## **CHARITY NUMBER 243877 COMPANY NUMBER 00358266** 

## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) AND SUBSIDIARY** 

## **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 


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|---|---|
|Page No.|
|1-24|Report of the Trustees (incorporating the Strategic Report)|
|25-26|Legal and Administrative Information|
|27-30|Independent Auditor’s Report|
|31|Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities|
|32|Balance Sheets|
|33|Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows|
|34 - 55|Notes to the Financial Statements|

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**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their Annual Report, including the Report of the Trustees together with the Strategic Report under the Companies Act 2006. The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated results and balance sheet of Glyndebourne Productions Limited (“GPL” and “the Charity”) and its trading subsidiary, Glyndebourne Enterprises Limited (“GEL”) for the year ended 31 December 2023. 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

GPL was incorporated in 1939 with the objective under the Memorandum & Articles of Association of “the promotion of aesthetic education and the cultivation and improvement of public taste in music, opera or the other arts and the doing of all such other things as are incidental to the attainment of the above objects”. 

Our mission to realise this objective is: 

- to create world-class transformative operatic experiences; 

- to remain financially independent; 

- to engage broad audiences; and 

- to create a stimulating and inspirational environment for all. 

The principal activities undertaken to achieve this comprise: 

- an annual **Festival** of live opera at Glyndebourne; 

- an **Autumn Season** providing live opera of the highest possible standard to a broad-ranging audience at more accessible prices; 

- a year–round **Learning and Engagement** programme comprising youth and community programmes (including regular youth opera groups for local children, performances for schools, and work with people with Dementia and their carers), funded in such a way as to ensure that participants, regardless of their background, are able to participate; talks and events for audiences; and the development of new work; and 

- **Media Development** - investment in the filming of live opera to maximise opportunities for wider audience engagement at more affordable prices or for free through a variety of sources including our digital streaming platform _Glyndebourne Encore_ , the internet, radio, television and cinema. 

The commercial activities of merchandising, art, production sale and hire, and the sale of surplus electricity generated by the Charity’s wind turbine are undertaken through GEL to generate additional income streams to support the Charity’s core objectives. 

## **Public Benefit** 

The Trustees have given due consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that our objectives, strategy, future plans and activities, as noted above and further referenced under the four core objectives in the Strategic Report, fall within the charitable purpose of “the advancement of the arts, culture, heritage of science” as required by Charities Act 2011. 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

In setting out above the principal activities undertaken by the Charity to achieve its objective and mission the Trustees consider there to be clearly identifiable benefits of the Charity which are closely related to its aims. 

Glyndebourne’s aims are intended to benefit the public generally, rather than a specific section of it. The opportunities created by specific areas of activity are outlined in more detail under ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE below. 

## **STRATEGIC REPORT** 

2023 saw the highest level of paid-attendance to performances at Glyndebourne in more than a decade. Audiences returned to a size last seen in 2018 and we enjoyed a 97% occupancy in the auditorium in both the Festival and an expanded Autumn Season. For the first time ever, we added performances ‘by popular demand’. 

We presented three new Festival productions ( _Don Giovanni, Dialogues des Carmelites, Semele_ ) alongside three much-loved revivals ( _L’elisir d’amore, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Rake’s Progress_ ), to audiences totalling over 93,000. 

The Autumn Season saw an expanded programme with a total attendance of over 32,000 by audiences of all ages taking opportunities to engage with live opera, concerts, recitals and family days at Glyndebourne. Funding from the Arts Council England for this continued in the form of a reduced NPO grant for 2023-26, nonetheless a vital contribution to our talent development work and Learning and Engagement programme. This funding has been reduced by 52% for the 2023-26 period, resulting in a cancellation of the Tour planned for 2023, but creating an opportunity for Glyndebourne to reimagine and expand our activity and impact at Glyndebourne in the autumn. 

2023 also saw the continuation of a substantial and essential capital investment programme to replace and overhaul ageing parts of the opera house building and infrastructure. Our £7m project to design and install a new fully automated fly system completed in early 2023. We are progressing with the next phases of our wider stage automation infrastructure project through 2024-25, addressing upgrades, rebuilds and redevelopments in our orchestra pit, stage floor and under-stage mezzanine level. 

Glyndebourne’s finances continue to be in good health, holding up well through 2023. Box office sales and support from members and donors were strong in the face of financial challenges around sustained high inflation rates compounding pressures on our cost base, interest rate increases adding to the cost of borrowing, and volatile financial markets affecting our investment portfolio during the year. 

At the time of publication of this report, we are midway through the 2024 Festival, a programme of 77 performances over five full-scale productions: two exciting new productions of Bizet’s _Carmen_ and Lehar’s _The Merry Widow_ , alongside revivals of the popular Mozart _Die Zauberflöte_ , our classic production of Handel’s _Giulio Cesare_ , and Glyndebourne’s powerful production of Wagner’s timeless _Tristan und Isolde_ . Box office sales across our members’ ballot and public bookings have been strong with all productions already more than 90% sold including one fully sold out. Demand for tickets has resulted in two additional performances being incorporated into the programme. 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

2024 marks 90 years since the creation of the Glyndebourne Festival. We remain confident that with the financial discipline and continued support from audiences, members, donors, supporters, artists and staff that has held the charity in good stead for many years, Glyndebourne is in a strong financial position to be able to invest in its future. Financial forecasts to 2026 are under regular review to maintain a live picture of forecast finances. The Board of Trustees and Executive Directors are confident that Glyndebourne will continue as a going concern. 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

The four key strands to our business model - the Festival, Autumn Season, Learning and Engagement, and Media Development - all contribute to our four core objectives. None of these objectives can be achieved in isolation. We will only be able to continue to deliver the highest quality operatic experience to as many people as possible, whether live or digitally, if we have the appropriate financial resources in place to do so. Our achievements and performance in 2023, and future plans relevant to each of our four core strategic objectives are set out on the following pages. 

## **(1) Create world-class transformative operatic experiences** 

Glyndebourne’s global reputation stems from a passion for artistic excellence. Founder John Christie insisted on “doing not the best that we can do but the best that can be done anywhere”. For ninety years that has remained Glyndebourne’s touchstone, demonstrated by the nomination of our five-star 2023 Festival production of Poulenc’s _Dialogues des Carmélites_ for the Achievement in Opera award at the UK Theatre Awards. Alongside this, the production’s director, Barrie Kosky was recognised as Best Director for his work in 2023 at the Opera Awards 2023. 

We strive to provide the best possible environment for artists with a long rehearsal period, world-class coaching and a strong culture of nurture. Emerging artists are offered development opportunities through both the programme of Autumn Season productions and our extensive understudy programme. Our Chorus is world-renowned, with all members being appraised annually in order to maintain artistic standards, and a well-established Chorus development scheme offers selected choristers the opportunity for additional coaching and solo concert performances. Glyndebourne and its audiences are noted for their sense of adventure with programmes balancing well-known repertoire with less familiar works, both old and new, including British premieres and new commissions. 

Glyndebourne’s 2023 Festival season presented a new production of Mozart’s _Don Giovanni_ by director Mariame Clement; Donizetti’s romantic comedy _L’elisir d’amore_ ; a Glyndebourne premiere for Poulenc’s revolutionary modern masterpiece _Dialogues des Carmelites_ ; a return for Peter Hall’s classic magical production of Britten’s _A Midsummer Night’s Dream_ ; the Festival’s first ever staging of Handel’s _Semele_ ; and the return of Glyndebourne’s 1975 production of _The Rake’s Progress._ 

After more than 50 years of touring to cities across England, the reduction in funding from Arts Council England for our touring activity resulted in the cancellation of the planned Tour for 2023, however it also created an opportunity for Glyndebourne to take a different approach outside of the Festival season in 2023. We successfully launched an extended Autumn Season at Glyndebourne with six weeks of opera and concerts alongside wider community outreach and participation. We brought _Don Giovanni_ and _L’elisir d’amore_ back from the Festival, reviving both productions at Glyndebourne in the autumn 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

with new performing companies (cast, conductors, and orchestra) showcasing new and emerging talent, along with concert performances of Handel’s _Messiah_ and Haydn’s _The Creation_ , a Talent Development concert, and our annual programme of Christmas concerts. 

Our Learning and Engagement (“L&E”) programme focused on developing partnerships across East and West Sussex and deepening our engagement with schools, participants, visitors and audiences in our region. This work was delivered through talent programmes for young people, such as the Glyndebourne Academy and workshops and performances for the Glyndebourne Youth Opera, and our schools programme, amongst a wide ranging programme of projects and activities. Further details are shared in our review of Diversity and Inclusion on pages 20-21 . 

- - - Our Funding Impact report https://www.glyndebourne.com/about us/reports/funding impact update/ provides a summary of our achievements across our L&E programme, digital initiatives, talent development programmes and main stage seasons, and highlights the impact that funding from our supporters makes to these programmes. 

## **(2) Remain financially independent** 

Glyndebourne’s commitment to doing “the best that can be done anywhere” has earned the charity a loyal following, enabling our financial independence to be preserved. However, we are not complacent about the challenges we face in the cost of living crisis compounded by ongoing global events, and the need to invest to maintain our competitive edge from an artistic, audience and staff perspective. 

Festival ticket prices are set at a level intended to fund annual operating costs, with the privately-funded Festival bearing all fixed costs associated with operating the Charity. This is essential in ensuring the financial viability of the Autumn Season and Learning & Engagement activity which are key contributors to GPL’s strategy to make our work available to broader audiences. In these times of high inflation there is increasing pressure on box office income and fundraising which together fund 80-90% of annual operating costs. 

Details on our financial performance for 2023 and financial outlook are set out in the FINANCIAL REVIEW on pages 11-16. 

## **Fundraising and memberships** 

Income from our supporters includes membership subscriptions, donations, associated gift aid, and legacies. We are mindful of our potential over-reliance on our loyal members and donors who, in addition to giving much needed sponsorships for opera productions, also donate to the Annual Fund and the New Generation Programme, supporting a wide range of additional activity including filming, schools programme, Under 30s programme, and other audience and artist development activity. 

We continued to fundraise for our large scale capital project to replace and automate essential backstage fly systems. Major equipment installation phases of this £7m capital investment were undertaken in the winter periods of 2021/22 and 2022/23. The Annual Fund was designated to support this capital project over the five year period 2019-2023 and donations of over £656k (inclusive of gift aid) were made to this fund in 2023. 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

We received £558k of unrestricted legacy income in 2023 (2022: £365k), providing an additional valuable source of income. We continue to recognise and thank those generous and forward-thinking individuals who have decided to leave a gift to GPL in their will through the living legacy programme, the John Christie Society. 

The 2023 Autumn Season and Learning & Engagement programme continued to rely on vital support from Arts Council England in the form of a grant of £800k. The grant covered around 14% (2022: 23%) of direct costs of the Autumn Season and Learning and Engagement programme with the balance raised through ticket sales, the support of members, donors and sponsors, and subsidy from the Festival. With the Arts Council funding support having been reduced by 52% for 2023-26, we have had to adapt our approach outside of the Festival season. The reduction in ACE funding across the arts sector brings challenges, but Glyndebourne remains committed to being a year-round organisation and to delivering our core purpose of enriching the lives of as many people as possible through opera. 

We do not take this support for granted and are constantly working to expand our pool of donors and to ensure that the Charity’s resources are used responsibly to best effect. 

## **Fundraising governance** 

In order to achieve the objective of remaining financially independent, GPL solicits funding support from individuals, trusts and corporate contacts.  The majority of these supporters are already GPL members and have an established relationship with the Charity. Policies and procedures for the solicitation of funds are appropriate, well-understood, monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. Each solicitation is based on a planned and authorised cultivation strategy. This strategy includes the method of approach, the sequencing of funding requests and the plan for thanking, following up and cultivating for further gifts.  In developing the strategy, data protection policies and other relevant legislation and best practice are followed and the solicitation process is fully tracked on our CRM system. 

