THE CULTURAL SPRING
(A company limited by guarantee)
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Charity numbor 1191465
Company number 12508237

THE CULTURAL SPRING
IA company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
The trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of The Cultural
Spring I'lhe charity'l for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The annual report serves the
purposes of both a trustees, report and a directors, report under company law. The trustees
confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity compty with the current
slatulory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the
provisions of the Slalement of Recommended Practice {SORPI applicable lo charities
preparing their accounts in accordance wtth the Financial Reporb'ng Standard applicable in
the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20191.
Objoctives and acliviliès
The charity aims to support the areas of South Tyneside and Sunderland with arts and culture
programmes that engage people in the local communities lo gel involved in a range of arts
activities and events. The charity will do this through exploring a range of funding streams.
including apptying to trusts and foundations.
In setting objectives and planning for actNilies, the Iruslees have given due consideration to
general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating lo public benefit, including the
guidance 'Public benefit.. running a chanty IP82I'.
Conlext
The above is primarily aimed at programme delivery and building on the legacy from The
Cuhural Spring project that worked across South Tyneside and was funded by the Creative
People and Places programme during 2014-2023. From 2014-2023 the Cultural Spring project
was an Arts Council funded, Creative People and Places ICPPI project. Working across both
Soulh Tyneside and Sunderland in a consortium relationship that was led by the University of
Sunderland. Wrth no legal entity of its own the consortium steering group decided lo look into
developing the Cultural Spring Charity lo support the legacy of the work and also lo be eligible
lo apply for funding from trusts and foundations.
Charitable slalus was awarded in September 2020. In 2021 the project was advised that due
lo the Active Live5 data set used by Arts Council England, which clarifies which place5 in the
UK are eligible for C￿alIVe People and Places ICPPI funding, that South Tyneside was no
longer eligible for CPP funding. During 2023 this has changed. and South Tyneside is once
again eligible for CPP funding.
During 2023, Arts Council England announced a one-year extension of the current CPP
programme, up to the end of March 2026. In early 2025 the Charity took the lead on the
2026-2029 CPP application and were successful in this application, with funding of £lmillion
secured over the three year period.
Partnership working: The Cultural Spring is part of Soulh Tyne5ide's Cultural Partnership
Group. This work included joint bids to Arts Council England for a Place Based Partnership
project {2024-2027} and UKSPF funding up to the end of March 2025, with extension funding
lo the end of March 2026. The Cultural Spring are leading on the following projects for this

THE CULTURAL SPRING
IA company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
funding., Winter Festival, Bitesize projects and Community residencies in Bede and Simonside
& Rekendyke wards).
Achievernents and performance
During 202412025 funding has been being secured from:
Poslcode Communty Trust, Taised by players of People's Poslcode Lottery.1£25,000).
Know Your Neighbourhood Funding {Tyne and Wear Community Foundation, through
Levelling Up funding) - £49.950 for April 2024-March 2025.
Arts Council Project Grant for 'Gig Culture, _ £69.930 {awarded in 2023124, ends in
August 2025}.
Commissions
We have also been commissioned by South Tyneside Council to lead on the following projects..
South Tyneside Summer and Winter Parades (April 2024-February 20261
We were commissioned by South Tyneside Council lo lead on the community engagement
programme for the 2023 and 2024 Summer and Winter Parades and this has been extended
lo include both 2025 parades.
We worked with a range of freelance artists lo deliver the Summer Parade event for 2024.
Through this programme we are keen to encourage more people to get involved as
participants and volunteers in the programme, with a view lo how opportunrties can be
sustained all year round.
Our work with South Tyneside Cuftural Partners is supporting this work. This year we are
building on the talent development programme we began in 2024 with artisls and community
group leads provided with the opportunty to engage in training with outdoor arts specialist
Handmade Productions, offering professional development opportunities for those interested
in developing their parade art skills and creating work of scale.
Summer Parade 2024,
There was an 110/0 increase in participation in 2024 from Ihe 2023 community
engagement element of the project.
We did engage groups who had not previousty. taken part such as NECA Community
Gardens, Hospit81ty and Hope and CREST. Due to demand lo take part we brought
in additional artists to support us with the parade workshops for the groups.
Feedback from participants, group leaders and artists as well as the public who saw
the Parade was very positive. Through evaluation on the day we know that 36 10 of
attendees al the 2024 Summer Parade weekend were first lime arts engagers, this is
a great opportunty to build on this and see these people turned into regular attenders.
We hired a company lo undertake the Insighl and Impacl evaluation and this has been
uploaded to the Culture Counts and Illuminate platfomis.
This learning is helping lo infom us aboul fvture Parade activity-

