateway’s work when the capital project to redevelop the Trinity building is complete. 

- Principle 2 – Benefit must be to the public, or a section of the public Opportunities afforded by the charity for the development of associated artists and professional dancers through performance and support represent a specific benefit, although each element of our work is able to provide benefit to the public in general. Gateway will devise means of working with 

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**GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

**Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025** 

diverse communities to help them express and share their culture identity whilst becoming part of Gateshead’s cultural fabric. 

## **PERFORMANCE, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROSPECTS: CHAIR’S SUMMARY** 

## **Chair’s Summary of the Charity’s Main Achievements During the 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025** 

The year was marked by widespread economic, social and political turbulence, and uncertainty. This included a UK General election in July 2024 resulting in a change of Government and national policies that directly affected Gateway’s progress, and on-street confrontations and antiimmigration rioting. 

In a year when we saw arts organisations facing closure due to external pressures, Gateway has had to be resilient and strike a balance between being focused on its key objectives, yet be flexible and alert to new opportunities. Many organisations were still struggling to recover in the aftermath of COVID, and a planned review of ACE (and potentially the DCMS itself) meant it was not a good time for them to launch a full-scale review of the funded portfolio. 

This denied Gateway Studio the opportunity to apply for NPO funding. Amidst the uncertainty, ACE announced its intention to extend the existing 3-year NPO funding by a year, which was good news for those organisations that were already in receipt of funding, but bad news for those like Gateway that were considering applying in the next funding round. ACE then announced that its next portfolio investment process would not be launched in April 2025 as planned and called on the Government to extend the current National Portfolio until the end of March 2028. 

Whilst this cut off a potential longer-term funding stream for Gateway, we already had concerns about the additional administrative burden that NPO might have placed on our limited administrative resources. We need to be mindful of this and keep watch for any developments that might simplify the application and reporting processes if the process is opened up again. We will continue to search for additional and alternative funding sources, whether this materialises through grant or commercially earned income. 

On the Trinity capital programme, the incoming Government finally announced the closure of the Community Ownership Fund on 23 December 2024; this would have added a highly significant £600,000 to the Trinity project funds. Coupled with this, we were aware that building costs generally had risen substantially since our project was costed, and our £2.8 million project was likely to come in at over £4million. 

Meetings with our grant manager from the National Lottery Heritage Fund had remained positive. Fundraising has been generally difficult and time-consuming but we were assured NHLF would be the 'funder of last resort' and they would take into account the reasonableness of all our actions in trying to raise funding to complete the project. They were aware of our work with the church authorities to reduce Gateway’s costs and our re-costing and value-engineering exercises, but the reality was that inflation in building costs had dramatically increased. 

NHLF's decision about our application for an uplift was expected from a Committee meeting in midJanuary, but our case was postponed until a later date. This unfortunately meant having to defer our planned on-site start date. 

In the meantime, Gateway wanted to maintain momentum, and the only way to accurately arrive at a cost figure was to go out to tender for a principal contractor. A detailed tender document was drawn up based on all the design work done to RIBA Stage 4. A preferred contractor has been 

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**Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025** 

identified with the necessary expertise and the exercise confirmed the accuracy of our re-costing exercise. 

It had previously been anticipated that the level of detail and timing of decisions might create delay if the approval of the full board approval was required, and so the main body of work has been undertaken by the CEO and Chair with specialist input form the RNJ design & construction consultancy and the freelance fundraiser. 

Trustees agreed Special Resolutions delegating the CEO and Chair the authority to progress the purchase of the Trinity building and use reserves, loans or overdrafts for cash flow purposes if required at short notice. However, the board has retained oversight and ultimate decision-making responsibility. 

Despite the difficult funding climate, we are pleased to note the continued development of Gateway’s work with schools, diverse communities, partners, and other artists. Gateway’s relationships with ACE and other funders and with the local authority have been positive. We remain cautiously confident and optimistic of Gateway’s ability to deliver both our day-to-day operations and our ambitions for restoring, re-purposing and re-invigorating the Trinity Centre. We remain a valued consultee for Gateshead Council on its broader arts-led town centre and High Street management and redevelopment plans, and we are contributing to its arts & culture strategy through partnership with local independent artists and the Northumbria and Newcastle Universities on the Council-commissioned Flourish project. We continue to lobby for Gateway and the arts in general through MPs and Councillors; we have had face to face briefings with our MP and the UnderSecretary of State for Services, Small Business and Exports as well as writing to Government Ministers and Opposition members and the newly-elected North East Mayor. 

