ARCADEA CIO
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025
Charity number 1198416
ARCADEA CIO
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
The trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2022, 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).
1. Objectives and activities
Annual Review 2024/25
"True community is not defined by the storms we face, but by the way we anchor one another through them; when we work together, our shared commitment transforms every obstacle into a bridge toward a better future."
Following a challenging few years, it is with immense pride that I look at how far we have come in keeping our community together in what has felt at times to be against all the odds. We have taken advantage of the opportunity to reset this year, welcoming friends and families back to enjoy some wonderful events including the Late Shows, our Summer BBQ, Halloween and of course Christmas celebrations. With your support and belief in the work that we do I feel that this year we have truly turned a corner together, and that the future now looks incredibly bright.
This ongoing endurance is entirely thanks to the unwavering support of the parents and carers of our wonderful members, as well as dedication of our brilliant team of staff, volunteers and board members. This commitment ensures we continue to achieve our core mission: providing opportunities for disabled people to develop as artists and achieve cultural equality here in Newcastle. The resilience and passion demonstrated by everyone involved has been truly inspiring and for that I want to extend my sincere gratitude.
Looking ahead, I am confident that next year will be even better. We now have momentum to build upon and are excited about the positive impact we will continue to make together.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in our vision.
Warm regards,
Katy Saunderson Chief Executive
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ARCADEA CIO
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025
Chair Report
Following what can only be described as another year of upheaval and disruption, this year we have enjoyed a period of relative stability, during which we have worked to ‘steady the ship’ and return to a sense of normalcy and routine through our annual program of events.
The move to Carr-Ellison House has resulted in a mixture of both positive and negative outcomes. As feared, the move to a less central location did result in the loss of some members to both the HUB and Sensation Studios. For some the additional journey time, unattractive building and lack of local amenities was unfortunately unacceptable. However, for others the additional floor space, on-site parking, green outdoor areas and separate function space was enough to keep them engaged with the service whilst we worked towards our goal of returning to the city centre.
Due to the rent relief offered through Avire’s charitable lettings, we were able to not only weather this reduction in our income, but also to begin the process of rebuilding our reserves following the financial burden of the previous years multiple moves.
The decision was taken to place all member recruitment efforts on hold until after the move to a long-term venue is complete. However, we are delighted to report that new members continued to be attracted to the service through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Our creative Mindfulness Sessions continue to be a popular and valued resource for those of our members who are coping with varying degrees of loss and upheaval in their lives. With this in mind it has been extended beyond the 12-month pilot to be reviewed again in the next financial year.
The HUB Radio Show, which is broadcast every Sunday on NOVA radio, continues to be a popular project amongst our members and a big draw toward the organisation more generally. Amplifying the voices of disabled people in the region, this public facing project offers a range of ways our members can contribute towards the show; be that hosting, interviewing, promoting, editing, or selecting music, there is a way for everyone to be involved. The youth club in particular have responded enthusiastically to this project, with it now becoming the focal point of our holiday camp offer.
Another great success story of the year was the introduction of minibus travel for our members. Responding to carers requests for a more suitable service for disabled people and to address continual increases in taxi pricing, we have leased an accessible minibus to develop an improved transport offer. Staffed by HUB employees, the minibus provides a door-to-door service for those identified as most in need. An added benefit to this service has been the journeys becoming a social event in of itself. Bringing people together outside of the studio setting which has complimented our work to reduce the isolating habits that had become a legacy of the covid-era. We also now have the transport means to more easily look at day trips and other opportunities to continue our objective of getting out and about more.
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
The ICEbox Youth Club continues to provide a specialist space for disabled and autistic young people in the city. The huge amount of space available at Carr-Ellison House meant that we were again able to offer holiday camps during the Autumn and Summer breaks. These were offered at a subsidised rate to ease the financial burden on families as the cost of living continues to rise, whilst our membership prices also remaining frozen.
After our move to Carr-Ellison House we were able to set up a dedicated area for the Sensation Studios comprising of individual artists work stations and a large communal area overlooking the garden. Unfortunately, the sensation artists were the main cohort to reject the new premises and despite our best efforts we were unable to overcome the strong reaction they had to the very corporate feel & location of the new building. Upon review, we took the decision to operate the sensation group as a weekly drop-in session only, as this was the only aspect of the offer regularly taken up by the artists.
We agreed to keep things simple this year by focusing on retaining current members, recovering financial losses and working towards our goal of securing long-term, accessible premises in the city centre.