THE CULTURAL SPRING
IA company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Hebburn Public Art Project. £67.635 funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund {UKSPF)
from the UK Government.
South Tyneside Council commissioned The Cultural Spring to lead on a new public art project
in Hebbum.
From the consultation process carried out in 202>2024, an artist brief was created.
Recruitment and selection for an artist was undertaken with a local community decision
making panel during the fiTSt part of 2024. The artist Svetlana Kondakova Muir, worked with
the community and the final artwork was installed at the end ofJanuary 2025.
The projects themes were the history of Hebburn. innovation and civic pride.
Know Your Neighbourhood
The Cultural Spring Charity was successful in obtaining support from the South Tyneside
Know Your Neighbourhood fund in July 2023. The South Tyneside Know Your Neighbourhood
Fund is part of the Government's Know Your Neighbourhood Fund being run by DCMS
Ifacililaled by Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberlandl.
In line wrth Ihe Government's requirements for Ihe Fund nationally, it supported activities
across South Tyneside thal enable meaningful and impacfful volunteering, and tackle
loneliness. Funding helped communities to participate in local projects which build their skills,
wellbeing and social networks, using new methods of engagement and initiatives that seek lo
increase volunteering. Funded projects ran until 31$1 March 2025 and over 500 people
participated in the opportunities provided.
Creative projeds across South Tyneside included the 'Spring Up. Sing Out, choir, craft packs
for those unable lo gel to in-person events and workshops in communty welcoming places
and supported housing.
The following is taken from a press release about the project, by Rob Lawson..
As part ofthe overallprojecl comedian John Scott led a series ofstand-up comedy workshops
for Age Concern, which helped participants overcome shyness.
John said.. "Working with the gentlemen of Age Concem was a huge success, with our closing
session receiving a round of applause from the group. It was the firsl lime I'd engaged with
olderpeople in a comedy W0￿$hop setting.
"The men engaged enthusiastically with numerous brainstom7ing writing exercises designed
to encourage us to view the world through a comedic lens. Their input was qurte revelatory.
'One of the aims of our workshops was to spalk discussions aboul shared experiences, and
they had a lot to contribute. They all eng8ged enthu&8Stically wrfh the comedy writing
exercises and many, many funny pieces of writing emerged over the four weeks. "We also
took 8 look at some stand-ups relevant to their age group.

THE CULTURAL SPRING
IA company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
'The final takeaway was a staff member mentioning that, as a group, they rarely open up or
discuss anylhing, and the workshops had seen a new form of dial(uue emerging from the
group."
Welcorning Places
Previousty 'Warm Spaces,, Ihis has been an area of work for us since 2023, in light of the
ongoing cost of living crisis. During 2024-2025 this work was supported through the Know
Your Neighbourhood funding we received. We're building on the legacy of this during 2025-
2026 through our funding from Posl¢ode Neighbourhood Trust, a grant-giving charity funded
entirely by players of People's Postcoje Lottery.
Charity Development
The Trustees and Cultural Spring project team hekd one planning session with the CPP project
and team in October 2024. This session was facililaled by Lucy Medhursl al The Charity's
base, One Trinity Green South Shields. This work 1$ supporting the strategi¢ developments
of the projed.
Policies and procedures have been reviewed and updated during 2024125 and a sub group of
the Charity's Board has been set up to oversee this area of work as the Charity continues to
grow.
Staffing
We continue lo work with Claire Finlay as our Projects Offttr for South Tyneside. Claire
became a PAYE member of staff on the 1" February 2025.
Our Development Worker, Catherine Scott left us at the end of January 2025 to start a new
role wrth the NHS.
As of 11t February 2025, Emma Horsman ICPP Project Direclor} is working one day per week
for the Charity and lam Burn ICPP project Impact Coordinator) is working 0.5 days per week
for the Chanty. The Charty is reimbursing the CPP for this time.
Emma Biggins, continues wilh us as the CPP project's Community Engagemenl Coordinator
{Ihis post is funded by the CPP project, who started in October 2023).
Megan Disken our PrO1￿t Assistant. left us in July 2024 to go travelling.
We recruited Caroline Liversidge as our Administrator in July 2024, Caroline works 3.5 days
per week {2.5 days are funded by the CPP projecti.
Trustee recruitment
We successfully recruited hvo new trustees following a recruitment call out in 2023124,
specifically with experience in Business, HR, local polrtics and legal. They officially joined the
Board in April 2024- Glenn Coyne and Joan Atkinson.