Through these consultations and conversations, Gateway’s vision of an ‘arts village’ is gaining further traction. We have already brought back to life one storey of a long-vacant former Burton’s retail store ‘Over the Road’ on the High Street for use as our temporary decant space during the Trinity redevelopment and will work with the Council (the Landlord) to extend the lease so that we can invest further in the use of the building. Ideally, we would want to open up the shop front to give accessible street-level access to a new space for performance, rehearsals, workshops, exhibitions and general community use. 

Anti-immigration protests and riots triggered by misinformation about the tragic murders of 3 children at a dance class in Southport in August 2024 had spread to a number of towns and cities in the UK, including Sunderland and Hartlepool in the North East. This forced Gateway to suspend activities for a short but worrying period until additional security systems were put in place. We are grateful to Esme Fairbairn for covering the costs of the additional security and for funding to support the well-being of employees. Staff and service users were unharmed but one case of verbal racial abuse has had to be reported to the authorities. 

We again acknowledge that the diversity of Gateway Studio CIO’s board has been one of its strengths, with an approximately 50% female and 50% male split of Trustees, with the same ratio of people with black and white ethnicity. The small management and staff team has also reflected that diversity. Trustees may not have the capacity or ability to attend every meeting or event either in person or by Zoom/Teams, but all meetings have been quorate and Gateway values their input and support in whatever way it is given. 

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**GATEWAY STUDIO CIO Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025** 

At the time of writing, it seems that the external climate is unlikely to improve significantly in 2025/26, and we anticipate further pressures on finance, people, and personal energy. In response, we will continue to focus on our core activities and ground our work in our core values. 

Overall, the Board is satisfied with the financial position reached in the year and with Gateway’s work towards achievement of its Charitable Objectives. We need to remain vigilant in terms of income and expenditure particularly where there is an inter-relationship between capital funding and the human resources cost of delivering the project on top of ‘day-to-day’ operations.  However, from a business and planning perspective, it seems that Gateway Studio can continue to proceed with cautious optimism and in recognition that success will not be measured solely by compliance business plan objectives, but by the quality and significance of what we deliver, and by the relationships we nurture. We will seek out the best value we can give, and receive, from all our activities. 

Grateful thanks are extended by the Trustees to all staff, funders, partners, collaborators, consultants and advisers for their contribution to Gateway Studio’s successes in 2024/2025. We also extend our best wishes to those in Gateshead’s diverse communities who work with us and give our work purpose and meaning. 

Jeff Dean Chair Gateway Studio CIO 

## **CHIEF EXECUTIVE/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S REPORT** 

## **1. External factors** 

The Trinity Capital project has been much of the focus again this year. Whilst waiting for the Arts Council review the NPO round has been extended for another year and not accepting new application. This has meant that Gateway has had to use the year to consolidate whilst seeking funding from other sources once again. 

##  **Funding Environment** 

## **Trinity Project** 

Through the assistance of the AHF transformation grant we progressed the project to the RIBA 4 design stage. 

Fundraising continued, however the new government’s decision to close the Community Ownership Fund meant that our proposed application, which if successful would have addressed the project funding gap, could not be submitted. 

At this point we started the process with our NLHF grant manager to submit a grant uplift request for the shortfall of around £500,000. 

The RIBA cost review saw the project estimate significantly increase from £2.8 million to over £4 million. In consultation with the project design team a cost re-evaluation process was undertaken, and the estimate was reduced to £3.8 million. 

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**GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

**Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025** 

Discussions continued with our NLHF advisor and an uplift request for £1.8 million was submitted to him to progress through the NLHF grant award process. 