GPL management and Trustees treat the relationship with donors and approach to fundraising very seriously. No complaints related to fundraising were received in 2023 (2022: none). We continue to review all of our fundraising practice and policies to ensure that relevant legislation and best-practice guidelines are complied with. Specifically, we comply with the Fundraising Code of Practice, the Information Commissioner’s Office Direct Marketing guidelines, the UK General Data Protection Regulations, and are registered with the Fundraising Regulator. We want our donors to be proud to support Glyndebourne, not to feel pressured into donating, and we endeavour not to contact anyone who doesn’t want us to. We take our supporters’ requests and the protection of their personal data seriously. We never swap or sell their data. We use a third-party company which collates publicly-available information for us, but does not undertake profiling. Our supporters choose what communications they receive from us and how we contact them; they can amend their choices or opt out of our communications at any time. All of our fundraising and customer service staff follow best-practice guidelines for dealing with vulnerable people. 

## **Other income** 

Theatre Tax Relief (TTR), introduced by the Government in 2014 with the objective of boosting employment in the Arts, continues to generate a welcome additional source of income and at higher rates of relief announced in the Government’s Budget in Spring 2024. 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

Commercial activity is undertaken by the wholly-owned subsidiary, Glyndebourne Enterprises Ltd (“GEL”): merchandising, art, production hire, props-making for commercial purposes, and the generation and sale of electricity produced by the wind turbine. This provides a valuable source of income to the Charity in meeting its objective to remain financially independent. For the year ended 31 December 2023, GEL generated a profit of £3.4m (2022: £3m), including TTR. Profits of £3.1m (2022: £1.6m) were gifted to the Charity in 2023. 

Whilst we continue to make every effort to achieve box office and fundraising targets each year, and bring in additional income through other revenue generating activities, we equally recognise the importance of cost control in remaining financially independent. As part of our budgeting and re-forecasting process we routinely scrutinise our cost base and challenge ourselves to find more efficient ways of working to ensure that our core financial objectives continue to be met. 

## **(3) Engage broad audiences** 

Glyndebourne engages with audiences in a variety of ways, be it live at Glyndebourne, participation through one of our Learning and Engagement programmes, or engagement through media development. The Charity aims to be truly inclusive by maximising the reach, engagement and diversity of people who experience Glyndebourne. 

2023 saw the highest paid-attendance to performances at Glyndebourne for more than a decade, at around 112,000. 

Across the 75 performances of opera in Festival 2023, we filled over 93,000 seats, generating £16.5m of box office income. This included two additional dates for _Don Giovanni_ and _Semele,_ added to the original schedule of performances to meet demand. Nearly 1,700 seats were sold to those aged 30 and under for £30-£45 each as part of the Under 30s audience development programme, the discounted ticket price primarily being funded by generous donors giving to the New Generation Programme. 1,399 tickets were sold to Under 40s Members who enjoy 50% off a pair of tickets each Festival season. 

The 2023 Autumn season was enjoyed by an audience of 24,340 across 20 performances at Glyndebourne. 

We reached over 5,000 children through performances and events during the Autumn. This included 2,274 subsidised tickets sold for our two dedicated performances for schools, with 95% of tickets allocated to state schools. 

Our membership numbers across Glyndebourne Festival Society (GFS) lifelong membership and Associate Memberships (ASM) grew to over 14,000 for 2023 (2022: over 13,200). Our Under 40s membership, a pipeline to Associate Membership, grew to 526 for 2023 (2022: 211). 

Media development facilitates the distribution of Glyndebourne’s work through digital streams, cinema broadcasts, and television, enabling the Charity to reach and engage with as broad an audience as possible, helping to break down barriers to access and experience our work including those associated with cost and location. We invested £171k in filming our new Festival production of _Semele_ in 2023, available to stream on the _Glyndebourne Encore_ subscription platform. Our productions of _Rusalka_ and 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

_Vanessa_ were available to stream for free from our website and on YouTube in May - June 2023 and December 2023 into early January 2024, respectively. 

We aim to continue to grow our audience numbers and demand for as many performances of live opera as can be accommodated in the Festival period. 

## **(4) Create a stimulating and inspirational environment for all** 

The Charity strives to make Glyndebourne a stimulating, inspirational and inclusive environment for staff, artists, audience and everyone else we engage with. Our continued engagement with inspirational directors, world-class orchestras and performers, and the ongoing drive to commission new work, go hand in hand with newer innovations such as online streaming to reach new audiences. 

From a staff perspective, the Charity aims to inspire and enable all company members to fulfil their potential in line with GPL’s four strategic objectives. Our mission to do ‘not the best that we can do, but the best that can be done anywhere’ requires a culture where everyone is enabled to perform their best, produce their best, and participate in Glyndebourne’s continued journey. Shaping our culture is key for our strategic objective of ‘Creates a stimulating and inspirational environment for all’ and aims to make Glyndebourne a better place to work, or indeed the _best_ place to work. To facilitate this, regular staff engagement surveys are conducted and acted upon. An ongoing consultancy on management and leadership culture will help to further enhance and shape company culture. 

Our greatest priority remains the health and well being of everyone we engage with, our Company members, audiences and contractors. Furthering our commitment to create a safe working environment for all, we have 17 members of staff trained as Mental Health First Aiders who are there to listen, support and be able to signpost professional help. We are part of the Guardians Network, a programme set up by the Old Vic, which offers a confidential outlet for colleagues to share concerns about behaviour at work and as part of this we have two internally appointed and trained 'Guardians.' 

From an audience and artist perspective, the charity aims to provide a positive experience over and above the opera itself, mindful of the need to maintain our competitive edge and the quality of experience for all who engage with GPL. Post-show questionnaires are sent to all ticket bookers and have a very high response rate, helping to inform future investment. 

## **Environmental report** 

At Glyndebourne we remain committed to doing everything we can to reduce the impact of what we do on the environment, and to encourage everyone we engage with to do the same. We strive to establish more sustainable ways of continuing to deliver the highest quality opera whilst creating a stimulating and inspirational environment for all. 

In line with the UN-backed global Race to Zero, Glyndebourne is committed to halving our carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. Taking 2019 as the baseline for our carbon emissions, we have reduced Glyndebourne’s direct carbon emissions by 37% through the success of the Glyndebourne wind turbine, the adoption of a wide-range of energy-saving measures and a move to zero-waste-to-landfill. 

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**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

Since the commissioning of the Glyndebourne wind turbine in 2012, it has produced the equivalent of 103% of the electricity used by Glyndebourne in the period 2012-23, with the balance being supplied to the national grid supplying green energy to local homes. The wind turbine generated 1,617 megawatt hours of electricity in 2023 (2022: 1,257 MwH), with 53% (2022: 55%) of this being used by Glyndebourne and the balance fed directly to the national grid. 

The below chart tracks our direct carbon emissions since 2019, measured using the Creative Climate Tools methodology developed by Julie’s Bicycle, a leading non-profit organisation partnering with over 2,000 arts and cultural organisations in the UK and internationally to mobilise the sector to act on the climate crisis. 


During 2023, Julie’s Bicycle undertook a review of the underlying  methodology for calculating carbon emissions and introduced a change to how emissions related to waste are calculated within the Creative Climate Tools. The previously used government emissions factors only covered the impact of the transport of waste to treatment facilities, omitting the emissions of the waste itself and the treatment options. Julie’s Bicycle opted to move towards a more detailed and comprehensive methodology that better takes into account lifecycle emissions to give a more useful and complete picture of carbon emissions. As a result, the carbon emissions reported under this upgraded methodology are higher than previously reported (2019 baseline year: 1,200 tonnes CO2 compared with 490 tonnes CO2 under the old methodology). 

Since 2011 our Environmental Champions, a group of staff volunteers representing all departments, have worked hard to drive initiatives to further reduce our carbon footprint. Actions undertaken in 2023 included the following: 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

Scope 1 and 2: 

- Insulation – phase 1 of programme to install double glazing in all windows in the opera house, with film placed on windows where sun exposure is intense to reduce dependency on air conditioning in the summer months 

- Installation of enclosed bike shed to encourage staff to cycle to work 

- Clearer signage on recycling bins to ensure maximum uncontaminated recycling 

- Trial of sensor lighting in basement level of opera house. 

## Scope 3: 

- Adoption of Theatre Green Book baseline principles in building sustainable productions. As examples: 

   - A substantial proportion of the components of the _Semele_ set was recycled from old productions. 

   - A large proportion of costumes and footwear in _Dialogues des Carmelites_ were sourced from stock or secondhand sources. 

Scope 4: 

- Wind turbine, garden and opera house tours that included information on environmental sustainability. 

Actions planned for 2024 include: 

## Scope 1 and 2: 

- Insulation – phase 2 of programme to install double glazed windows in the opera house 

- Replacement of ageing staff minibus with electric vehicle 

- Investigate viability of solar power at Glyndebourne with installation of solar panels on the roof of our Production Hub building 

- Extension of sensor lighting to more areas of the opera house. 

## Scope 3: 

- Commit to follow 'Theatre Green Book 1: Sustainable Productions' principles for all of the Festival new productions 

- Use 'Theatre Green Book 2: Sustainable Buildings' tool to develop a sustainable building plan 

- Use 'Theatre Green Book 3: Sustainable Operations' toolkit to identify ways to reduce, reuse and recycle 

- Full audit of site signage, aiming to improve the customer experience and reduce use of plastic. 

For 2024 we remain committed to: 

- Continue to reduce gross recorded Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from 2019 baseline of 1,200 tonnes CO2. 

- Offset net emissions from the previous year (2023) by investing an amount equivalent to £25 per tonne CO2 (in line with current suggested contribution to Woodland Trust UK) in direct carbon emission reduction plans at Glyndebourne within the following 12 months. 

We also report under the UK mandatory Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements, covering UK energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions as a minimum relating 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

to gas, electricity and transport fuel, as well as an intensity ratio, and information relating to energy efficiency action. 

The table below details our energy consumption and emissions. 

|**GHG emissions and energy use data**|**Scope**|**Unit**|**2023**|**2022**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Energy consumption||kWh|1,906,748|1,974,550|
|Emissions from combustion of gas|1|tCO2e|220|205|
|Emissions from combustion of fuel for<br>transport purposes|1|tCO2e|33|18|
|Emissions from business travel in rental cars<br>or<br>employee-owned<br>vehicles<br>where<br>company is responsible for purchasing fuel|3|tCO2e|5|22|
|Emissions from purchased electricity|2|tCO2e|153|180|
|Total emissions||tCO2e|411|425|
|Intensity ratio: tCO2e per m2 of floor area|||0.12|0.12|



Glyndebourne’s energy consumption in 2023 totalled 1.9m kWh (2022: 2.0m kWh). This includes purchased electricity and gas. Our transport emissions include the use of our minibuses which are available to all members of staff and performing companies to transport them to and from Lewes and Glyndebourne to encourage fewer individual car journeys. The decrease in total emissions in 2023 compared with 2022 primarily reflects a reduction in the need to buy in electricity from the national grid. 

Intensity ratio is based on tCO2e/m2 of occupied floor space across both the Glyndebourne site and our storage facility off site. 

Methodology - The methodology used is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporation Standard (GHG Protocol). Electricity and gas data is collected from monthly meter readings. Transport data is compiled from employee expense claims and invoices. 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

Glyndebourne’s finances continued to be in good health through 2023. However, like many organisations in the arts and culture sector, there were financial challenges. 

- Inflation rates fell through the year, however sustained high inflation over a period of two years led to accumulated pressure on our cost base and challenges in managing and containing our operating and running costs within budgets. 

- Interest rate rises meant the cost of borrowing on the Covid business interruption bank loan went up. A decision was made to repay this loan in full in November 2023. 