We had hoped to move into these new premises this year. However, our plan to partner with a local college - which would have provided students with practical experience whilst keeping refurbishment costs affordable – unfortunately fell through. This has caused delays as we search for an alternative solution.
We are very grateful to have secured funding from the Newcastle Culture Investment Fund towards our Core Costs, and National Highways for much needed specialist furniture. We are also grateful to Avire Charity Lettings for arranging our place in Carr-Ellison House on a charitable rent free scheme. This essential support has given us the ability to recover some of the financial losses sustained during the previous financial year.
On behalf of the board, we would like to thank our staff team for their hard work and dedication to Arcadea’s mission, as well as the parents, carers, funders, professional teams and of course our wonderful members, who make the work we do possible.
Eddie Galvin Chair
About Arcadea
Formerly the Northern Disability Arts Forum (NORDAF), Arcadea was founded by disabled people to address the inequality of disabled people in arts and culture. Arcadea was registered as a charity in 1995 and converted to Arcadea CIO in 2023.
We are based in Newcastle upon Tyne and work to create equality of opportunity in arts and culture for disabled people in the North East of England. We do this by supporting and promoting the work of disabled artists, by enabling and facilitating disabled people to access all aspects of the arts, by assisting cultural venues to become inclusive and by presenting a programme of arts and cultural activity.
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ARCADEA CIO
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Our Vision
Disabled People’s contribution to and participation in arts and culture is promoted, is valued and is inclusive.
Our Mission
To challenge commonly held preconceptions of disabled people’s ability to make great art and to participate in the arts.
Our Aims
To create and provide the best opportunities for disabled people to participate in arts and culture.
To challenge where possible and to remove barriers to participation of disabled people in the arts.
To support disabled artists to take risks, innovate, learn and aspire to excellence in everything they do.
To be continually improving our understanding of the needs of disabled people, the cultural environment and our work.
Our Values
Above all else we value the individual, creativity of and creative potential within.
We respect the diverse nature of disabled people and value the benefits of difference.
We value excellence and quality and those that work towards both.
We value our right to challenge discriminatory, poor or neglectful practice where we encounter it.
2. Achievements and performance
Arcadea Projects
The HUB Studio ICEbox Youth Club Sensation Studios
The HUB Studio
Twelve years ago Arcadea set out to redefine the understanding of learning disabled people as visual artists by establishing the HUB Studio. Where professional artists work alongside learning disabled people to identify potential excellence, nurture it and bring it forward.
This year has been a continuation of our work to put the isolating practices of Covid restrictions behind us and help our members to navigate the emerging new normal. The
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ARCADEA CIO
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
anxieties around sharing spaces and resources has been apparent with this sudden shift of direction as well as other behavioural and mental health issues negatively impacting attendance and coming to the forefront of the challenges our members face. To help combat this we have developed creative mindfulness sessions to help those most in need to overcome these new barriers to participation and improve their attendance.
Unfortunately, an unprecedented 7 members left the HUB Studio this year. Resulting in a combined loss of 15 spaces. This was a significant financial loss, offset slightly by attracting 3 new members to the Studio and another member increasing their days, filling 5 spaces in total and recovering a third of the lost income.
Of the 7 members to leave; 1 was in response to the venue move, 3 were for medical reasons and 3 were due to college timetable changes.
Fortunately, the significant reduction in our overheads afforded by our move to Carr-Ellison House gave us the financial breathing space needed to weather this storm and focus on retaining those members still in attendance.
We are grateful to have our grant released by National Highways who funded much needed new furniture for the HUB Studio and specialist chairs for our members.
Late Shows Exhibition
Unable to hold our own Late Shows Exhibition this year, due to our premises falling outside the catchment area, we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to get out as audience members to socialise and experience the cultural activities on offer.
Based in a private room at the Great North Museum, members were supported by staff to enjoy the exhibitions on offer including, inflatables, a marble run, a planetarium visit and night sky workshops.
Everyone in attendance enjoyed the evening and the opportunity to participate more widely in the local cultural scene.
Social Events
We successfully hosted our first event at Carr Ellison House, leveraging the ample parking and excellent outdoor space for this year's Summer BBQ. Regrettably, our original date coincided with planned anti-immigration protests nearby, and some members expressed safety concerns about travelling. Pushing the event back a week resulted in poor attendance overall. However, those who joined us were impressed by the venue's green areas and large dedicated event space.