Our application to the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust was successful, securing a further £75,000 towards the project. This brought the total funds awarded to the project to £2,531,900 

##  **Gateshead** 

We have been in regular consultation with Gateshead Council to develop a plan for the High Street, however due to internal council factors the consultation has stalled and very little has moved forward. On a ,ore positive note we have produced a vision for the development of the service yard at the back of the OTR building. This will entail developing the space to be able to accommodate live performances with suitable audience spaces. This is based on the pro bono feasibility study done by Topo Architects 

## **2. Internal Management Context** 

- Staffing 

Staffing remains the same with administration, freelance and volunteer staff in place. As we prepare to deliver more programmes of activity we acknowledge that capacity will soon become an issue and we will look to grow the team even further with an additional company manager revenue funding allowing. 

- We have now developed our first floor allowing us to have an accessible space called the Shop Front Theatre OTR. This is a very versatile space giving us a range of options for meeting, workshops, and performances. 

- Visibility 

With our branding now above the shop front we have seen a significant increase in footfall and interest. Various community groups and organisations have approached us to hire the space both one off meetings and longer-term hires. The additional interest has also increased our numbers on our youth dance programmes. 

- Working Group 

The working group has come to an end as students moved on to further studies and we struggled to find new members. It is our intention to restart the group at a later date. 

Our social media strategy is working much better now and we have a much better engagement with most reels reaching numbers 1000+ It is clear that moving images are much more engaging than static posts and much more in line with dance. 

## **3. Artistic and creative output** 

It has been a quiet year artistically as we focused on consolidating our current programmes whilst we developed our new space, the Shop Front Theatre. 

- Inner Gods Film 

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**GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

**Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025** 

Our film is still doing well and has been requested to be screened for the NHS at the QEH and also Durham County Council and Durham St Aidens College. The feedback has been simply amazing and the conversation around Black Mens Mental Health continues. 

- OTR Over The Road Studio 

We have continued with our usual community programmes and also offered open daily class for professionals. The open classes were well received and as a result have grown our freelance pool of artists which of some now deliver on our community programmes. We have continued to host other dance organisations and had several sharings of performance work. 

Due to lack of accessibility to our first floor studio we negotiated with the council to occupy the ground floor of the building. We completed the redesign and fit out of the pawn brokers to become our Shop Front Theatre. We plan to widen our offer to include music and theatre in the coming months. 

## 4. Community and Education Provision 

This year has seen a change in our approach to stream line even further our progression routes with more clarity. We continue to work with our partners 

- We continue with 100% success rates in supporting students who wish, gain entry to their conservatoire school of choice 

- Phoenix Academy performed at Res Tec in Leeds 

- Gateway Youth performed at the Gateshead Dance Festival and NHSG Dance Show 

- Capua Gate performed to over 270 members at the Heritage Network conference in Newcastle 

- We are now exploring moving our education programme to include music and theatre 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

The outturn for the period is an unrestricted surplus of £51,242, (2024: £139,077) this gives the charity Unrestricted Reserves of £206,685 (2024: £155,443). 

## **Reserves Policy** 

The Trustees have reviewed the charity’s needs for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission. 

The Trustees aim to hold a level of Unrestricted Reserves that provides sufficient financial resources to meet the liabilities which would crystalise if Gateway Studio were unable to continue operating. Their current estimate of the amount required for this purpose, equivalent to three month’s salaries and operating costs is approximately £59,000. 

The charity’s total Unrestricted Reserves shown in the Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 are £206,685, (2024: £155,443). The charity’s free reserves (unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets) are in deficit by -£67,851, (2024: deficit by -£19,676) The charity intends, through its budgeting, to reach its optimum level of reserves within three years. 

This policy will be reviewed by the Trustees on an annual basis as part of the charity’s budgeting process. 

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**GATEWAY STUDIO CIO Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025** 

## **Investment Policy** 

The charity has the power under the Memorandum and Articles of Association to make any investment which the Trustees see fit. Given the level of funds generated to date and the early stage of charity’s project to acquire the Trinity Centre, it is considered appropriate to keep funds in a form which is immediately accessible. 