- Our investment portfolio valuation reflected volatility in financial markets through 2023, however over the course of the year the portfolio increased in value by £1.6m. 

- The reduction in funding from the Arts Council England meant that the planned Tour in autumn 2023 became financially unviable. The Tour was cancelled and we developed an extended Autumn Season programme at Glyndebourne. 

In the face of these challenges, we were grateful for the loyal support from our members, donors and audiences. 

We progressed with our capital investment programme to replace and overhaul areas of the opera house building and infrastructure now due attention having been maintained and serviced well for nearly three decades. Capital expenditure in 2023 totalled £4.3m. 

We completed the largest of our current capital investments, a £7m multi-year project encompassing design and installation of a new fully automated fly system, early in 2023. This new system was showcased in our Festival 2023 productions. Other capital investments in 2023 included those in lighting and sound systems for the stage, and to address infrastructure for communications systems critical for operations and shows. We overhauled backstage lifts essential for running costumes to dressing rooms during rehearsals and performances, We also invested for climate considerations and greater energy efficiency with the start of a rolling programme to install double-glazing in all windows across the opera house. 

Total income before Creative Tax Reliefs (CTR) was £33.8m (2022: £33.2m). 

- Box office income and fundraising continue to represent the majority (80-90%) of income before CTR. Box office income increased to £17.8m in 2023 (2022: £17.0m) with growth in audience numbers. 

- Income from membership subscriptions, donations, legacies and grants totalled £9.8m (2022: £11.2m). This included a reduced contribution of £0.8m from Arts Council England towards our 2023 Autumn season and Learning and Engagement programme (2022: £1.6m). 

- Other sources of income - including retail, programme sales, catering, hire of productions, electricity generation from the Glyndebourne wind turbine, media sales, investment income - contributed a further £6.2m  (2022: £4.9m). The greater increases here were in bank interest income as interest rates rose through the year, and catering income with greater audience numbers. 

Total operating costs were £33.2m  (2022: £32.0m). This includes the key area of spend in direct production costs: £16.0m  compared with £16.5m in 2022 with investment into three new productions in the 2023 repertoire compared with four in 2022. 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

Creative Tax Reliefs (Theatre Tax Relief and Orchestra Tax Relief) for 2023 were £3.1m (2022: £3.0m), continuing to benefit from higher rates of relief introduced by the government. The net financial result for the year was a surplus of £3.7m (2022: £4.2m inclusive of one-off sources of income). In addition to this, unrealised gains on investments of £1.6m (2022: losses of £1.5m) resulted in reserves increasing by £5.3m (2022: £2.7m). 

The Christie Pension and Life Assurance Scheme continues to be in a net surplus position, £7.8m at 31 December 2023 (2022: £11.3m). The surplus has not been recognised in the financial statements in accordance with the principles of FRS 102 regarding recoverability of the pension scheme asset. 

Cash and investments at the year-end were £49.5m (2022: £47.0m), net of a term loan from the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) which was repaid in full during 2023. Cash reserves held up through 2023 despite inflationary pressures on our cost base and continuing investment in the theatre building and infrastructure and the wider site. This was thanks largely to strong box office performance, the enhanced theatre tax relief, and a boost to the financial markets at the end of the year. 

## **Financial outlook** 

Steadying the ship on operating finances has been the big financial challenge in recent years. The financial outlook has strengthened with a new confidence that has come from the growth in our audience numbers and therefore box office revenue. The government’s announcement in the Spring 2024 Budget to introduce new permanent higher rates of theatre tax credits has also had a significantly positive impact on financial forecasts. 

The outlook does remain challenging on the cost side, with sustained high inflation rates through 2022-23 putting accumulated pressure on our cost base. The planning of and commitment to our artistic programme three to four years in advance introduces complexities and challenges in developing and managing the related financial outlook. The repertoire for 2024-25 was planned pre-pandemic and before the days of high inflation, and so the cost of making productions is now looking more expensive than previously anticipated. Many other things we pay for remain expensive compared with what they previously cost. 

The reduction in funding from the Arts Council England for our work on talent development and work with children and young people has also created financial challenges. We have secured some major additional funding for our Autumn Season, which focuses on these areas of work, for the next three years, but without the scale of the previous ACE grant we are still set to lose money from this important and impactful activity. 

A number of actions are underway to remedy the impact of stubbornly high operating spend on finances. Key within this is the optimisation of performance numbers to meet demand from audiences - once the investment has been made in creating a production, rehearsing it and taking it to the stage, every performance enjoyed by our audiences makes a financial contribution towards covering the cost of the investment in the production and the wider costs of running the Festival and Glyndebourne year round. 

We continue to maintain our longstanding discipline around operating costs alongside investing for the future: in productions and other aspects of the Glyndebourne experience for visitors, artists, and staff. 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

We are now firmly in a period of significant capital expenditure and investment. Next up in our longer term stage automation infrastructure programme are the upgrade of the orchestra pit lifts and safety net (work ongoing in 2024) followed by a rebuild of the stage floor and redevelopment of an under-stage mezzanine level incorporating a number of personnel-riding lifts (scheduled for 2025). 

We have other capital projects planned, many of which are not optional. The theatre building and its infrastructure, equipment and facilities are 30 years old and have been serviced and maintained well, but we must invest to ward off obsolescence of equipment and technology, to maintain and enhance our customer experience, and to keep pace with developing health and safety requirements. Planned investments range from: 

- New major lighting and sound systems in the auditorium, on stage and off stage, for which replacement parts are increasingly difficult to source. 

- Modernising the infrastructure for show-critical communication systems (both onstage and building wide). 

- Improvements to the audience car park and its resilience to the British weather, year round. 

- Continuation of investments for climate considerations and cleaner energy usage, including solar panels. 

The Charity’s financial reserves have been carefully built up over many years to afford such a programme of major and essential capital investment. Glyndebourne is in a strong financial position to be able to invest in its future in partnership with supporters. We do not believe there to be a risk to our going concern. 

## **Investment Policy** 

Under the Articles of Association, the Trustees have delegated authority to the charity’s investment managers to manage investments for the Charity in accordance with the mandate laid down by the Trustees. The investment managers meet with and report on a regular basis to the Audit, Finance and Compliance Committee. Managed funds at the year end were valued at £42.7m (2022: £41.2m). 

As at 31 December 2023, £41.2m was invested with Capital Group and £1.5m with Rothschild with the funds spread across the following portfolios: 

|**Capital Group**<br>Long term reserves<br>New Generation Programme<br>Gillian Fane Aspiring Artists<br>Wood Peters<br>**Rothschild**<br>Long term reserves<br>New Generation Programme<br>Wood Peters<br>**Total Investments**|**2023**<br>Market Value<br>of investments<br>£m<br>Performance<br>YTD<br>%<br>31.0<br>3.77<br>6.1<br>3.77<br>3.2<br>3.77<br>0.9<br>6.27<br>1.12<br>17.03<br>0.25<br>17.02<br>0.08<br>17.01<br>**42.7**|**2022**|
|---|---|---|
|||Market Value<br>of investments<br>£m<br>Performance<br>YTD<br>%<br>30.0<br>-2.74<br>5.9<br>-2.74<br>3.2<br>-2.74<br>0.9<br>-0.36<br>0.96<br>-8.31<br>0.21<br>-16.82<br>0.07<br>-16.81<br>**41.2**|



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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

Whilst the overall objective is long term capital appreciation, the funds have been benchmarked against inflation +3.5% during the year, accepting that it only makes sense to assess performance over long time periods given that in order to achieve this level of return requires a high level of equity exposure and risk of volatility. The long term reserves and the NGP and GFAA portfolios invested with Capital Group are invested with the objective of achieving long term growth of capital and enhancing the purchasing power of reserves, with the portfolio having significant equity exposure. The fund appreciated in value by 3.77% in 2023, with annualised returns of 6.70% over the life of the fund. 

The Wood Peters portfolio held with Capital Group is separately invested in a high income growth fund with the objective of generating an agreed level of income annually to support funding requirements for touring activity and cover artists. The fund predominantly invests in emerging market government bonds and corporate high-yield bonds globally. This fund appreciated in value by 6.27% in 2023, with annualised returns of 5.46% over the life of the fund. 

## **Reserves Policy** 

The financial objective remains to earn sufficient income on a 3 year rolling basis to cover expenditure, whilst generating surplus cash sufficient to build up free reserves to ensure: 

- funds are available to invest in maintaining our competitive edge from an audience, artistic and staff perspective including capital requirements over the life of the lease of the Opera House; 

- the Charity continues to be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due, including those in respect of the Charity pension scheme; and 

- the charitable objectives can be met on a long-term basis regardless of short-term disruptions due to economic or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of management. 

Free reserves are deemed to be those that are readily realisable, excluding funds whose uses are restricted or designated for particular purposes. Such reserves exclude property and other fixed assets that will continue to be used in the day-to-day running of the Charity. Reserves preservation remains crucial to ensure the ability to continue to invest in the Charity, its physical assets and to protect against the unpredictable financial impact of circumstances beyond management control such as changing legislation and external economic factors. 

As a matter of policy, each year the Trustees review the value of reserves required to be held in investments and cash not restricted to any particular purpose. The Board considers the Charity’s exposure to the risks of any significant loss of income and of unforeseen expenditure which cannot be mitigated by executive action. The degree of risk ascribed to each such event is assessed. 

The Charity sets a target level of free reserves each year, which is calculated on the basis of having to fulfil financial commitments and continue in business in a worst case scenario uninsurable event. This takes account of the fact that the Festival receives no public subsidy and is wholly reliant on fundraising and box office (a 5% reduction in Festival box office income would reduce reserves by approximately £0.9m) and the fact that there is a significant lead-time to maintain artistic standards (financial commitments are entered up to 4 years in advance with the contracting of artists whilst the related income is rarely committed more than a year ahead). The target for 2023 was £14.2m. Free reserves as 

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**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

at 31 December 2023 were £20.7m (2022: £21.3m). We expect this to move towards the target level as we progress with the planned programme of essential capital investments. 

Reserves as at 31 December: 

|**Endowment Funds**<br>**Restricted Funds**<br>Tangible Fixed Assets<br>Designated funds<br>General reserves<br>**Unrestricted Funds**<br>**Total Group Reserves**|37.8<br>15.7<br>20.7|**2023**<br>**£m**<br>1.0<br>10.0<br> <br> <br>73.8<br>**85.2**|<br> <br> <br> <br>35.1<br>12.6<br>21.3|**2022**<br>**£m**<br>1.0<br>9.8<br>69.0<br>**79.8**|
|---|---|---|---|---|



Financial budgets for 2024-2026 support the Trustees’ reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements. 

## **Principal risks and uncertainties** 

The Board of Trustees recognises its responsibility for an overall strategy of risk management. This strategy comprises: 

- a formal annual review by management of the risks facing the Charity; 

- the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate risks identified; 

- the implementation of procedures to minimise the potential impact on the Charity should those risks occur; 

- a programme of review and testing of such procedures; and 

- formal reporting to the Board on an annual basis of all new risks identified, systems and key staff changes and the controls implemented. 

Such procedures are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material mismanagement or loss. Internal audit and assurance reviews of safeguarding, health and safety, IT penetration testing, customer feedback processes, and a business continuity exercise were carried out in 2023. The Trustees believe that there is a satisfactory system of well-managed internal controls. 