THE CULTURAL SPRING
IA company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Plans for 2025126 include:
Working with South Tyneside partners on delivering the Arts Council Place Based
Partnership and UKSPF funded extension work. Including the development and
delivery of the Bitesize programme, retltled 'Nibbles' for 202&2026.
The launch of the book to accompany the Hebburn Public Art project.
Delivery of our Awards for All project. This links wrth workshops in the community
across Sundedand and South Tyneside. wrth a focus on creative enterprise and the
creation of sustainable groups. This project will include Go and See visrts. workshops
and activities at home, through arts packs, for people unable to leave their homes.
Delivery of year tsvo of the South Tyneside Community residencies in Bede and
Simonside & Rekendyke wards. Wrth ongoing work in Bede ward based on the findings
from Year One and the beginning of work in Simonside and Rekendyke ward.
Delivering tsvo $ucce$$ful events as part of thi$ year'$ South Tyneside Summer and
Winter Festivals. Including talent development opportunities for local artists. Go and
See opportunities to other festNals and longer projects for community engagement.
The talent developmenl work links lo the Parades is also being enhanced through
funding from The Foyle Foundation 1£10,0001 for a project that will run from May
December 2025.
Continuing to build on the legacy of our partnership work to support the 'Welcoming
Spaces, programme to deliver an arts and cutture PTogramme in venues. This is being
funded by the Postcode Community Trust1£25k for 2024-20251.
Submit further trust and foundation applications for joint work across both Sunderland
and South Tyneside.
Development, delivery and legacy for our 'Gig Cullure, proiecl (Arts Council fvndedl
up to the end of August 2025.
Outcome of the 202&2029 CPP grant application for Sunderfand and South Tyneside
October 2025.
Continuing lo work through the process of moving the project into the Charity by March
2026 and the wtential TUPE processes on the existing project staff team13 peoplel
involved.
Continuing to ensure evaluation processes are embedded Ihroughoul our work.
Jarrow Forward - The Cultural Spring has been commissioned to deliver a creative
communty consultation process on behalf of the Jarrow Forward Board and South
Tyneside Council. This is for the £20million New Towns Fund scheme awarded to
Jarrow.
Public benefit statement
The trusteesldirectors have considered the guidance produced by the Charity Commission on
the provision of public benefit and they confinn that public benefrt has been provided by the
range of aclivrties as described above.
Financial review
During the financial year to 31 March 2025 The Cultural Spring Charity We￿ delivering mo
programmes within South Tyneside than in previous financial years as the charity became
fully operational.

THE CULTURAL SPRING
IA company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Grant income of £294,817 12024: £260.594} was received during the financial year from
various sources, but chiefy South Tyneshde Council and Communty Foundation Tyne & Wear
and Northumberland.
Included wf(hin donations and legacies revenue and administrative costs are £9.000 {2024'.
£9,000> of in-kind support for finance and administration support.
There was an amount of £267,86712024= £131.016) for project costs managed by the charity.
The charity had trade debtors of £70,870 {2024.' £20,452) and trade creditors of £300 {2024'.
£25,898) outstanding * Ihe end of the financial year.
Reserves
Al the end of the year the charty had free reserves (unrestricted funds not invested in tangible
fixed assets) of £36,388 {2024.' 1,8751. As the charity has no ongoing commttments the
Iruslees consider the position lo be satisfactory and will use the reserves to build future
activities as the charty continues to grow and becomes more established.
Golng concem
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity
has adequate resources to continue in operational exislence for the foreseeable fulure. For
this reason, they Continue to adopt Ihe going concern basis in preparing the financial
slatemenls.
Stwcture, governance and management
The charity was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 2020 and registered as a
charity in 2020. The charity was established under a Memorandum of Association, which sets
out the objects and powers of the charty and is governed under ils Articles of Association.
The management of the company is the responsibilty of the Iruslees who are elected and co-
opled under the terms of the Articles of Associalion. New Iruslees are inducted through
meetings with existing trustees and supplied with appropriate background information and
training as required, depending upon experience.
Reference and administrative details
Registered company number:
12508237
Registered charity number:
1191465
Registered office
Unit 2.18
One Trinty Green
Eldon Street
South Shields
NE33 1SA