## **Risk Management** 

The Trustees of the charity regularly review the major governance, operational and financial risks which the charity faces as part of its annual business planning process and confirm that systems have been established to mitigate these risks. 

Gateway Studio has a risk management strategy in place that comprises: 

- an annual review of the strategic risks the charity may face via the business plan 

- the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate identified risks 

- the implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise. 

The Trustees are satisfied that appropriate financial systems and controls are in place, together with appropriate employment policies and procedures. 

The Trustees consider the key risks facing the charity at this time; mitigating actions to be taken as indicated: 

- Shortage of resources, both financial and human: further funding opportunities will be explored and grants applied for with support of a professional external fundraiser to establish a more robust organisation that supports current and additional salaried positions in accordance with Gateway’s business plan. 

- Successful delivery of the delayed capital project: a review of the role of the contracted Project Manager who oversees the capital project will be undertaken before the end of RIBA Stage 4 when his contract is due to expire: funding opportunities will continue to be sought by Gateway’s fundraiser, who will be more closely involved in financial planning and reporting on the project: there will be more direct input from Gateway’s Chief Executive and Chair into the completion of RIBA Stage 4 to ensure appropriate and time-sensitive decisionmaking. 

The Trustees also manage the general financial risks by ensuring that: 

- Prudent budgets are set for each financial period. 

- The charity maintains a low cost-base. 

- Changes in the general political and economic climate are monitored so that any adverse factors emanating from these sources can be anticipated and accommodated 

## **TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT** 

The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for preparing a Trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

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**GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

**Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2025** 

The Charity’s Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the CIO and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the Charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are required to: 

1. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

2. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

3. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

4. state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

5. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and the group and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on: 30 January 2026 

And signed on its behalf by: 

Jeff Dean Trustee and Chair Jeff Dean Jeff Dean (Jan 30, 2026 14:42:15 GMT) 

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## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

I report on the financial statements of Gateway Studio CIO for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 11 to 21. 

## **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 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 

The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners. 

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: 

- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, 

- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act), and 

- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of independent examiner's statement** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the 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 statement below. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: 

- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or 

- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or 

- the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than if the requirements that the accounts give a "true and fair" view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper  understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

Jim Dodds FCIE 33 The Glebe Morpeth 

Date: 30 January 2026 

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## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

|6<br>7<br>8<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>9<br>10<br>Charitable activities<br>Notes<br>**_Total income_**<br>Donations and legacies<br>**Income from:**<br>Investments<br>Charitable activities<br>Grants and contracts<br>Raising funds<br>Operation of the charity<br>**_Total expenditure_**<br>**_Net income/(expenditure)_**<br>Transfers between funds<br>**_Net income/(expenditure) and net_**<br>**_movement of funds_**<br>**_Total funds carried forward_**<br>**Reconciliation of funds**<br>Total funds brought forward|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>1,000<br>92,475<br>18<br>93,493<br>-<br>140,188<br>140,188<br>( 46,695 )<br>97,937<br>51,242<br>155,443<br>206,685|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>213,039<br>-<br>213,039<br>10,500<br>57,095<br>67,595<br>145,444<br>( 97,937 )<br>47,507<br>61,447<br>108,954|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**1,000**<br>**305,514**<br>**18**<br>**306,532**<br>**10,500**<br>**197,283**<br>**207,783**<br>**98,749**<br>**-**<br>**98,749**<br>**216,890**<br>**315,639**|Total<br>2024<br>£|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||1,000<br>413,308<br>255|
|||||414,563|
|||||13,250<br>222,519|
|||||235,769|
|||||178,794<br>-|
|||||178,794<br>38,096|
|||||216,890|



The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities 

The notes on pages 13 to 21 form an integral part of these accounts. 