The key specific risks for the foreseeable future, identified through this process, together with mitigation plans are shown in the following table: 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

_Risk impact on reputation (R), competition (C), operations (O), financial (F)._ 

|Risk|R|C|O|F|Management|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**War**<br>**or**<br>**pandemic**<br>–<br>risk<br>to<br>financial<br>sustainability due to a significant fall in any<br>income stream as a result of pandemic or war and<br>resulting<br>global<br>and<br>national<br>economic<br>uncertainty, turbulence in financial markets or<br>reduced audience confidence in attending events.|�||�|�|●<br>Strength of reserves<br>●<br>Strong governance, policies<br>and training on processes<br>●<br>Maintenance of good<br>communications|
|**Rising inflation / BREXIT -**increasing the cost<br>of goods and services and making supply lines<br>less reliable.|||�|�|●<br>Contingency planning<br>●<br>Discipline of core financial<br>objectives|
|**Over-reliance on Festival box office income**|||�|�|●<br>Membership model<br>●<br>Strategy for reaching new<br>audiences<br>●<br>Identification and development<br>of new income streams|
|**Serious accident or similar health and safety**<br>**shortcoming -**resulting in prosecution, fines,<br>potential loss of licence and reputational damage.|�||�|�|●<br>Governance and processes<br>●<br>Policy<br>●<br>Training<br>●<br>Culture<br>●<br>Insurance|
|**Cyber fraud or data breach**|||�|�|●<br>Governance, policies, training<br>programme, culture<br>●<br>Insurance<br>●<br>Phishing-testing, penetration<br>testing and regular internal<br>audit reviews|
|**Ageing building and infrastructure**|�||�|�|●<br>Capital expenditure<br>programmes<br>●<br>Monitoring and management of<br>assets and infrastructure<br>●<br>Ability of staff to address<br>issues as they arise|
|**Recruitment of staff**|�||�||●<br>Staff benefits<br>●<br>Working environment<br>●<br>Culture|



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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

Glyndebourne Productions Limited is a company limited by guarantee (company registration no: 00358266) and is registered as a charity (charity registration no: 243877). It is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association, last amended on 27 June 2019. 

Legal and administrative information set out on pages 25-26 form part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). The Board monitors its governance practice against the seven principles of the Charity Governance Code and recommended practice. The Board adopts the best practice principles of the Code, proportionately to the Charity’s circumstances, and routinely challenges themselves on areas for improvement/ implementation. 

## **Board of Trustees** 

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the Charity. Trustees are elected by the Board, based on a fair recruitment process representative of GPL as an equal opportunities employer, including meetings between prospective candidates and existing members of the Board. In accordance with the Articles of Association, the total number may not be less than four nor more than ten. The induction process for new Board members includes the provision of background information, details of the constitution of the Charity and its connected parties, budgets, recent financial statements, minutes of recent Board meetings and papers dealing with key current issues, plus the opportunity for meetings with key executives. Effective partnership between the Trustees and the executive management continues to contribute significantly to the success of the business. Board meetings were held on five occasions, in addition to an Annual General Meeting, throughout 2023. At such meetings Trustees review strategy, operational performance and authorise operating plans and budgets. Further strategic reviews are undertaken as and when required for any other purpose. 

The Board delegates the exercise of certain powers in connection with the management and administration of the Charity as set out below. This is controlled by regular reporting to the Board, with the delegated authorities being approved by the Board annually. 

## **Audit, Finance and Compliance Committee** 

This Committee meets formally three times a year, or more often if necessary. Minutes of these meetings are presented to the Board of GPL for formal ratification. The Committee is charged with reviewing the process and effectiveness of financial reporting, internal control and risk management, external and independent internal audits, and management of the Charity’s investment portfolios. The Committee meets with the external auditors at least annually without any members of the Glyndebourne management in attendance. Furthermore, the Committee ensures that proper procedures are in place to manage cash resources prudently whilst maintaining sufficient funds to meet daily cash requirements. The Committee advises the Board of Trustees on the appropriate level of free reserves and any significant change in investment strategy. 

## **Nominations Committee** 

The Nominations Committee is charged with succession planning and Board appointments. 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **Remuneration Committee** 

The Remuneration Committee meets formally at least twice a year and is charged with the review of performance of the executive management team, remuneration and compensation policy. Remuneration is set in line with national economics, organisational financial performance and market expectations from benchmarking. 

## **Development Committee** 

This Committee’s primary purposes cover broadening the range of funding available to GPL and overseeing the systems and processes in place to ensure ethical fundraising, following best practice and meeting all regulatory requirements. This Committee meets four times a year. 

## **Commercial Committee** 

The Commercial Committee was established in 2023 with the objective to provide an overview of prioritisation, resourcing and results concerning Glyndebourne’s secondary revenue streams and to agree recommendations to enhance and diversify the theatre's income sources. This Committee meets three times a year. 

## **Directors Group** 

Gus Christie, Executive Chairman, leads the executive team responsible for the day-to-day management of the Charity. During the year the team comprised Richard Davidson-Houston (Managing Director), Stephen Langridge (Artistic Director), Veronica Brooks (Director of Organisational Development to 16 February 2023), Eric Gautron (Technical Director to 05 October 2023), Donna Marsh (Director of Operations), Helen McCarthy (Director of Development), Steven Naylor (Director of Artistic Administration), Tyler Stoops (Director of Audience Development), and Lisa Wong (Finance Director). The Directors Group report to the Board of Trustees on a regular basis. 

The pay of the executive management team is reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee of the Board, with occasional formal benchmarking against other Arts organisations. Annual pay awards are normally based on CPI and average earnings data, but the Remuneration Committee has the authority to award different pay reviews should market forces dictate or responsibilities change. 

Our Governance structure continues to be supported by an annual programme of both external and internal independent audit and a dedicated individual responsible for risk and compliance. 

## **Group Structure** 

GPL has a wholly owned trading subsidiary, Glyndebourne Enterprises Limited (“GEL”). The business of the subsidiary comprises retail, art and gallery, production sale and hire, the operation of GPL’s wind turbine, commercial props-making, as well as being contracted by GPL to produce all of the Festival, Autumn Season, community and youth opera productions each year. The objective of the trading subsidiary is to raise funds to support the charitable activities of its holding company. 

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**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **Connected Charity** 

Glyndebourne America Inc. (“GA”) was established in 2019 as successor to Glyndebourne Association America (“GAA”), itself established in 1976 for the purpose of attracting support from people and organisations in America who are sympathetically disposed to the promotion of opera. Michael Lynch, Chairman of the Association, and John Botts remained as Trustees of GA and GAA throughout the year. 

Total cash and investments held by GA at the year-end amounted to $389k (2022: $560k held by GA, $35k held by GAA). Grants totalling $503k were made to GPL during the year by GA (2022: $143k). A final grant of $21k was made by GAA to GPL on legal dissolution of GAA. 

## **Connected Persons** 

The relationship between GPL and the Christie family is critical to the long term financial and operational strategy of the Charity. GPL was founded by John Christie, grandfather of Gus Christie, Executive Chairman, in 1934. Since that date the Christie family - John, followed by his son, Sir George Christie and currently Gus Christie - have lived on site in the Mansion House (the “House”), which is not an asset of GPL, and have taken an active role in the management and supervision of the Charity. This relationship with the family is important to members, donors, staff and artists. The Christie’s home, the Mansion House, is used by GPL to accommodate company members for 7 months of the year from the start of Festival rehearsals to the end of the Autumn Season performances which therefore means the family have little privacy. Gus entertains the Company and donors on a regular basis in the House and the Organ Room is open to audiences on every performance day. The gardens are open to opera audiences on performance days and to Company members every day of the year. There is a formal agreement in place between GPL and Gus for the sharing of running costs of the House. No rent is charged to GPL, providing significant benefit to GPL in saving the costs of essential accommodation for artists and entertaining space. The Opera House, owned by a Trust of which the family and GPL are beneficiaries, is let to GPL at a peppercorn rent to 2075. 

Gus Christie continued to be engaged by the Charity during the year, and attended Board meetings in the capacity of a non-voting advisory trustee. Details of transactions with the Christie family are set out in Note 19 to the financial statements. 

## **Health, Safety and Safeguarding** 

The Glyndebourne management and Trustees take the issues of Health, safety and safeguarding seriously. Two Trustees are designated to take the lead on all health, safety and safeguarding matters. 

The Charity has a comprehensive health and safety policy which is regularly reviewed, and employs suitably qualified individuals in the areas of health and safety. Procedures are managed and monitored by a group of safety representatives from all key departments, which reports to the Health and Safety Committee, chaired by the Managing Director and of which several key senior executives are members. This committee meets regularly and management reports formally to the Board on health and safety matters at least once a year. 

Safeguarding is monitored by a Safeguarding Committee of representatives from areas of the company working with children and vulnerable adults. There are comprehensive safeguarding policies for 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

children and at-risk adults. All Trustees and executive directors undertake safeguarding training developed by NSPCC. 

## **Employee Involvement** 

The Charity continues to be focussed on being an organisation that employees enjoy working for, where they feel supported and developed. It operates an open communications policy, informing and seeking the views of its employees through an integrated internal communications plan comprising a range of meeting forums available to all staff. Regular company-wide staff meetings take place throughout the year. Regular meetings are held with the key recognised unions, BECTU and Equity. 

## **Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)** 

We have a structure in place to support us to create an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all artists and staff irrespective of background or identity. This structure comprises a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Steering Group made up of a diverse group of staff volunteers plus three D&I working groups focussing on key areas - Artistic; Audience & Communities; and Workforce, Leadership & Governance. The working groups report to our Board and Directors quarterly and each group consists of key staff in that area. Each working group focuses on aims, objectives and actions set out in an annual action plan, which is updated and approved by the Board along with our D&I company policy. The Board has been closely involved in setting objectives, communicating with working groups and executive Directors. 

In 2023 we delivered a number of talent programmes to nurture and promote artists from underrepresented backgrounds and individuals that may face different challenges to progressing within our industry. 

- We once again worked with Pegasus Opera to deliver a mentoring programme for singers of African or Asian heritage, completing their programme over the summer. 

- An exciting and diverse group of young musicians were selected for our Jerwood Pit Perfect orchestra development scheme that ran throughout the autumn. 

- In 2023 we piloted Youth Academy (14-19) alongside Glyndebourne Academy (16-26). As access to music education, and specialist training is reducing, we are determined to continue supporting young singers who may have faced economic, social, geographical and other barriers that prevent them from progressing their ambition to pursue a career in opera. 10 were selected to take part in the Youth Academy (14-19) summer residential and 10 were selected for the Glyndebourne Academy (16-26) programme which ran from July until October and involved intensive training, mentorship and guidance. 

- 2023 was a busy year for Glyndebourne Youth Opera. The youngest members were invited to audition for a role in Semele resulting in two children being selected to perform. 52 young people performed across 6 performances during the autumn. 

- Glyndebourne has always been committed to supporting composers and the development of new opera. Early in the year we selected two composers for a three-year residency as part of our Balancing the Score scheme, a career development programme that aims to nurture composers from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the world of operatic composition. 

We worked across the year to build closer connections with diverse audiences and communities, including those that are currently underrepresented. This included delivering on new plans for our Autumn Season and, particularly, working with wider communities through the Resound programme. 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

- We opened the Autumn Season by holding two family open days in September offering families an affordable and accessible opportunity to explore Glyndebourne, art and nature. Both days were sold out and were very successful with great feedback. 

- We delivered a range of projects during the autumn to reach out and engage people of all ages. This included opportunities for state school children to Sing with the Glyndebourne Chorus, visits to care homes through the Good Company project, opportunities for schools to experience the thrill of live fully-staged opera for our performances for schools, plus opportunities for college and university students attend special chamber music recitals. 

Our Workforce, Leadership & Governance working group continued to lead on developing plans that ensures we create an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. This includes: 

- Delivering a training and careers programme that fosters inclusivity and supports diverse talent to progress within the arts sector. 

- Raising awareness of the vast array of careers available to young people in the arts and specifically at Glyndebourne is essential when we think about recruiting the next generation of people to create, produce and enable performances of opera. 

- Careers information is included across all our programmes, but specifically once a year we team up with East Sussex Careers Hub and their Open Doors programme. Over one week in the spring, school groups enjoyed half day visits to Glyndebourne where they were taken on a tour through the gardens, Front of House and backstage, culminating in ‘meet the makers’ sessions where students were able to speak to Glyndebourne staff from across the organisation to learn about their jobs and career pathways. 