THE CULTURAL SPRING
IA company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees
Graeme Thompson
lan High
Eleanor Caroline Tumer
Mark Anthony Dawson
Fiona Martin
Denise Wilson
Joan Atkinson
Glenn David Coyne
Company secretsry
Emma Horsman
Independent Examiner
Jim Dodds
33 The Glebe
Morpelh
NE616HW
Statement of Irustee$' re$pon$ibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of the corr¢Jany for the purFK)ses of company lawl are
responsible for preparing the trustees, report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards {'Unf(ed Kingdom Gener811y
Accepted Accounting Practi￿,1.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial slalements for each financial year.
Under company law, the trustees must not approve the financial slalemenls unless they are
satisfied that they gwe a true and fair VEW of the state of affairs of the company and of ils
incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, frjr
Ihal period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required lo..
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consislenlly.,
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP IFRS 102).,
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.,
stale whether applicable UK Accounting Standards IFRS 102) have been followed,
subjecl lo any material departures di￿10$ed and explained in the financial slalemenls.,
prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate
lo presume that the company will continue in business.
The Iruslees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficienl lo
show and explain the company s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any
lime the financial posf(ion of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial
statements compty with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding
the assets of the company and hence for tsking reasonable Steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities.

THE CULTURAL SPRING
IA company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Approved by order of the members of the board of trustees on". 24 November 2025
And signed on its behalf by..
lan High
Trustee

## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

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

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

I report on the financial statements of The Cultural Spring for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 10 to 21. 

## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** 

The charity's trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law) 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: 

- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or 

- the accounts do not accord with such records; or 

- the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a �true and fair�view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or 

the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102). 

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 33 The Glebe Morpeth NE61 6HW Date: 


9 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

(INCLUDING SUMMARY INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Restated<br>Unrestricted Restricted Total  Total<br>Funds Funds 2025 2024<br>£ £ £ £<br>Income from:<br>Donations and legacies 6 9,158 - 9,158 9,032<br>Charitable activities<br>Grants and contracts 7 1,200 293,617 294,817 260,594<br>Other trading activities 8 5,539 - 5,539 1,514<br>Other income 9 65,724 - 65,724 23,172<br>Total income 81,621 293,617 375,238 294,312<br>Expenditure on:<br>Raising funds 10 - 9,500 9,500 7,680<br>Charitable activities<br>Operation of the charity 11 47,108 310,129 357,237 229,593<br>Total expenditure 47,108 319,629 366,737 237,273<br>Net movement of funds 34,513 ( 26,012 ) 8,501 57,039<br>Reconciliation of funds<br>Total funds brought forward 1,875 79,477 81,352 24,313<br>Total funds carried forward 36,388 53,465 89,853 81,352<br>Notes<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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 12 to 21 form an integral part of these accounts. 

10 



Charity Number 1191465 Company Number 12508237 

## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **BALANCE SHEET** 

As at 31 March 2025 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Total Total<br>2025 2024<br>£ £ £ £<br>Current assets<br>Debtors 18 71,390 36,737<br>Cash at bank and in hand 19 44,940 80,528<br>Total current assets 116,330 117,265<br>Creditors:  amounts falling due within<br>one year 20 ( 26,477 ) ( 35,913 )<br>Net current assets 89,853 81,352<br>Total assets less current liabilities 89,853 81,352<br>Total net assets or liabilities 89,853 81,352<br>Funds of the charity<br>Unrestricted income funds 36,388 1,875<br>Restricted income funds 53,465 79,477<br>Total funds 89,853 81,352<br>Notes<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The company was entitled to an exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. 

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. 

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with the respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. 

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP. 

The notes on pages 12 to 21 form an integral part of these accounts. 