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Charity Number 1186728 

## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **BALANCE SHEET** 

As at 31 March 2025 

|**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible assets<br>16<br>**_Total fixed assets_**<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors<br>17<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>18<br>**_Total current assets_**<br>**Creditors:**amounts falling due within<br>one year<br>19<br>**_Net current assets_**<br>**_Total assets less current liabilities_**<br>**_Total net assets or liabilities_**<br>**Funds of the charity**<br>Unrestricted income funds<br>Restricted income funds<br>**_Total funds_**<br>Notes|**£**<br>23,898<br>195,106<br>**219,004**<br>**( 177,901 )**|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>274,536<br>**274,536**<br>**41,103**<br>**315,639**<br>**315,639**<br>206,685<br>108,954<br>**315,639**|**£**<br>35,158<br>160,403<br>**195,561**<br>**( 153,790 )**|**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||175,119|
|||||**175,119**<br>**41,771**|
|||||**216,890**|
|||||**216,890**|
|||||155,443<br>61,447|
|||||**216,890**|



The notes on pages 13 to 21 form an integral part of these accounts. 

These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 30 January 2026 

and are signed on its behalf by: Jeff Dean Trustee and Chair Jeff Dean Jeff Dean (Jan 30, 2026 14:42:15 GMT) 

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**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## 1 **Accounting Policies** 

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows: 

## 2 **Basis of accounting** 

## 2.1 **Basis of preparation** 

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. 

The accounts 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) – Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. 

Gateway Studio CIO meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 

## 2.2 **Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis** 

The charity reported total unrestricted funds at the yearend of £206,685 and has secured funding for the current year. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In making their assessment the trustees have reviewed and considered relevant information, including their annual budget and future cash flows. The trustees are of the view that the immediate future of the charity for the next 12 months is secure and that on this basis the charity is a going concern. 

## 3 **Income** 

## 3.1 **Recognition of income** 

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the resources, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is more likely than not that the resources will be received and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability 

## 3.2 **Offsetting** 

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102 SORP or FRS102. 

## 3.3 **Grants and donations** 

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the  income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not  deferred. 

Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria of income recognition are met. 

## 3.5 **Volunteer help** 

The value of volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report. 

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**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## 3.6 **Interest receivable** 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest  paid or payable by the bank. 

## 3.7 **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity. 

## 4 **Expenditure and liabilities** 

## 4.1 **Liability recognition** 

Liabilities are recognised when 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 certainty. 

## 4.2 **Charitable activities** 

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of the provision of dance education and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. 

## 4.3 **Governance and support costs** 

Support costs have been allocated between governance cost and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. 

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

## 4.4 **Irrecoverable VAT** 

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the  expenditure was incurred. 

## 4.5 **Creditors** 

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts. 

## 4.6 **Provisions for liabilities** 

A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. 

## 5 **Assets** 

## 5.1 **Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity** 

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows: 

Assets under construction 0% No depreciation until completion IT and office equipment 25% Straight line 

14 



## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

|**Analysis of income**<br>6<br>**Donations and legacies**<br>Donations<br>7<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Income from Grants and<br>Donations<br>Esmee Fairbairn Foundation<br>Community Ownership Fund<br>Garfield Western<br>The Architectural Heritage Fund<br>The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust<br>The National Lottery Community Fund<br>Income from contracts<br>Youth Groups<br>Merchandise Sales<br>Other Income<br>Office and Room Rental<br>Gateshead Council<br>8<br>**Income from investments**<br>Arts Council England<br>Employment allowance<br>Interest - deposits<br>Educational Contract<br>Arts Council England - Elevate<br>Community classes|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>1,000<br>1,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>51,934<br>13,786<br>4,075<br>-<br>15,520<br>2,160<br>5,000|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>38,000<br>-<br>52,475<br>93,745<br>9,319<br>19,500<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**1,000**<br>**1,000**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**38,000**<br>**-**<br>**52,475**<br>**93,745**<br>**9,319**<br>**19,500**<br>**51,934**<br>**13,786**<br>**4,075**<br>**-**<br>**15,520**<br>**2,160**<br>**5,000**<br>305,514<br>**18**<br>**18**|Total<br>2024<br>£|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||1,000|
|||||1,000|
|||||5,000<br>98,800<br>76,015<br>3,600<br>50,000<br>87,880<br>-<br>-<br>54,540<br>5,518<br>4,159<br>50<br>12,450<br>10,296<br>5,000|
||92,475|213,039||413,308|
||18<br>18|-<br>-||255|
|||||255|



Income was £306,532 (2024: £414,563) of which £93,493 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £93,268) and £213,039 was restricted (2024: £321,295). 