- We also continued to deliver a careers and apprenticeships programme. Roles and positions included, for example, two Building Services apprentices, a creative venue technician, a role in the lighting team and an apprentice within the Gardens team. 

## **Disabled persons** 

We are a Disability Confident accredited employer and actively encourage applications from disabled candidates as part of our recruitment policies. Where such candidates meet the minimum criteria for the role, they are shortlisted for interview. The physical features of our premises are monitored to assess whether they place disabled workers, job applicants or project participants at a substantial disadvantage compared to others. Where reasonable, we take steps to improve access for disabled company members. All staff, regardless of any disability, are given appropriate access to training to enable them to progress within the organisation. We advertise all our vacancies on a local job board Disability Arts Online. Our annual work experience programme ‘Open Doors’ welcomes young people from both mainstream and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools making appropriate adaptations to the programme for their cognitive and physical needs. 

## **Training and Development** 

The Charity is committed to the training, career development and promotion of all employees. Training programmes are provided to meet any ongoing needs, with the aim of developing employees for both their current and future roles. Following a mandatory D&I workshop run by Creative Access for all permanent and seasonal permanent staff we commissioned a film by the same trainer which we have used for groups of permanent staff and new starters, as part of the induction programme for Front of House staff and will continue to use it for induction of new seasonal staff going forward.  We have also continued to run trans awareness workshops run by Mind Out, a local LBGTQ mental health charity. So 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

far 77 staff have attended. We have also run a number of menopause awareness workshops with to date 40 staff having attended and more planned. In relation to management training we have embarked on a development programme with our Directors and Senior Management Team using an organisational psychologist to help us look at our management behaviours, effectiveness and awareness. The programme will run into the middle of 2024 and will help shape the management culture throughout the organisation. In addition we have continued to run further supervisor training workshops for our middle managers. 

## **Statement of compliance with s172(1) Companies Act 2006** 

The Board of Trustees consider that they have acted in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the charitable company for the benefit of the company as a whole and in doing so have had regard to the following matters set out in s172(1)(a-f) in Companies Act 2006: 

- _The likely consequences of any decision in the long term_ - Our artistic programme is planned, alongside financial budgets, up to four years in advance. Our core financial objectives, alongside robust investment and reserves policies, keep our goal of maintaining financial independence in sight at all times and in support of the objective and ability to create world-class opera, now and in the future. A programme of risk management is in place to identify and respond to potential and actual risks to these goals. Further details of our financial and risk management policies are set out in the Financial Review on pages 11-16. 

- _The interests of the company’s employees_ - Our staff are fundamental to the delivery of our plan. We are committed to ensuring every member of staff feels engaged and empowered in their role. The health, safety and well-being of our employees are primary considerations in the way we deliver our objectives. See page 7 for further information on how we deliver one of our key objectives, to create a stimulating and inspirational environment for all, and pages 20-22 for further details of employee engagement. 

- _The need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others_ - Our fundraising policies and practices are robust and best practice, lending themselves to respectful and transparent engagement with our members and donors (see pages 6-7). We aim to be an inclusive organisation that offers equality of opportunity to all; this policy extends to our relationships with our existing, future and potential employees, artists and audiences, suppliers, supporters and partners (pages 21-23 for further details of our work on D&I). 

- _The impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment_ – Our year-round Learning & Engagement programme is a major area of activity, creating opportunities for groups which may otherwise experience barriers to accessing opera (see pages 4 and 20-21). We are a significant employer in East Sussex, creating employment and business opportunities for many individuals, artists and local businesses. The Charity’s wind turbine enables us to be a net contributor of electricity supply to the National Grid in an environmentally sustainable way. Our Environmental report is laid out on pages 7-10. 

- _The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct –_ This is paramount for the success of the four cornerstones of our strategy. Our culture and values are lived through our organisational and business policies and in how these are applied in 

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## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

day-to-day practice. 

- _The need to act fairly as between members of the company_ – Registers of interests in other companies, charities and businesses are maintained for members of the Board and executive management, and are formally reviewed and updated on an annual basis. Where conflicts of interest arise, they are declared at the start of each Board meeting. 

## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities** 

The Trustees (who are also directors of Glyndebourne Productions Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards). 

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

- make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

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

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

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions, disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the provisions of the charity’s constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Trustees confirm that: 

- so far as each Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware; and 

- the Trustees have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as Trustees in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable company’s auditor is aware of that information. 

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

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **Auditors** 

Crowe U.K. LLP has indicated its willingness to be reappointed as statutory auditors and a resolution to re-appoint them will be proposed at the annual general meeting. 

The Report of the Trustees, which includes the Strategic Report, was approved by the Board on 26 June 2024 and signed on their behalf by: 


Lord Davies of Abersoch Chairman 

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## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** 

## **Trustees** 

The Trustees of the Charitable Company are also its Directors for the purpose of Company law. Throughout this report they are collectively referred to as Trustees. 

Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE (Chair) Jolyon Barker John Botts CBE Sarah Hopwood Alina Kessel Franck Petitgas (retired 31 December 2023) Victoria Robey CBE Christopher Walter Helen Ward 

Gus Christie, Executive Chairman, attends Board meetings in the capacity of a non-voting advisory trustee. 

## **Audit and Finance Committee** 

Jolyon Barker (Chair) John Botts CBE Sarah Hopwood Michael Lynch Christopher Walter 

## **Nominations Committee** 

Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE (Chair) Jolyon Barker Helen Ward 

## **Remuneration Committee** 

Alina Kessel (Chair) Jolyon Barker John Botts CBE Christopher Walter 

## **Development Committee** 

Helen Ward (Chair) Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE John Botts CBE Franck Petitgas (retired 31 December 2023) 

## **Commercial Committee** 

Christopher Walter (Chair) John Botts CBE Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE Alina Kessel Helen Ward 

Page 25 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** 

## **Directors Group** 

Gus Christie – Executive Chairman Stephen Langridge – Artistic Director Richard Davidson-Houston – Managing Director Veronica Brooks – Director of Organisational Development (to 16 February 2023) Eric Gautron – Technical Director (to 05 October 2023) Helen McCarthy – Director of Development Donna Marsh – Operations Director Steven Naylor – Director of Artistic Administration Tyler Stoops - Director of Audience Development (to 19 July 2024) Laura Jukes - Interim Director of Audience Development (from 31 May 2024) Lisa Wong – Finance Director 

## **Registered Office and Principal Office** 

Glyndebourne Lewes East Sussex BN8 5UU 

## **Company Secretary** 

Lisa Wong 

## **Professional Advisers** 

Statutory Crowe U.K. LLP Auditors Chartered Accountants 55 Ludgate Hill London EC4M 7JW Bankers Lloyds TSB plc 25 Gresham Street London EC2V 7HN Investment Capital Group Managers 1 Paddington Square London W2 1DL Rothschild Wealth Management UK Ltd New Court St Swithin’s Lane London EC4N 8AL Solicitors Covington & Burling LLP 22 Bishopsgate London EC2N 4BQ 

26 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Glyndebourne Productions Limited (‘the charitable company’) and its subsidiary (‘the group’) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated and Charity Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

In our opinion the financial statements: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and the charitable company’s affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of the group’s incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; 

- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

## **Basis for opinion** 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company and the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustee's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's or the group’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

## **Other information** 

The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

27 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT** 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

## **Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006** 

In our opinion based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit 

- the information given in the trustees’ report, which includes the directors’ report and the strategic report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

- the strategic report and the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and charitable company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- adequate and proper accounting records have not been kept; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

- certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 23, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

28 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT** 

## **Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

We have been appointed as auditor under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, are set out below. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

## **Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud** 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements from irregularities, whether due to fraud or error, and discussed these between our audit team members including internal specialists. We then designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the charitable company and group operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act 2006 together with the Charities SORP (FRS102) 2019. We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items. 

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the charitable company’s and the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charitable company and the group for fraud. The laws and regulations we considered in this context for the UK operations were General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Health and Safety legislation. 

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. 

We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be within the timing of recognition of membership and ticket income, fundraising income and grant income and the override of controls by management. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management, internal audit and the Audit, Finance & Compliance Committee about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, sample testing on 

29 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT** 

the posting of journals, reviewing accounting estimates for biases, reviewing regulatory correspondence with the Charity Commission, reviewing of internal audit reports and reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. 

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations. 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 


**Naziar Hashemi Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of Crowe U.K. LLP Statutory Auditor** 

## **London** 

**Date: 5 July 2024** 

30 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT)** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Unrestricted  Restricted Endowment Total<br>Note Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022<br>£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000<br>Income from:<br>Donations, legacies and grants  7,047 2,769 0 9,816 11,214<br>Charitable Activities:-<br>- Operation of Festival, Autumn programme<br>Learning & Engagement, and Media Development 22,272 0 0 22,272 20,678<br>Other trading activities<br>- Commercial trading operations 1,352 0 0 1,352 1,092<br>Investment income 246 66 55 367 173<br>Other income 0 0 0 0 0<br>Total income before Theatre Tax Relief 4 30,917 2,835 55 33,807 33,157<br>Theatre Tax Relief 7 3,095 0 0 3,095 3,005<br>Total income 34,012 2,835 55 36,902 36,162<br>Expenditure on:<br>Costs of raising funds:-<br>- Fundraising costs 885 0 0 885 782<br>- Investment management fees 165 29 4 198 194<br>- Commercial trading operations 737 0 0 737 851<br>Charitable activities:-<br>- Operation of Festival, Autumn programme<br>Learning & Engagement, and Media Development 28,406 3,009 0 31,415 30,166<br>Total expenditure  5 30,193 3,038 4 33,235 31,993<br>3,819 -203 51 3,667 4,169<br>Net gains on investments 10 1,310 321 8 1,639 -1,501<br>Net income 5,129 118 59 5,306 2,668<br>Transfers between funds 16 0 65 -65 0 0<br>Net income/(expenditure) after transfers 5,129 183 -6 5,306 2,668<br>Other recognised gains and losses<br>Actuarial gain on the defined<br>benefit pension scheme  17 - - - 0 0<br>Net movement in funds  5,129 183 -6 5,306 2,668<br>Reconciliation of funds<br>Fund balances at 1st January 69,044 9,776 1,024 79,844 77,176<br>Fund Balances at 31st December 74,173 9,959 1,018 85,150 79,844<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The detailed 2022 comparative statement of financial activities is reported in note 3. 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page: 31 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

## **(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **BALANCE SHEETS AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **COMPANY NUMBER 00358266** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2023 2022 2023 2022<br>Note Group Group Charity Charity<br>£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000<br>Fixed Assets:<br>Tangible assets 9 37,771 35,079 37,719 35,075<br>Investments 10 42,692 41,245 42,692 41,245<br>Total Fixed Assets 80,463 76,324 80,411 76,320<br>Current Assets:<br>Stocks 11 73 40 0 0<br>Debtors 12 4,611 4,740 2,077 2,104<br>Cash at bank and in hand 6,837 9,278 6,022 8,809<br>Total current assets 11,521 14,058 8,099 10,913<br>Liabilities:<br>Creditors: Amounts falling<br>due within one year 13 -6,592 -7,738 -6,510 -7,647<br>Net current assets/(liabilities) 4,929 6,320 1,590 3,266<br>Total assets less current liabilities 85,392 82,644 82,002 79,586<br>Creditors: Amounts falling<br>due after more than one year 14 -242 -2,800 -242 -2,800<br>Net assets excluding pension<br>scheme liability 85,150 79,844 81,758 76,786<br>Defined benefit pension<br>scheme liability 18 0 0 0 0<br>Total net assets 85,150 79,844 81,758 76,786<br>Funds:<br>Endowment funds 17 1,018 1,024 1,018 1,024<br>Restricted funds 17 9,959 9,776 9,959 9,776<br>Unrestricted funds 17 74,173 69,044 70,781 65,986<br>Total funds 85,150 79,844 81,758 76,786<br>-1 0<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The net income for the financial year for the parent charity was £4,824k (2022: £1,319k) 

The financial statements were approved on behalf of the Board of Directors on 26 June 2024. 