These financial statements were approved by the Board on: 


and are signed on its behalf by: 

Ian High Trustee 

11 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## 1 **Accounting Policies** 

The principle 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. 

The Cultural Spring 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 year end of £36,388 and has already secured a significant amount of funding for the current year. The trustees are of the view that the immediate future of the charity for the next 12 to 18  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 reliably. 

## 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 or provision of other specified service is deferred until the criteria of income recognition are met. 

12 



(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## 3.4 **Donated goods and services** 

Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so. 

Donated services and facilities are included in the SoFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided that the value of the gift can be measured reliably. Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with the equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SoFA. 

## 3.5 **Volunteer help** 

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

## 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 **Income from membership subscriptions** 

Membership subscriptions received in the nature of a gift are recognised in donations and legacies. 

Membership subscriptions which gives a member the right to buy services or other benefits are recognised as income earned from the provision of goods and services as income from charitable activities. 

## 3.8 **Investment gains and losses** 

This includes any realised or unrealised gains or losses on the sale of investment and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year. 

## 3.9 **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of 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 charities' 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 creative project delivery and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. 

13 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## 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: 

Office and computer equipment 

Straight line over four years 

The charity does not currently own any tangible fixed assets. 

14 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

|**Analysis of income**<br>6<br>**Donations and legacies**<br>7<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Income from grants<br>8<br>**Other trading activities**<br>9<br>**Other income**<br>Donations<br>Gifts in kind<br>The Barbour Foundation<br>South Tyneside Council - Parades<br>Arts Council England<br>Other grants<br>Hebburn Public Art project � South Tyneside<br>Council<br>Gig Culture � Arts Council England<br>Tyne and Wear Community Foundation Know<br>Your Neighbourhood Fund<br>Postcode Neighbourhood Trust<br>Stephenson Trail � University of Sunderland<br>UK Shared Prosperity Fund<br>Project income<br>University of Sunderland<br>South Tyneside Council - Creative Residency<br>Groundwork South and North Tyneside<br>South Tyneside Council - Your Art|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>158<br>9,000<br>9,158<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,200<br>1,200<br>5,539<br>5,539<br>65,724<br>65,724|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>33,818<br>27,972<br>10,000<br>25,000<br>-<br>5,500<br>63,278<br>9,500<br>-<br>49,950<br>68,599<br>-<br>293,617<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**158**<br>**9,000**<br>**9,158**<br>**-**<br>**33,818**<br>**27,972**<br>**10,000**<br>**25,000**<br>**-**<br>**5,500**<br>**63,278**<br>**9,500**<br>**-**<br>**49,950**<br>**68,599**<br>**1,200**<br>**294,817**<br>**5,539**<br>**5,539**<br>**65,724**<br>**65,724**|Restated<br>Total<br>2024<br>£<br>32<br>9,000<br>9,032<br>2,800<br>33,818<br>34,965<br>-<br>25,000<br>2,008<br>-<br>70,000<br>-<br>5,000<br>48,200<br>20,128<br>18,675<br>260,594<br>1,514<br>1,514<br>23,172<br>23,172|
|---|---|---|---|---|



Income was £375,238 (2024: £300,312) of which £81,621 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £39,718) and £293,617 was restricted (2024: £260,594). 

15 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

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

|10 <br>11|**_Raising funds_**<br> **_Expenditure on charitable activities_**<br>Direct costs<br>Artist fees<br>Venue hire<br>Materials<br>Go and See tickets<br>Other hire<br>Refreshments<br>DBS<br>Events<br>Public Relations<br>Workshops<br>Support costs<br>Governance costs<br>Travel and subsistence<br>Marketing<br>Office costs<br>Project management staff costs<br>Costs of raising voluntary income<br>Gifts in kind<br>Independent examiner's fees for reporting on<br>the accounts<br>Board and meeting costs<br>Accountancy<br>Consulting<br>Subscriptions<br>Rent<br>Other<br>Staff costs|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>1,893<br>2,017<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>326<br>670<br>3,000<br>-<br>9,000<br>2,316<br>1,748<br>503<br>3,608<br>857<br>18,405<br>987<br>-<br>106<br>412<br>625<br>635<br>47,108|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>9,500<br>9,500<br>239,645<br>11,718<br>1,736<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>5,182<br>-<br>1,680<br>-<br>1,204<br>3,508<br>422<br>6,956<br>452<br>24,562<br>2,901<br>9,082<br>55<br>371<br>325<br>330<br>310,129|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**9,500**<br>**9,500**<br>**241,538**<br>**13,735**<br>**1,736**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**326**<br>**5,852**<br>**3,000**<br>**1,680**<br>**9,000**<br>**3,520**<br>**5,256**<br>**925**<br>**10,564**<br>**1,309**<br>**42,967**<br>**3,888**<br>**9,082**<br>**161**<br>**783**<br>**950**<br>**965**<br>**357,237**|Total<br>2024<br>£<br>7,680<br>7,680<br>112,877<br>4,824<br>1,326<br>620<br>9,942<br>1,134<br>293<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>9,000<br>2,950<br>26,039<br>780<br>12,197<br>2,667<br>17,562<br>1,029<br>22,920<br>125<br>1,969<br>700<br>639<br>229,593|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