15 



## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## **Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities** 

|9<br>10|**_Raising funds_**<br> **_Charitable activities_**<br>Direct costs<br>Support costs<br>HR support<br>Other overhead cost<br>Print, postage & stationery<br>Repairs & maintenance/cleaning<br>Trinity Capital Development<br>Professional fees<br>Governance costs<br>Bookkeeping & payroll fees<br>Salaries & on costs<br>Travel & accommodation<br>Depreciation<br>Independent examiner's fees for reporting on<br>the accounts<br>Advertising & promotion<br>Dance tuition cost<br>Other direct cost<br>Board expenses and meeting costs<br>Incurred seeking grants<br>Salaries & on costs<br>Security cost<br>Insurance<br>Heat & light/water rates<br>Communication costs<br>Bank charges|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>178<br>80,248<br>11,865<br>1,074<br>469<br>135<br>9,198<br>210<br>3,600<br>2,805<br>428<br>4,110<br>11,625<br>3,179<br>3,450<br>5,954<br>-<br>310<br>-<br>1,350<br>140,188|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>10,500<br>10,500<br>-<br>-<br>75<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>6,311<br>-<br>-<br>1,899<br>-<br>-<br>28,464<br>3,632<br>1,435<br>8,645<br>1,474<br>-<br>5,160<br>-<br>57,095|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**10,500**<br>**10,500**<br>**178**<br>**80,248**<br>**11,940**<br>**1,074**<br>**469**<br>**135**<br>**15,509**<br>**210**<br>**3,600**<br>**4,704**<br>**428**<br>**4,110**<br>**40,089**<br>**6,811**<br>**4,885**<br>**14,599**<br>**1,474**<br>**310**<br>**5,160**<br>**1,350**<br>**197,283**|Total<br>2024<br>£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||13,250|
||||||13,250|
||||||688<br>61,872<br>46,414<br>1,336<br>240<br>-<br>13,037<br>314<br>3,733<br>3,084<br>359<br>140<br>69,627<br>2,609<br>5,148<br>7,508<br>-<br>-<br>5,160<br>1,250|
||||||222,519|



Expenditure on charitable activities was £207,783 (2024: £235,769) of which £140,188 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £95,912) and £67,595 was restricted (2024: £139,857). 

11 **Fees for examination of the accounts** 

|Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts<br>There were no other fees paid to the examiner (2024: £nil)|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**1,350**<br>**1,350**|2024<br>£|
|---|---|---|
|||1,250|
|||1,250|
||||



16 



## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## 12 **Analysis of staff costs and the cost of key management personnel** 

|**nalysis of staff costs and the cost of key management personnel**|||
|---|---|---|
|Social security costs<br>Salaries and wages<br>Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan)|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**107,919**<br>**10,142**<br>**2,355**<br>**120,416**|2024<br>£|
|||113,052<br>11,101<br>2,246|
|||126,399|



No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (2024: one employee received remuneration between £60,000 and £70,000). 

The key management personnel of the charity, comprise the Trustees and the Artistic Director (CEO) . The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £54,506. (2024: £60,083) 

## 13 **Staff numbers** 

The average monthly head count was 4 staff (2024: 4 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows: 

|The parts of the charity in which the employee's work<br>Charitable activities|**2025**<br>**Number**<br>3.0<br>**3.0**|2024<br>Number|
|---|---|---|
|||3.0|
|||3.0|



## 14 **Transactions with trustees** 

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity. 

## **Trustees' expenses** 

No trustee expenses have been incurred in the year. 

## **Transaction(s) with related parties** 

The following detail the related party transactions in the reporting period. 

|Name of the trustee or related<br>party<br>Peter Huggins<br>Trustee<br>Relationship<br>to charity<br>Freelance teacher<br>Description of the<br>transaction|**2025**<br>**£**<br>1,740|2024<br>£|
|---|---|---|
|||1,980|



The charity undertook an arm’s length process to ensure they chose the best provider, Peter Huggins was not part of the decision making process. 