Next was our Halloween party, which proved a great success with a large turn-out and plenty of room for mingling and dancing. Members commented that the atmosphere felt reminiscent of pre-COVID events, enjoying fun, games, and music provided by our ICEbox members following their DJ Stars Autumn Camp. The theme was "scary cats," and the largescale artworks created an impressive backdrop.
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ARCADEA CIO
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025
Finally, we held our Christmas celebration, again in the large event space. This wellattended event brought members, friends, and family together to mark a successful year. Against a backdrop beautifully decorated by our members, everyone danced the night away, making the night a huge success.
HUB Show on NOVA Radio
Continuing our work to engage members with as much public facing work as possible we have continued to offer members the opportunity to work on the HUB Radio Show, which is broadcast every Sunday on Nova Community Radio Station. This project has proven to be a huge success, with all members able to contribute as presenters, editors, interviewers, or even by selecting a song. This is a wonderful way to promote more collaborative ways of working together and improve confidence. Members are excited to hear themselves on the radio and share the broadcast with their loved ones.
We have been seeking opportunities to collaborate with other disability organisations in the region and have featured segments produced by SYMO in Hartlepool and Journey Enterprises.
Mindfulness Sessions
Following the return of in-studio provision post-covid restrictions we observed an increase in the number of members who were struggling with anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, this coincided with record waiting times for mental health services with most unable to access critical interventions when they were most needed.
Learning disabled people have always experienced additional barriers to having healthy and meaningful systems in place to help them, including complex communication needs, social isolation, limited choices, poor finances and lack of access to specialist support.
With many Hub Studio members referred by social services experiencing issues such as social isolation, we have experience of the enormous positive changes in wellbeing that can take place when the correct support and environment is provided.
To address this urgent need we piloted a creative mindfulness project where identified members receive an hour of 1:1 specialist support each week from a counsellor, who uses the arts as vehicle to help them explore their feelings and process their emotions in a way that is accessible to them. Following the success of this pilot this popular initiative is now in its second year.
We have noted that this time to talk and reflect has had an almost immediate positive impact on individuals, improving their wellbeing, as demonstrated by observations of a noticeable lift in mood, greater willingness to communicate in the larger group setting, a return to regular attendance, more positive interactions with peers and fewer instances of spontaneous upset/crying.
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Health Champion Network Logo Commission
Health Champion Network is a program supported by Newcastle City Council Public Health. The network is made up of people who live, volunteer and study across the city. Sharing accessible health and wellbeing advice, signposting people to specialist services to meet their needs.
The Health Champion Network has recently had a rebrand and the HUB Studio was chosen to redesign their logo. Members from the HUB & Sensation Studios worked with an artist to create a logo that reflected their ideas about a community with good communication about health.
The ICEbox Youth Club
Include, Create, Engage. Organised by Arcadea and staffed by professional artists and specialist support workers, the ICEBOX was successfully launched in 2015.
Open every Wednesday and operating on a drop-in basis for young disabled and autistic people from 16 up to 25 years of age in Newcastle. The ICEbox offers a range of cultural activities and a safe space for young people to build confidence, make friends and relax with like-minded peers.
When members reach the upper age limit of 26 they are offered the opportunity to volunteer for 6 months to aid with their transition out of the service. The core membership of ICEbox remains with 10 members and 1 volunteer.
This year the ICEbox was able to again offer holiday camps during the autumn and summer holidays. These were well attended and attracted 4 new members to the ICEbox youth club.
Sensation Studios
Sensation is an art studio project for disabled & autistic young women. The project aims to bridge the gap in provision for young women leaving creative education courses who present as what is considered ‘high functioning’ and unsuitable for traditional LD daycare, but nevertheless require a clear pathway and safe environment to continue their art. Following our move to Carr-Ellison House, Studio members struggled with the change of location. The additional travel time, lack of local amenities (to pop out for lunch etc) and the less attractive venue (former AA head office) were all cited as reasons for the sudden drop in attendance.
Our efforts to overcome these barriers were further hampered by the landlord not granting permission for us to paint or decorate the venue, which could had brought a more familiar feel to the space.
Unfortunately, as artists were only attending the weekly artist led session, the difficult decision was taken to cease their operation as a studio space and instead offer Sensation members these small group weekly sessions only, where they can continue to develop their creative practices.
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ARCADEA CIO
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Venue: Carr-Ellison House
Our work to find a suitable venue led us to AVIRE, who specialise in charity lettings of unoccupied buildings. With a large ground floor space becoming immediately available in Carr-Ellison House we have settled well into this venue.