Expenditure on charitable activities was £366,737 (2024: £237,273) of which £47,108 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £56,156) and £319,629 was restricted (2024: £181,117). 

12 **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>**950**<br>**950**|2024<br>£<br>700<br>700|
|---|---|---|



16 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

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

|Salaries and wages<br>Social security costs<br>Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan)|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**45,527**<br>**3,563**<br>**2,959**<br>**52,049**|2024<br>£<br>15,418<br>1,220<br>924<br>17,562|
|---|---|---|



No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (2024: nil). 

The key management personnel of the charity, comprise the trustees and the Project Director. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were  £2,377 (2024: £2,000). 

## 14 **Staff Numbers** 

The average monthly head count was 2 staff (2024: 2 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows: 

|Charitable activities<br>The parts of the charity in which the employee's work:|**2025**<br>**Number**<br>**1.8**<br>**1.8**|2024<br>Number<br>1.0<br>1.0|
|---|---|---|



## 15 **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** 

There has been no related party transactions in the reporting period. 

## 16 **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  £2,959 (2024: £924). There was  £516 outstanding as at 31 March 2025 (2024: £344). 

## 17 **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 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## 18 **Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year)** 

|Other debtors<br>Accrued income<br>Trade debtors|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**70,870**<br>**-**<br>**520**<br>**71,390**|2024<br>£<br>20,452<br>16,128<br>157<br>36,737|
|---|---|---|



## 19 **Cash at bank and in hand** 

|Cash at bank<br>Cash in hand|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**44,925**<br>**15**<br>**44,940**|2024<br>£<br>80,513<br>15<br>80,528|
|---|---|---|



## 20 **Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year)** 

|Taxation and social security<br>Accruals and deferred income<br>Other accruals<br>Pension<br>Deferred income<br>Trade creditors<br>Other creditors<br>Independent examination of accounts|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**300**<br>**366**<br>**516**<br>**950**<br>**1,845**<br>**22,500**<br>**-**<br>**26,477**|Restated<br>2024<br>£<br>25,898<br>283<br>344<br>700<br>1,895<br>-<br>6,793<br>35,913|
|---|---|---|



## 21 **Deferred income** 

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

|Balance carried forward<br>Amount deferred in year<br>Amount released to income earned from<br>charitable activities<br>Balance brought forward|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**22,500**<br>**22,500**|
|---|---|



## 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. 

18 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

## 23 **Analysis of charitable funds** 

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

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General unrestricted fund<br>**_Totals_**|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>£<br>1,875<br>1,875|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>£<br>81,621<br>81,621|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>£<br>( 47,108 )<br>( 47,108 )|**Transfers**<br>£<br>-<br>-|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**<br>**36,388**<br>**36,388**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



## **Purpose of unrestricted funds** 

General unrestricted fund The 'free reserves' of the charity. 