## 15 **Corporation Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives. 

17 



## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

|**Assets under**<br>16 **Tangible fixed assets**<br>**construction**<br>**Cost**<br>Balance brought forward<br>175,119<br>Additions<br>97,937<br>Disposals<br>-<br>**Balance carried forward**<br>273,056<br>**Depreciation**<br>Basis<br>SL<br>Rate<br>0%<br>Balance brought forward<br>-<br>Depreciation charge for year<br>-<br>Disposals<br>-<br>**Balance carried forward**<br>-<br>**Net book value**<br>**Brought forward**<br>175,119<br>**Carried forward**<br>273,056<br>17 **Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year)**<br>Accrued Income - National Lottery Heritage Fund<br>18<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>19<br>Deferred income<br>**Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)**<br>Accruals<br>Independent examination of accounts<br>**Cash at bank and in hand**<br>Prepayments<br>Trade debtors<br>Other creditors<br>Trade creditors<br>Taxation and social security|**IT & office**<br>**equipment**<br>**£**<br>2,857<br>1,615<br>-<br>4,472<br>SL<br>25%<br>2,857<br>135<br>-<br>2,992<br>-<br>1,480<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**13,585**<br>**10,030**<br>**283**<br>**23,898**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**195,106**<br>**195,106**<br> <br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**13,460**<br>**9,646**<br>**1,350**<br>**239**<br>**153,206**<br>**177,901**|2024<br>£<br>24,541<br>10,030<br>587<br>35,158<br>2024<br>£<br>160,403<br>160,403<br>2024<br>£<br>9,834<br>2,706<br>1,250<br>-<br>140,000<br>153,790|**Total**<br>**£**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**177,976**<br>**99,552**<br>**-**|
||||**277,528**|
||||**2,857**<br>**135**<br>**-**|
||||**2,992**|
|||||
||||**175,119**|
|||||
||||**274,536**|
|||||



18 



## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## 20 **Deferred income** 

Deferred income comprises of advance payments from grants that relate to future periods 

|Balance brought forward<br>Amount released to income earned from<br>charitable activities<br>Amount deferred in year<br>Balance carried forward|**2025**<br>**£**|
|---|---|
||**140,000**<br>**( 52,475 )**<br>**65,681**|
||**153,206**|



## 21 **Defined contribution pension scheme** 

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 employer's pension costs represent contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amount to £2,355 (2024: £2,246). There was  £0 outstanding as at 31 March 2025 (2024: £0). 

## 22 **Events after the end of the reporting period** 

No events (not requiring adjustment to the accounts) have occurred after the end of the reporting period but before the accounts are authorised which relate to conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period. 

## 23 **Analysis of charitable funds** 

## **Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds** 

**For the year ended 31 March 2025** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General unrestricted fund<br>**_Totals_**|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>£<br>155,443<br>155,443|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>£<br>93,493<br>93,493|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>£<br>( 140,188 )<br>(140,188)|**Transfers**<br>£<br>97,937<br>97,937|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**206,685**|
||||||**206,685**|



## **For the year ended 31 March 2024** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General unrestricted fund<br>**_Totals_**|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>£<br>16,366<br>16,366|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>£<br>93,268<br>93,268|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>£<br>( 95,912 )<br>(95,912)|**Transfers**<br>£<br>141,721<br>141,721|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**155,443**|
||||||**155,443**|



## **Purpose of unrestricted funds** 

General unrestricted fund 

The 'free reserves' of the charity. 