Whilst a move outside of the city centre has had a detrimental impact on our membership, the huge space available, flexible terms and rent relief offered us the breathing space needed to weather recent financial losses as well as the time to carefully seek our next longterm venue.
Carr-Ellison House is up for sale and in the event it is sold we will be asked to vacate with 6 months notice, so this move cannot be treated as a permanent solution and is instead an opportunity to plan for our long-term future without the time pressures we have previously experienced.
3. Public benefit
The Board of Trustees has referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's objectives and planning its future activities. This annual report will aim to demonstrate the link between our charitable activity and how this benefits our service users.
4. Financial review
Arcadea is funded by a variety of income. The total income for the year was £333,650 (2024: £339,775). This income is allocated across respective funds on the Statement of Financial Activities in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice.
The Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025, shows a net surplus across all funds of £15,948 (2024: £8,710).
The Balance Sheet at 31 March 2025 shows total funds carried forward of £72,826 of which there are no restricted funds, the unrestricted reserves are £72,826.
Reserves policy
The Board of Trustees has examined the charities requirements for reserves in light of the major risks to the organisation. The established policy is for unrestricted funds held by the charity to be set at 5 months of the expenditure plus estimated redundancy and close down costs; the fund for the year is £72,826, this is three months running costs and falls short of the target, the trustees are aware of this and have put plans in place to build the reserves. The reserves are needed to maintain the current activities of the charity in the event of a significant drop in funding. The reserves are also needed to cover the costs of potential redundancies.
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ARCADEA CIO
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
5. Plans for future periods
Looking to the Future
Whilst this year has been used as a time to recover and reset, next year we are looking forward to reestablishing our place in the heart of the Newcastle Arts Scene.
After much hard work and with the support of Creative Central Newcastle and Newcastle Property Services we are working to agree terms on a long-term venue for the charity.
This former restaurant premises in the heart of the Creative Central will provide a public face for disability arts in this area, complimenting neighbouring cultural work as well as giving greater visibility to our work supporting and promoting disabled artists.
We are very excited by the organic opportunities this location presents for enabling and facilitating disabled people to access all aspects of the local arts scene, as well assisting cultural venues to become more inclusive through partnership working. We strongly feel that such a visible presence in this part of Creative Central will raise the profile of disabled peoples’ contribution to and participation in arts and culture.
We have taken care to ensure this is a ground floor property, with close links to local transport services and a safe drop-off point for taxis. The site does require a complete refurbishment; however, we are seeing this as an opportunity to ensure all of our accessibility needs are satisfied.
We are delighted that our proposal for the site was successful and with a 15 year tenancy agreement agreed in principle, we are now in the process of finalising the contract. Having the council as our landlord adds an additional layer of security for the charity.
Initially we had planned to partner with a local college in order to keep the refurbishment costs low, by providing students on relevant courses with practical work experience. Unfortunately, course leaders were unable to commit to any timeframe in order to undertake the work and so we have been forced to look elsewhere. We are now exploring other partnership options. This change of course has unfortunately led to delays in completing this move. However, this has been offset by the fact it has also extended the period of time we are able to benefit from our current rent-free arrangement.
Completing the refurbishment and move in the coming year will allow us to get back to focusing fully on what we do best – find new and exciting way to engage disabled people with the arts, promote their ability to make great art, challenge preconceptions, valuing and recognising their status as artists.
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
6. Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors
Charity Name Arcadea CIO Registered 1198416 Charity Number Trustees Pauline Heath Katrin Auld Resigned 29 Jan 2025 Edward Galvin Chair Ben Dixon Registered Office Waterloo Square Newcastle NE1 4DN Independent Michelle Wright Examiner MW Accounting Services Woodgate House 5c Wood Street Gateshead NE11 9NP Bankers The Co-operative Bank PLC Norfolk House, 84/86 Grey St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6BZ
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ARCADEA CIO
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
7. Structure, governance and management
Governing documents
The organisation is a charitable incorporated organisation the constitution was adopted 29 March 2022. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the organisations memorandum and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in January 2015 (SORP 2016)’.
Appointment of Trustees
New trustees are appointed at any point during the year. Our aim is to appoint trustees with skills and experience relevant to the Third Sector and to the specialism of our service delivery. Trustees are recruited through personal recommendations from existing trustees, their contacts, and the staff team
Organisation
The management board meets quarterly and deals with the administration of the charity encompassing the strategic vision, financial accountability and risk management. The operational management of the organisation is undertaken by the paid staff team.