Lord Davies of Abersoch – Director 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page: 32 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2023 2022<br>£'000 £'000 £'000<br>Net cash provided by operating activities 1,927 1,567<br>Taxation received 3,051 1,158<br>4,978 2,726<br>Cash flows from investing activities<br>Purchase of tangible fixed assets -4,285 -3,231<br>Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets 1 0<br>Purchase of fixed asset investments 0 -13,021<br>Proceeds from disposal of fixed asset investments 0 12,765<br>Interest received  246 62<br>Dividends 121 111<br>Net cash from investing activities -3,917 -3,313<br>Cash flows from financing activities<br>Bank borrowing acquired 0 0<br>Repayments of loan capital -3,500 -1,000<br>Net cash from financing activities -3,500 -1,000<br>Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents -2,439 -1,587<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 9,277 10,865<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 6,838 9,277<br>0<br>Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operation activities<br>2023 2022<br>£'000 £'000<br>Net movement in funds for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial<br>5,306 2,668<br>Activities)<br>Adjusted for:<br>Theatre Tax Credits -3,095 -3,023<br>Losses/(gains) on investments -1,639 1,501<br>Interest received -246 -62<br>Dividends received -121 -111<br>Depreciation and amortisation charges 1,593 1,406<br>Investment fees charged to fund 194 190<br>(Profit)/Loss on disposal of fixed assets -2 111<br>Pension adjustment 0 0<br>Decrease/(Increase) in stock -33 210<br>Decrease/(Increase) in debtors 172 -419<br>Increase/(Decrease)/Increase in creditors -205 -903<br>Net cash provided by operating activities 1,927 1,567<br>Cash and cash equivalents consists of:<br>Cash at bank and in hand 6,837 9,278<br>Cash held by stockbrokers 1 -1<br>6,838 9,277<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page: 33 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **1 CHARITY INFORMATION** 

Glyndebourne Productions Limited is a company limited by Guarantee (registered number 00358266), which is a public benefit entity and registered as a Charity in England and Wales (charity number 243877) and domiciled in the UK. The address of the registered office is Glyndebourne, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5UU. 

## **2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are summarised below. 

## **a. Basis of accounting** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. 

Glyndebourne Productions Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note. The principal accounting policies, as set out below, have all been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding year. 

## **b. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty** 

In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects the current and future periods. 

In the view of the Trustees the most significant accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty that affect items in the financial statements are those pertaining to the defined benefit pension scheme. The Trustees seek the input and advice of qualified professionals as to the appropriate actuarial assumptions to be used in calculating the pension cost and review these on an ongoing basis. The only other significant estimations are those linked to the allocation of support costs. Allocations of this nature inherently require estimation. Note 5 provides more information on the allocation methodology. 

## **c. Group financial statements** 

The financial statements consolidate the results of the Charity and its wholly owned subsidiary, Glyndebourne Enterprises Limited, on a line by line basis. A separate Statement of Financial Activities for the Charity itself is not presented as permitted by the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The Charity has also taken advantage of the exemptions under FRS 102 from the requirements to present a Charity only cash flow statement and certain disclosures about the Charity’s financial instruments. 

Page: 34 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **d. Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis** 

The Board of Trustees has reviewed the financial position of the Group and the Charitable Company and believes there are sufficient resources to manage any operational or financial risks. Having considered financial forecasts for 2023-25, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Therefore the Board continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements. 

## **e. Incoming resources** 

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the items of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

Income is deferred to future accounting periods where the conditions for recognising the income have not been met. Deferred income includes box office receipts and membership subscriptions in respect of the following year’s Festival. 

Box office income consists of ticket sales and is recognised on the night of the performance. 

Income from fundraising, donations and grants, including capital and government grants, is included in incoming resources when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Where the donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the pre-conditions for use have been met. Similarly, where donors specify that the funds must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods. 

For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the estate accounts being approved or cash received. 

Media development income is recognised when receivable and co-production income is recognised in the year the production is staged. 

## **f. 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. 

Page: 35 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

## **(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **g. Fund accounting** 

The charity maintains various funds in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102). These funds, which require separate disclosure, are as follows:- 

**Unrestricted Funds** - These are the general funds of the charity and are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the charitable objectives. The main sources of general funds are from ticket sales, unrestricted fundraising, sundry sales and income from the investment of general funds. The main applications of general funds are the production of opera for the Festival and Autumn programme and the overhead costs associated with these. 

**Designated Funds** - These are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects. 

**Restricted Funds** - These are funds which are subject to specific objects declared by the donor or which are raised by appeal for a specific purpose. These funds are expendable by the Trustees in furtherance of the specific object for which they were given unless the donor later agrees that they can be applied for a general purpose.  Due to the nature of these funds they are accounted for separately from the general funds of the charity. 

**Endowment Funds** – These are funds to be held permanently, or for a pre-agreed period of time, although their constituent assets may change from time to time, and they are also subject to specific restrictions imposed by the donor on their use. 

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **h. Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT** 

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Certain expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities and has been included in those cost categories. The main categories of expenditure comprise: 

- Charitable activities: direct costs of the Festival, Tour, Learning & Engagement and Media Development. 

- Costs of raising funds: salaries and other direct costs relating to the fundraising and membership department, investment management fees and the costs of the trading subsidiary, Glyndebourne Enterprises Limited. 

Support costs are allocated to the above categories based on the proportion of staff involved in each activity and the space used and irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. 

Production costs are written off in the year in which they are incurred except where they relate to productions to be performed in future years. These are deferred to the extent that the Trustees consider they are recoverable in subsequent accounting years. 

Page: 36 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **i. Termination benefits** 

Termination benefits are employee benefits provided in exchange for the termination of an employee's employment. The liability and expense for termination benefits is recognised at the point when the offer of those benefits can no longer be withdrawn. 

## **j. Foreign currencies** 

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at that date. The resulting exchange gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities. 

## **k. Theatre Tax Relief** 

Glyndebourne Productions Limited and Glyndebourne Enterprises Limited have entered legal agreements in respect of each production to be performed from 2015 whereby Glyndebourne Productions Limited commissions Glyndebourne Enterprises Limited to produce the operas and Glyndebourne Enterprises Limited in turn has contracted Glyndebourne Productions Limited to provide appropriate resources and skills to enter into the relevant third party contracts. 

The income and expenditure resulting from these contracts will be recognised on the first night of each production. All costs relating to operas to be performed in future accounting periods have been included within prepayments. 

Theatre Tax Relief is recognised at the amount expected to be recovered based on qualifying expenditure incurred and the rates of relief that have been enacted at the balance sheet date. 

## **l. Tangible Fixed Assets** 

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised. Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, other than paintings, at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a straight line basis over its expected useful economic life, as follows: 

Freehold property                                              2% per annum Opera House complex, comprising: - Leasehold buildings                                        over the period of the original lease to 2050 - Wind Turbine                                                10% per annum - Plant, machinery, fixtures and fittings              between 5% and 20% per annum 

Plant and Equipment                                         20% per annum 

Paintings are not depreciated but held at historic cost and assessed for impairment annually. 

Assets under the course of construction are not depreciated until they become available for productive use. 

## **m. Stock** 

Stock is included at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. 

Page: 37 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **n. Financial Instruments** 

Glyndebourne Productions Limited has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash and bank in hand, trade debtors and other debtors. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise trade creditors, other creditors, loans payable and accruals. Loan interest payments covered by UK Government are recognised as finance costs with equal and corresponding amounts recorded as government grants. 

Investments are held at fair value at the balance sheet date, with gains and losses being recognised within income and expenditure. Investments in subsidiaries are held at cost less impairment. 

## **o. Contribution to pension fund** 

The Company participates in a Mastertrust scheme with the People’s Pension in accordance with meeting auto enrolment responsibilities. 

No contributions have been made to the Christie Pension & Life Assurance Scheme since the closure of the scheme to future accrual as at 31 December 2022. Contributions to the People’s Pension are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable. The assets of the Christie Pension & Life Assurance Scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company and its subsidiary. 

The actuarial loss on the defined benefit section for the year is disclosed under other recognised gains and losses in the Statement of Financial Activities. The current service costs and financial charge are included within the costs of operations.  These movements are analysed in detail in note 18. 

The pension surplus/liability forms part of the unrestricted funds. 

## **p. Operating leases** 

Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 

Page: 38 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

**(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 3 **DETAILED COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

|**Income from:**<br>Donations, legacies and grants<br>Charitable Activities:-<br>- Operation of Festival, Tour, Learning &<br>Engagement, and Media Development<br>Other trading activities<br>- Commercial trading operations<br>Investment income<br>Other income<br>**Total income before Theatre Tax**<br>4<br>Theatre Tax Relief<br>7<br>Total income<br>Expenditure on:<br>Costs of raising funds:-<br>- Fundraising costs<br>- Investment management fees<br>- Commercial trading operations<br>Charitable activities:-<br>- Operation of Festival, Tour, Learning &<br>Engagement and Media Development<br>Total expenditure<br>5<br>Net gains on investments<br>10<br>Net income<br>Transfers between funds<br>16<br>Net income/(expenditure) after transfers<br>Other recognised gains and losses<br>Actuarial gain on the defined<br>benefit pension scheme<br>17<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Reconciliation of funds**<br>**Fund balances at 1st January**<br>**Fund Balances at 31st December**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£'000**<br>7,058<br>20,678<br>1,092<br>62<br>0<br>28,890<br>3,005<br>31,895<br>782<br>161<br>851<br>25,332<br>27,126<br>4,769<br>-1,405<br>3,364<br>8<br>3,372<br>-<br>3,372<br>65,672<br>69,044|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£'000**<br>4,156<br>0<br>0<br>57<br>0<br>4,213<br>0<br>4,213<br>0<br>29<br>0<br>4,834<br>4,863<br>-650<br>-26<br>-676<br>66<br>-610<br>-<br>-610<br>10,386<br>9,776|**Endowment**<br>**Funds**<br>**£'000**<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>54<br>0<br>54<br>0<br>54<br>0<br>4<br>0<br>0<br>4<br>-50<br>-70<br>-20<br>-74<br>-94<br>-<br>-94<br>1,118<br>1,024|**Total**<br>**2022**<br>**£'000**<br>11,214<br>20,678<br>1,092<br>173<br>0<br>33,157<br>3,005<br>36,162<br>782<br>194<br>851<br>30,166<br>31,993<br>4,169<br>-1,501<br>2,668<br>0<br>2,668<br>0<br>2,668<br>77,176<br>79,844|
|---|---|---|---|---|



Page: 39 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 4 **INCOME** 

|**Income from donations, legacies and grants**<br>Legacies *<br>Donations<br>Memberships<br>Government grants<br>Arts Council England grant<br>**Income from charitable activities**<br>Box Office<br>Programme book<br>Catering<br>Media Development<br>Other Sundry Income<br>**Income from trading activities**<br>Archive<br>Wind Turbine<br>Production sale and hire<br>Retail and Art<br>Commercial props-making<br>**Other income**<br>**Total income**<br>**Income from investments**<br>Interest income<br>Dividend income|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£'000**<br>558<br>3,197<br>3,292<br>0<br>0<br>7,047<br>17,789<br>151<br>3,800<br>71<br>461<br>22,272<br>2<br>381<br>276<br>661<br>32<br>1,352<br>246<br>0<br>246<br>0<br>30,917|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£'000**<br>11<br>1,958<br>0<br>0<br>800<br>2,769<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>66<br>66<br>0<br>2,835|**Endowment**<br>**Funds**<br>**£'000**<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>55<br>55<br>0<br>55|**2023**<br>**Total**<br>**£'000**<br>**569**<br>**5,155**<br>**3,292**<br>**0**<br>**800**<br>**9,816**<br>**17,789**<br>**151**<br>**3,800**<br>**71**<br>**461**<br>**22,272**<br>**2**<br>**381**<br>**276**<br>**661**<br>**32**<br>**1,352**<br>**246**<br>**121**<br>**367**<br>**0**<br>**33,807**|2022<br>Total<br>£'000<br>536<br>5,615<br>3,384<br>3<br>1,676<br>11,214<br>17,048<br>106<br>3,084<br>40<br>400<br>20,678<br>2<br>211<br>199<br>633<br>47<br>1,092<br>62<br>111<br>173<br>0<br>33,157|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



* In addition to the legacy income recognised in the financial statements, the Charity has received notification of a number of wills in which the Charity has been named as a beneficiary but where the conditions for recognition of the income have not yet been fulfilled. Where there is sufficient information to quantify the value of such legacies, this pipeline is estimated at £1,583k as at 31 December 2023 (2022: £476k). 