19 



## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## 23 **Analysis of charitable funds** continued 

## **Analysis of movement in restricted funds** 

## **For the year ended 31 March 2025** 

|**For the year ended 31 March 2025**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>£<br>Arts Council England - Elevate<br>5,000<br>Arts Council England<br>4,524<br>Esmee Fairbairn Foundation<br>4,684<br>Community Ownership Fund<br>2,190<br>Garfield Western<br>-<br>The Architectural Heritage Fund<br>34,889<br>The Catherine Cookson<br>Charitable Trust<br>-<br>The National Lottery Community<br>Fund<br>-<br>The National Lottery Heritage<br>Fund Trinity Project<br>10,160<br>**_Totals_**<br>61,447<br>**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>£<br>Arts Council England - Elevate<br>-<br>National Lottery Heritage Fund<br>Trinity Project<br>21,730<br>Arts Council England<br>-<br>Esmee Fairbairn Foundation<br>-<br>Community Ownership Fund<br>-<br>Garfield Western<br>-<br>The Architectural Heritage Fund<br>-<br>**_Totals_**<br>21,730<br>**For the year ended 31 March 2024**|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>38,000<br>-<br>52,475<br>93,745<br>9,319<br>19,500<br>-<br>213,039<br>**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>£<br>5,000<br>-<br>98,800<br>76,015<br>3,600<br>50,000<br>87,880<br>321,295|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>£<br>( 5,000 )<br>( 75 )<br>( 40,386 )<br>-<br>-<br>( 11,974 )<br>-<br>-<br>( 10,160 )<br>(67,595)<br>**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>£<br>-<br>( 850 )<br>( 64,276 )<br>( 71,331 )<br>-<br>-<br>( 3,400 )<br>(139,857)|**Transfers**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>( 21,482 )<br>( 67,136 )<br>( 9,319 )<br>-<br>-<br>(97,937)<br>**Transfers**<br>£<br>-<br>( 10,720 )<br>( 30,000 )<br>-<br>( 1,410 )<br>( 50,000 )<br>( 49,591 )<br>(141,721)|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**|
|||||**-**<br>**4,449**<br>**2,298**<br>**2,190**<br>**30,993**<br>**49,524**<br>**-**<br>**19,500**<br>**-**|
|||||**108,954**|
|||||**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**|
|||||**5,000**<br>**10,160**<br>**4,524**<br>**4,684**<br>**2,190**<br>**-**<br>**34,889**|
|||||**61,447**|



## **Purpose of restricted funds** 

Restricted funds represent income resources used for a specific purpose within the charity as identified by the donor. 

Arts Council England - Elevate 

Arts Council England 

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation 

Community Ownership Fund 

Funding towards the cost of organisation development. 

Funding for the development of Trinity Church. 

To fund the creation and recruitment of new positions within the charity to further its reach, capacity, and scope of its charitable objectives and activities. 

Funding for the development of Trinity Church. 

20 



## **GATEWAY STUDIO CIO** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## 23 **Analysis of charitable funds** continued 

**Purpose of restricted funds** continued 

Garfield Western 

The Architectural Heritage Fund The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust 

The National Lottery Community Fund 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Trinity Project 

Funding for the development of Trinity Church. 

Funding for the development of Trinity Church. Funding for the development of Trinity Church. 

To cover gateway's cost in delivery work with migrant and marginalised communities. 

Funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England Emergency Fund towards the development phase of a project to buy and convert the Trinity Centre into a centre of arts, heritage and community. 

## 24 **Capital commitments** 

As at 31 March 2025, the charity had no capital commitments (2024 -£nil). 

## 25 **Analysis of net assets between funds 2025** 

|**nalysis of net assets between funds 2025**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Current assets<br>Current liabilities<br>Tangible fixed assets|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>274,536<br>110,050<br>( 177,901 )<br>206,685|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>108,954<br>-<br>108,954|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**|
||||**274,536**<br>**219,004**<br>**( 177,901 )**|
||||**315,639**|



## **Analysis of net assets between funds 2024** 

|Tangible fixed assets<br>Current assets<br>Current liabilities|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>175,119<br>134,114<br>( 153,790 )<br>155,443|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>61,447<br>-<br>61,447|**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**£**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**175,119**<br>**195,561**<br>**( 153,790 )**|
||||**216,890**|



## 26 **Guarantee** 

There have been no guarantees given by the charity at 31 March 2025. 

## 27 **Debt** 

There is no debt outstanding which is owed by the charity and which is secured by an excess charge on any of the assets of the charity at 31 March 2025. 

## 28 **Governing document** 

The organisation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Foundation registered on 04 December 2019 as a body corporate under part 11 of the Charities Act 2011. 

21