Risk management
The management committee has conducted its own review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. Significant external risks to funding have led to the development of a strategic plan which will allow for the diversification of funding and activities. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects and for ensuring the consistent quality of the delivery of all operational aspects of the charitable company. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they still meet the needs of the charity.
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TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
8. Trustees responsibilities in relation to the financial statement
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charity for the year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which 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 hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
29/01/2026
Approved by the trustees on ………………….. and signed on their behalf by:
Edward Galvin (Jan 29, 2026 17:14:15 GMT) Edward Galvin Chair
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ARCADEA CIO
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
For the year ended 31 March 2025
I report on the financial statements of Arcadea CIO for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 14 to 24.
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 2022 ("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:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act), and
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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:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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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 any requirement 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.
Michelle Wright (Jan 29, 2026 17:37:47 GMT)
Michelle Wright MW Accounting Services Woodgate House 5c Wood Street Gateshead NE11 9NP Date: 29/01/2026
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ARCADEA CIO
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 6 7 Expenditure on: 8 Total funds carried forward Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Notes Total income Donations and legacies Income from: Charitable activities Grants and contracts Operation of the charity Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) and net movement of funds Charitable activities |
Unrestricted Funds £ - 315,192 315,192 299,244 299,244 15,948 56,878 72,826 |
Restricted Funds £ - 18,458 18,458 18,458 18,458 - - - |
Total 2025 £ - 333,650 333,650 317,702 317,702 15,948 56,878 72,826 |
Total 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 480 339,295 |
||||
| 339,775 | ||||
| 331,065 | ||||
| 331,065 | ||||
| 8,710 48,168 |
||||
| 56,878 |
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 16 to 24 form an integral part of these accounts.
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Charity Number 1198416
ARCADEA CIO
BALANCE SHEET
As at 31 March 2025
| Fixed assets Tangible assets 15 Total fixed assets Current assets Debtors 16 Cash at bank and in hand 17 Total current assets Creditors:amounts falling due within one year 18 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets or liabilities Funds of the charity Unrestricted income funds Restricted income funds Total funds Notes |
£ 54,773 19,329 74,103 ( 1,535 ) |
Total 2025 £ 259 259 72,567 72,826 72,826 72,826 - 72,826 |
£ 37,126 21,077 58,203 ( 1,325 ) |
Total 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | ||||
| - 56,878 |
||||
| 56,878 | ||||
| 56,878 | ||||
| 56,878 - |
||||
| 56,878 |
The notes on pages 16 to 24 form an integral part of these accounts.
29/01/2026 These financial statements were approved by the Board on:
and are signed on its behalf by:
Eddie Galvin Edward Galvin (Jan 29, 2026 17:14:15 GMT) Chair
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ARCADEA CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
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.
Arcadea 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 year end of £72,826 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.
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.
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ARCADEA CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
3.4 Volunteer help
The value of volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.
3.5 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.
3.6 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.
3.7 Investment gains and losses
This includes any realised or unrealised gains or losses on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
3.8 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
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 HUB Club 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.
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ARCADEA CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
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 £500 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis, the charity does not currently have any tangible fixed assets:
Equipment 25% Straight line over four years
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ARCADEA CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Analysis of income 6 Donations and legacies 7 Charitable activities Income from grants and contracts Artist Studio earned income Community Foundation Newcastle Culture Investment Fund Community Foundation Emergency Fund National Highways Hub Club donations received Other small grants Hub Club earned income ICEbox earned income Other income |
Unrestricted Funds £ - - 308,329 840 1,285 - - - 4,738 - 315,192 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - 13,000 - 5,458 - - 18,458 |
Total 2025 £ - - 308,329 840 1,285 13,000 - 5,458 4,738 - 333,650 |
Total 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 480 | ||||
| 480 | ||||
| 312,778 1,499 1,590 13,000 4,000 - 5,000 1,428 |
||||
| 339,295 |
Income was £333,650 (2024: £339,775) of which £315,192 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £322,775) and £18,458 was restricted (2024: £17,000)
19
ARCADEA CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
| 8 | Charitable activities Direct costs Support costs Repairs and maintenance Staff Training & Conference Governance costs Wages and salaries Freelance costs Marketing and promotion Client transport costs Volunteers Utilities Subscriptions and membership Small office equipment Depreciation Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts Staff travel Professional fees Cleaning & hygiene Office expenses Trustee meeting costs Rent and rates Insurance Telephone and fax Other project activities |
Unrestricted Funds £ 219,161 4,368 972 10,820 59,515 135 - - - - 1,347 - 126 11 342 1,240 529 - - 600 78 299,244 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - 5,458 - - 1,838 273 1,961 1,383 - 2,388 10 - - - - 2,474 2,672 - - 18,458 |
Total 2025 £ 219,161 4,368 972 16,279 59,515 135 1,838 273 1,961 1,383 1,347 2,388 136 11 342 1,240 529 2,474 2,672 600 78 317,702 |
Total 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 198,542 5,153 803 10,536 54,422 64 42,466 2,823 327 1,272 882 605 2,402 41 755 1,738 6,026 1,065 543 600 - |
|||||
| 331,065 |
Expenditure on charitable activities was £317,702 (2024: £331,065) of which £299,244 was unrestricted or designated (2024: £314,065) and £18,458 was restricted (2024: £17,000)
9 Fees for examination of the accounts
| Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts | 2025 £ 600 600 |
2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 600 | ||
| 600 |
There were no other fees paid to the examiner (2024: £nil)
20
ARCADEA CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
10 Analysis of staff costs and the cost of key management personnel
| Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs (defined contribution pension plan) |
2025 £ 199,838 15,519 3,804 219,161 |
2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 181,919 13,363 3,259 |
||
| 198,542 |
No employee received remuneration above £60,000 (2024: nil)
The key management personnel of the charity, comprise the trustees and the charity manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £43,672 (2024: £43,672).