Page: 40 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

## **(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
5 EXPENDITURE<br>2023 2022<br>Charitable activities Total Total<br>Operation of Festival, Autumn programme, Learning £'000 £'000<br> & Engagement and Media Development:-<br>Artistic costs 8,678 9,692<br>Technical and production 7,281 6,809<br>Touring expenses 0 100<br>Programme books 102 101<br>Learning & Engagement 454 464<br>Depreciation and amortisation 1,592 1,406<br>(Profit)/Loss on disposal of fixed assets -2 111<br>VAT annual adjustments 150 -406<br>Marketing, press and content 631 683<br>Front of House 1,021 980<br>Transport and car park 275 245<br>Box office 619 513<br>Media Development  269 858<br>Catering 3,320 2,671<br>Support costs  7,025 5,938<br>31,415 30,166<br>Cost of raising funds<br>Fundraising costs:-<br>Glyndebourne Festival  728 648<br>Glyndebourne Autumn programme 3 4<br>Support costs  154 130<br>885 782<br>Investment management fees 198 194<br>Commercial trading operations:-<br>Wind Turbine 46 36<br>Production sale and hire 29 21<br>Retail and Art 630 676<br>Commercial props-making 15 22<br>General administration 17 96<br>737 851<br>Total expenditure  33,235 31,993<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Page: 41 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

## **(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 5 **EXPENDITURE (Continued)** 

## **Allocation of Support Costs** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Charitable|Cost of|2023|2022|
|activities|raising funds|Total|Total|
|£'000|£'000|£'000|£'000|
|Administration salaries and related costs|3,309|0|73|0|3,382|2,995|
|Glyndebourne House and Gardens|470|0|10|0|480|434|
|Insurance|461|0|10|0|471|298|
|Building and services|1,199|0|26|0|1,225|977|
|Professional fees|248|0|5|0|253|239|
|Governance costs|71|0|2|0|73|79|
|Information technology|724|0|16|0|740|715|
|Other overheads|543|0|12|0|555|331|
|7,025|154|7,179|6,068|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The support costs are apportioned according to the proportion of staff generating funds and the percentage of square footage used for fundraising. 

## 6 **NET INCOME** 

Net income is stated after charging: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||
|---|---|---|
|2023|2022|
|Administration expenses including:|£'000|£'000|
|Depreciation|1,593|1,406|
|Operating leases - land and buildings|0|4|
|Auditor's remuneration|
|- audit fees|39|37|
|- tax compliance fees|11|10|
|- tax advice|11|1|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## 7 **TAXATION** 

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. 

Theatre Tax credits arising from core expenditure on productions have been accounted for in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2014. The amounts receivable are set out below. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||
|---|---|---|
|2023|2022|
|£'000|£'000|
|UK corporation tax credits receivable:|
|Provision for Theatre Tax Relief in respect of current year productions|3,048|3,005|
|Adjustment in respect of previous periods|46|0|
|3,095|3,005|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Page: 42 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 8 **STAFF COSTS AND REMUNERATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL** 

|Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Other pension costs<br>The average weekly number of persons employed by the<br>group during the year was:<br>Learning and Engagement<br>Fundraising<br>Marketing and Communications<br>Artistic Programme<br>Technical and Production<br>Front of House Services<br>Other Support Staff<br>Shop|**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**11,232**<br>**967**<br>**281**<br>**12,480**<br>**2023**<br>**7**<br>**8**<br>**15**<br>**61**<br>**116**<br>**63**<br>**65**<br>**7**<br>**343**|2022<br>£'000<br>10,160<br>915<br>252<br>11,327<br>2022<br>8<br>8<br>16<br>56<br>106<br>55<br>57<br>9<br>315|
|---|---|---|



This figure includes part time staff rather than full time equivalent, and chorus and performers who are on the payroll, amounting to 42 in 2023 (2022: 36). 

The number of employees receiving remuneration in excess of £60,000 p.a. was as follows:- 

||||**2023**|2022|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|£60,001|-|£70,000|**3**|3|
|£70,001|-|£80,000|**2**|1|
|£80,001|-|£90,000||3|
|£90,001|-|£100,000|**2**||
|£100,001|-|£110,000|**1**||
|£110,001|-|£120,000||3|
|£120,001|-|£130,000|**3**|1|
|£130,001|-|£140,000||1|
|£150,001|-|£160,000||1|
|£160,001|-|£170,000|**2**||
|£210,001|-|£220,000|**1**||



The pension costs in respect of these employees amounted to £122,842 (2022: £68,759). 

The key management personnel of the company comprise the Executive Chairman, the Managing Director, the Artistic Director, the Director of Artistic Administration, the Technical Director, the Director of Development, the Director of Audience Development and Media, the Finance Director, the Director of Customer Experience, and the Director of Organisational Development.  The total employee benefits of the key management personnel, including pension contributions and employer's National Insurance contributions, for the reporting period were £1,346,723 (2022: £1,297,219). 

Redundancy, termination and ex-gratia payments amounted to £75,800 (2022: £14,795) during the year, with £nil (2022: £nil) outstanding as at the year end. 

Page: 43 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

## **(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 9 **TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS – GROUP** 

|**Freehold**<br>**Property**<br>**COST**<br>**£'000**<br>At 1st January 2023<br>2,904<br>Additions<br>0<br>Disposals<br>0<br>Transfers<br>0<br>At 31st December 2023<br>2,904<br>**DEPRECIATION**<br>At 1st January 2023<br>923<br>Disposals<br>0<br>Charge for the year<br>58<br>At 31st December 2023<br>981<br>**NET BOOK VALUE**<br>At 31st December 2023<br>**1,923**<br>At 31st December 2022<br>1,981<br>**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS – CHARITY**<br>**Freehold**<br>**Property**<br>**COST**<br>**£'000**<br>At 1st January 2023<br>2,904<br>Additions<br>0<br>Disposals<br>0<br>Transfers<br>0<br>At 31st December 2023<br>2,904<br>**DEPRECIATION**<br>At 1st January 2023<br>923<br>Disposals<br>0<br>Charge for the year<br>58<br>At 31st December 2023<br>981<br>**NET BOOK VALUE**<br>At 31st December 2023<br>**1,923**<br>At 31st December 2022<br>1,981|**Opera**<br>**House**<br>**Complex**<br>**£'000**<br>58,780<br>2,355<br>0<br>1,698<br>62,833<br>27,761<br>0<br>1,347<br>29,108<br>**33,725**<br>31,019<br>**Opera**<br>**House**<br>**Complex**<br>**£'000**<br>58,780<br>2,355<br>0<br>1,698<br>62,833<br>27,761<br>0<br>1,347<br>29,108<br>**33,725**<br>31,018|**Plant and**<br>**Equipment**<br>**£'000**<br>3,474<br>226<br>0<br>145<br>3,845<br>2,648<br>0<br>188<br>2,836<br>**1,009**<br>826<br>**Plant and**<br>**Equipment**<br>**£'000**<br>3,439<br>177<br>0<br>145<br>3,761<br>2,616<br>0<br>188<br>2,804<br>**957**<br>823|**Assets in**<br>**the course of**<br>**construction**<br>**£'000**<br>1,253<br>1,704<br>0<br>-1,843<br>1,114<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>**1,114**<br>1,253<br>**Assets in**<br>**the course of**<br>**construction**<br>**£'000**<br>1,253<br>1,704<br>0<br>-1,843<br>1,114<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>**1,114**<br>1,253|**Total**<br>**£'000**<br>**66,411**<br>**4,285**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**70,696**<br>**31,332**<br>**0**<br>**1,593**<br>**32,925**<br>**37,771**<br>35,079<br>**Total**<br>**£'000**<br>**66,376**<br>**4,236**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**70,612**<br>**31,300**<br>**0**<br>**1,593**<br>**32,893**<br>**37,719**<br>35,075|
|---|---|---|---|---|



The Charity has been granted a lease over the Opera House and surrounding land at a peppercorn rent expiring in 2075. 

Page: 44 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

## **(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

|**INVESTMENTS**<br>Market value at start of year<br>Additions at cost<br>Proceeds from disposal<br>Investment manager fees charged to fund|**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**41,246**<br>42,681<br>**0**<br>13,021<br>**0**<br>-12,765<br>**-194**<br>-190<br>**Group**|**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**41,246**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**-194**<br>**Charity**|2022<br>£'000<br>42,681<br>13,021<br>-12,765<br>-190|
|---|---|---|---|
|Gains on revaluation of<br>investments|**41,052**<br>42,747<br>**1,639**<br>-1,501|**41,052**<br>**1,639**|42,747<br>-1,501|
|Market value at end of year<br>Cash held by stockbrokers|**42,691**<br>41,246<br>**1**<br>-1|**42,691**<br>**1**|41,246<br>-1|
||**42,692**<br>41,245|**42,692**|41,245|
|Historical cost of investments|**38,078**<br>38,076|**38,078**|38,076|
|Investment in subsidiary|-<br>-|**£100**|£100|
|Quoted on recognised Stock Exchanges:<br>**UK**<br>**Overseas**<br>**Investments**<br>**Investments**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>Debt Instruments<br>**392**<br>**13,193**<br>Equities<br>**1,574**<br>**24,206**<br>Alternative Markets<br>**1,456**<br>**0**<br>Cash<br>**1**<br>**1,870**<br>**2023**|UK<br>**Total**<br>Investments<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**13,585**<br>279<br>**25,780**<br>2,711<br>**1,456**<br>1,240<br>**1,871**<br>-1|Overseas<br>Investments<br>£'000<br>11,367<br>22,793<br>0<br>2,856<br>2022|Total<br>£'000<br>11,646<br>25,504<br>1,240<br>2,855|
|**3,423**<br>**39,269**|**42,692**<br>4,229|37,016|41,245|
|**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>Turnover<br>**16,755**<br>16,979<br>Cost of sales and administration expenses<br>**-16,464**<br>-16,994<br>Interest receivable and similar income<br>**0**<br>0<br>Donation to Glyndebourne Productions Limited<br>**-3,051**<br>-1,641<br>Theatre tax relief<br>**3,095**<br>3,005<br>The wholly owned trading subsidiary Glyndebourne Enterprises Limited (company reg no: 03937344) is registered within the<br>UK at the same registered address as GPL and donates its profits to the Charity under gift aid. A summary of the trading results<br>is shown below:-||||
|Net retained (loss)/profit||**335**|1,349|
|The assets and liabilities of the subsidiary were:<br>Assets<br>Creditors: amounts falling due within the year||**4,138**<br>**-587**|3,615<br>-400|
|Creditors: amounts falling due after one year||**3,551**<br>**-158**|3,216<br>-158|
|||**3,393**|3,058|
|Aggregate share capital and reserves||**3,393**|3,058|



## 10 **INVESTMENTS** 

Page: 45 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

**(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

|11<br>**STOCKS**<br>Goods for resale<br>12<br>**DEBTORS**|**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**73**<br>40<br>**GROUP**|
|---|---|



|Trade debtors<br>Allowance for doubtful debts<br>Amounts owed by subsidiary<br>undertaking<br>Theatre Tax Relief<br>Other debtors and prepayments|**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**733**<br>1,229<br>**0**<br>0<br>**733**<br>1,229<br>**0**<br>0<br>**3,048**<br>3,005<br>**830**<br>506<br>**4,611**<br>4,740<br>**GROUP**|**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**583**<br>1,131<br>**0**<br>0<br>**583**<br>1,131<br>**664**<br>467<br>**0**<br>0<br>**830**<br>506<br>**2,077**<br>2,104<br>**CHARITY**|
|---|---|---|



Included in the above are the following amounts falling due after more than one year:- 

|Amounts owed by subsidiary<br>undertaking|**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>0<br>0<br>**GROUP**|**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**158**<br>158<br>**CHARITY**|
|---|---|---|



Interest is charged on the unsecured loan to the trading subsidiary at 1% above bank base rate.  There are no fixed terms for repayment of the loan which arose from the initial financing of the subsidiary’s stock and fixed assets. 