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

|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>£<br>29,618<br>33,965<br>-<br>Postcode Neighbourhood Trust<br>3,000<br>-<br>South Tyneside Council -<br>Parades<br>12,894<br>-<br>-<br>UK Shared Prosperity Fund<br>-<br>**_Totals_**<br>79,477<br>Gig Culture � Arts Council<br>England<br>Hebburn Public Art project �<br>South Tyneside Council<br>Tyne and Wear Community<br>Foundation Know Your<br>Neighbourhood Fund<br>Groundwork South and North<br>Tyneside<br>South Tyneside Council - Creative<br>Residency<br>South Tyneside Council  - Your<br>Art|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>£<br>33,818<br>27,972<br>10,000<br>25,000<br>5,500<br>63,278<br>9,500<br>49,950<br>68,599<br>293,617|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>£<br>( 61,425 )<br>( 40,680 )<br>( 10,000 )<br>( 4,650 )<br>( 5,418 )<br>( 77,769 )<br>( 9,500 )<br>( 49,950 )<br>( 60,237 )<br>( 319,629 )|**Transfers**<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>8,726<br>-<br>-<br>( 8,726 )<br>-|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**<br>**£**<br>**2,011**<br>**21,257**<br>**-**<br>**23,350**<br>**82**<br>**7,129**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**( 364 )**<br>**53,465**|
|---|---|---|---|---|



19 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

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

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

## **Purpose of restricted funds** 

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

Hebburn Public Art project � South Tyneside Council 

Gig Culture � Arts Council England 

Groundwork South and North Tyneside 

Postcode Neighbourhood Trust  - Welcoming Places 

South Tyneside Council - Creative Residency 

South Tyneside Council - Parades 

South Tyneside Council  - Your Art 

Tyne and Wear Community Foundation Know Your Neighbourhood Fund - Targeted Creative Activity 

UK Shared Prosperity Fund 

Funding by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) from the UK Government. South Tyneside Council has commissioned The Cultural Spring to lead on a new public art project in Hebburn. 

Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant with activity over two financial years, 2023/24 and 2024/25. An intergenerational project supporting activity with young musicians creating original music based on archive images and stories from older adults about music scene in South Tyneside. 

Project delivery around woodwork skills. 

We received funding from the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust and alongside cultural partners, we provided a range of high quality arts activity in Welcoming Places (Warm Spaces) in South Tyneside. 

Commissioned by South Tyneside Council to support communities to design and develop more opportunities for creative activities. 

We were commissioned by South Tyneside Council to lead on the community engagement programme for the 2023 and 2024 Summer and Winter Parades. 

Brighten up and revitalise the main shopping areas in South Shields by using the shutters and gable ends as a canvas for artists to create work in collaboration with business owners and local people. 

The South Tyneside Know Your Neighbourhood Fund is part of the Government�s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund being run by DCMS (facilitated by Community Foundation Tyne and Wear and Northumberland). In line with the Government�s requirements for the Fund nationally, it supports activities across South Tyneside that enable meaningful and impactful volunteering, and tackle loneliness. 

Secured by South Tyneside Cultural Partnership and administered by South Tyneside Council. This funding contributes to the Winter Parade and funds the Bitesize project. 

## **Transfers between funds** 

|Between restricted UK Shared<br>Prosperity Fund and South<br>Tyneside Council - Parades<br>This represents a contribution to the Winter Parade from<br>the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.<br>**Reason for transfer**|**Amount**<br>**£**|
|---|---|
||**8,726**|



## 24 **Capital commitments** 

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

20 



## **THE CULTURAL SPRING** 

(A company limited by guarantee) 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

For the year ended 31 March 2025 

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

|Other net current assets/(liabilities)<br>Cash at bank and in hand|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>60,555<br>( 24,167 )<br>36,388|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>( 15,615 )<br>69,080<br>53,465|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**44,940**<br>**44,913**<br>**89,853**|
|---|---|---|---|



## **Analysis of net assets between funds 2023** 

|Cash at bank and in hand<br>Other net current assets/(liabilities)|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>1,051<br>824<br>1,875|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>79,477<br>-<br>79,477|**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**80,528**<br>**824**<br>**81,352**|
|---|---|---|---|



## 26 **Reason for restatement** 

A prior year adjustment has been made to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. 

The adjustment arises as an invoice for £6,000 was incorrectly recognised as income in the prior year. The invoice actually related to partner funds and not part of The Cultural Spring income. The £6,000 was added to 2024 other creditors and was paid in full during this financial year. 

|Deduct partner fund invoice recognised in the prior year<br>Restated total for the year ended 31 March 2024<br>Total funds as previously stated|Total<br>2024<br>£<br>87,352<br>( 6,000 )<br>81,352|
|---|---|



21