11 Staff numbers
The average monthly head count was 10 staff (2024: 9 staff) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows:
| Charitable activities The parts of the charity in which the employee's work |
2025 Number 5.0 5.0 |
2024 Number |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | ||
| 5.0 |
12 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 have been no related party transactions in the reporting period.
13 Defined contribution pension scheme
The charitable company contributes to individual private staff pension schemes. The employer's pension costs represent contributions payable by the charity.
14 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.
21
ARCADEA CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 15 Tangible fixed assets Cost Balance brought forward Additions Disposals Balance carried forward Depreciation Basis Rate Balance brought forward Depreciation charge for year Disposals Balance carried forward Net book value Brought forward Carried forward 16 Debtors and prepayments (receivable within 1 year) 17 Bank current account 18 Cash at bank and in hand Prepayments Debtors Accruals Pension Independent examination of accounts Creditors and accruals (payable within 1 year) |
2025 £ 53,140 1,634 54,773 2025 £ 19,329 19,329 2025 £ 935 600 1,535 |
Equipment £ 3,490 270 - 3,760 SL 25% 3,490 11 - 3,501 - 259 2024 £ 35,492 1,634 37,126 2024 £ 21,077 21,077 2024 £ 725 600 1,325 |
Total £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,490 270 - |
|||
| 3,760 | |||
| 3,490 11 - |
|||
| 3,501 | |||
| - | |||
| 259 | |||
22
ARCADEA CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
19 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.
20 Analysis of charitable funds
Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds
| Unrestricted funds General unrestricted fund Totals |
Fund balances brought forward £ 56,878 56,878 |
Incoming resources £ 315,192 315,192 |
Resources expended £ ( 299,244 ) (299,244) |
Transfers £ - - |
Fund balances carried forward £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72,826 | |||||
| 72,826 |
Purpose of unrestricted funds
General unrestricted fund The 'free reserves' of the charity
Analysis of movement in restricted funds
| Restricted funds Community Foundation Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund National Highways Totals |
Fund balances brought forward £ - - - |
Incoming resources £ 13,000 5,458 18,458 |
Resources expended £ ( 13,000 ) ( 5,458 ) (18,458) |
Transfers £ - - - |
Fund balances carried forward £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - - |
|||||
| - |
Purpose of restricted funds
Restricted funds represent income resources used for a specific purpose within the charity as identified by the donor.
Community Foundation Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund National Highways
Core funding for use in Newcastle
To contribute towards the purchase of specialist furniture
21 Capital commitments
As at 31 March 2025, the charity had no capital commitments (2024 -£nil)
23
ARCADEA CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31 March 2025
22 Analysis of net assets between funds
| nalysis of net assets between funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other net current assets/(liabilities) Cash at bank and in hand Tangible fixed assets |
Unrestricted Funds £ 259 19,329 53,238 72,826 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - |
Total 2025 £ 259 19,329 53,238 72,826 |
Total 2024 £ |
| - 21,077 35,801 |
||||
| 56,878 |
23 Guarantee
There have been no guarantees given by the charity at 31 March 2025.
24 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.
25 Governing document
The organisation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Foundation registered on 29 March 2022 as a body corporate under part 11 of the Charities Act 2022.
24