## 13 **CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year** 

|Trade creditors<br>Tax and social security costs<br>VAT<br>Other creditors<br>Loan<br>Accruals<br>Deferred income|**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**858**<br>934<br>**239**<br>257<br>**424**<br>411<br>**1,043**<br>1,109<br>**0**<br>1,000<br>**651**<br>631<br>**3,377**<br>3,396<br>**6,592**<br>7,738<br>**GROUP**|**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**780**<br>858<br>**235**<br>242<br>**424**<br>411<br>**1,043**<br>1,109<br>**0**<br>1,000<br>**651**<br>631<br>**3,377**<br>3,396<br>**6,510**<br>7,647<br>**CHARITY**|
|---|---|---|



Page: 46 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

- 13 **CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year (continued)** 

## **Deferred Income** 

|Glyndebourne Festival Society fees<br>Sponsorship of productions<br>Catering licensing agreement<br>Other donations<br>Advertising and other income<br>**CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after more**<br>Loan<br>Deferred income<br>Catering licensing agreement<br>**LOAN**<br>Capital repayments falling due in:<br>Less than 1 year<br>1 - 2 years<br>2 - 5 years<br>Over 5 years|£'000<br>2,305<br>414<br>58<br>493<br>126<br>3,396<br>**than one year**<br>At 1st<br>January 2023|£'000<br>£'000<br>-2,305<br>2,108<br>-414<br>635<br>-58<br>0<br>-493<br>503<br>-126<br>73<br>-3,396<br>3,319<br> <br>**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**0**<br>2,500<br>**242**<br>300<br>**242**<br>2,800<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>300<br>-58<br>**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**0**<br>1,000<br>**0**<br>1,000<br>**0**<br>1,500<br>**0**<br>0<br>**0**<br>3,500<br>Released to<br>incoming<br>resources<br>Deferred in<br>year<br>**GROUP**<br>Released to<br>creditors due<br>within one<br>year<br>At 1st<br>January<br>2023<br>**GROUP**|£'000<br>**£'000**<br>0<br>**2,108**<br>0<br>**635**<br>58<br>**58**<br>0<br>**503**<br>0<br>**73**<br>58<br>**3,377**<br>**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**0**<br>2,500<br>**242**<br>300<br>**242**<br>2,800<br>£'000<br>**£'000**<br>0<br>**242**<br>**2023**<br>2022<br>**£'000**<br>£'000<br>**0**<br>1,000<br>**0**<br>1,000<br>**0**<br>1,500<br>**0**<br>0<br>**0**<br>3,500<br>From<br>creditors due<br>after one year<br>**At 31st**<br>**December**<br>**2023**<br>**CHARITY**<br>Deferred in<br>year<br>**At 31st**<br>**December**<br>**2023**<br>**CHARITY**|
|---|---|---|---|



## 14 **CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after more than one year** 

## 15 **LOAN** 

The Charity's Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) term loan facility with Lloyds Bank plc was repaid in full during 2023. 

## 16 **SHARE CAPITAL** 

The company is limited by guarantee, having no share capital, members having a liability not exceeding £1 each. 

Page: 47 



## **GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

## **(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

17 **STATEMENT OF FUNDS** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Total|Total|Realised and|At 31st|
|At 1st January|incoming|resources|unrealised|December|
|2023|resources|expended|Transfers|gains|2023|
|Notes|£'000|£'000|£'000|£'000|£'000|£'000|
|Endowment Funds|
|Permanent Endowment|
|- Josephine Barlow Memorial Fund|(a)|50|0|0|0|-|50|
|Expendable Endowments|
|- Dr G Theano|(b)|20|0|0|-10|0|10|
|- Wood Peters Fund|(c)|954|55|-4|-55|8|958|
|Total Endowment Funds|1,024|55|-4|-65|8|1,018|
|Restricted Funds|
|Glyndebourne Festival Opera|0|25|-866|841|0|0|
|Glyndebourne Autumn programme|(d)|0|1,003|-1,395|392|0|0|
|Learning & Engagement|0|105|-454|423|0|74|
|Media Development|0|0|-172|172|0|0|
|New Generation Programme|(e)|6,035|1,529|-29|-1,296|260|6,499|
|Isabel Leete Legacy Fund|(f)|244|0|0|-227|0|17|
|Arthur Wise Legacy Fund|(g)|301|0|0|-174|0|127|
|Garden Fund|(h)|0|21|-21|0|0|0|
|Benches|0|14|-14|0|0|0|
|Donald Anderson Award|(i)|0|8|-8|0|0|0|
|COVID-19 Fund|(j)|0|25|-25|0|0|0|
|Gillian Fane Aspiring Artists Fund|(k)|3,194|66|-15|-66|61|3,240|
|Croquet Pavilion|(l)|2|0|0|0|0|2|
|Lighting department|(m)|0|8|-8|0|0|0|
|Archive digitisation project|(n)|0|31|-31|0|0|0|
|Total Restricted Funds|9,776|2,835|-3,038|65|321|9,959|
|Unrestricted Funds|
|Designated funds|(o)|
|Growth Fund|750|0|-85|0|0|665|
|Capital investment reserve|11,408|0|0|3,095|0|14,503|
|Backstage automation|0|0|-657|657|0|0|
|Freelancer fund|488|0|-10|0|0|478|
|Carbon emissions offset|10|0|-10|20|0|20|
|Tangible fixed assets|0|0|0|37,771|0|37,771|
|Non Designated funds|
|General reserve|56,388|34,012|-29,433|-41,542|1,310|20,736|
|Total Unrestricted Funds|69,044|34,012|-30,193|0|1,310|74,173|
|Total Funds|79,844|36,902|-33,235|0|1,639|85,150|
|0|0|0|0|0|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Endowment Funds** 

(a) Josephine Barlow Memorial Fund 

A legacy of £50,000 was received during 2012, the income on which is to be used in support of the Music Preparation Scheme and the Garden Fund.  The capital is to be made available for general use after twenty years.  The Fund is represented by a separate treasury deposit within the GPL bank account. During the year interest of £1,050 (2022: £25) was earned on the deposit account which was shared equally between the Music Preparation Scheme and the Garden Fund. 

## (b) Dr G Theano 

An expendable endowment was received during 2017 to be used in support of the biennial Opera Cup. The Fund is represented by a separate treasury deposit. Following the decision to not run the Opera Cup in 2022, the funder generously agreed that £20,000 could be drawn down to support a debut artist in the 2022 revivial of _Marriage of Figaro_ , and a further £10,225 to support the Talent Development concert in Autumn 2023. 

## (c) Wood Peters fund 

A legacy was received in 2001 in the sum of £1,000,000 with a further £18,516 received in February 2003. These funds have been separately invested in two portfolios managed by Rothschild and Capital Group in order to maximise income to be used to support the Glyndebourne Autumn Season, meeting the costs of understudies. 

Page: 48 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 17 **STATEMENT OF FUNDS (Continued)** 

## **Restricted Funds** 

Incoming resources in respect of the Festival, Autumn programme, Learning and Engagement, Media Development and the New Generation Programme comprise net gains on investments held within restricted portfolios, sponsorship, grants and donations from third parties, given towards specific areas of activity undertaken during the year. 

- (d) Incoming resources for the Glyndebourne Autumn programme include a grant from Arts Council England (ACE) of £800,000 (2022: £1,359,025) and emergency funding of £200,000 from a donor in response to the reduction in ACE funding. 

- (e) The New Generation Programme (NGP) is used to support a number of projects within GPL across the following five key strands of work: developing future audiences, securing artistic excellence, learning and development, developing our skills and investing in our facilities. A budget is set annually for each of these strands and the programmes within them, forming the fundraising target for that year. At the end of each year the funds raised against actual costs incurred are reviewed in order to determine how much will be transferred to GPL to support each programme. 

- (f) The NGP is entitled to draw down on the Isabel Leete Legacy Fund, which is restricted for the support of Glyndebourne Learning & Engagement (L&E) projects. In 2023 £227,337 was transferred from the Isabel Leete Legacy Fund to NGP to support the L&E programme (2022: £11,971). 

- (g) A legacy of £300k was received from Arthur Wise in 2016 with the request that these funds be used for the encouragement and support of young singers. A further sum of £49,824 was received in respect of this legacy in 2018. In 2023 £173,957 was transferred from the Arthur Wise Legacy Fund to NGP (2022: £nil). 

- (h) The garden fund is used for donations given specifically for the maintenance and development of the gardens. 

- (i) The Donald Anderson Award, established in 2011, was created to assist a young Glyndebourne Autumn programme (previously Tour) singer with his or her studies and to provide performance experience at home or abroad. It is financed by the Donald A Anderson Trust. 

- (j) The COVID-19 emergency appeal was launched in 2020 in response to the threat of significant financial losses arising from enforced closure of theatres during the pandemic. £24k of gift aid on such donations was received in 2023. 

- (k) A legacy and donations in memoriam were received in 2021 to set up the Gillian Fane Aspiring Artists Fund, to support emerging and developing artistic talent.These funds have been invested in a portfolio managed by Capital Group with income arising used to support the cover artists programme. 

- (l) A donation of £100,000 was received during 2021 as part-sponsorship of a new undercover dining and entertainment space. This project is under review. 

- (m) A donation of £7,500 (inclusive of gift aid) was received in 2023 to fund training and development in the Lighting department. 

- (n) A donation of £30,831 was received in 2023 to fund a project to digitise Glyndebourne's archive records. **Unrestricted Funds** 

- (o) Designated funds at the year end comprise the commitment of funds as follows: 

   - Growth Fund: to supply financing for discreet, time-limited projects that are designed to stimulate or accelerate profitable growth or else permanently reduce operating costs. 

   - Capital investment reserve: for major capital asset overhauls and replacements. 

   - Backstage Automation Fund: automation of backstage systems. 

   - Freelancer Fund: in recognition of the limited financial support that freelancers were eligible for from government during the pandemic, the Charity set up this fund with effect from end of 2021 to provide emergency funding to GPL contracted freelancers in times of need. 

   - Carbon emissions offset fund: investment of an amount equivalent to £25 per tonne CO2 (in line with current suggested contribution to Woodland Trust UK) in direct carbon emission reduction plans at Glyndebourne within the following 12 months. 

   - Tangible fixed assets fund: representing reserves of value equivalent to the net book value of tangible fixed assets. 

## **Transfers** 

Net transfers during the year comprise transfers from the restricted NGP, Gillian Fane Aspiring Artists, Leete legacy, and Wise legacy funds; and the Wood Peters and Theano endowment funds to the core strands of GPL amounting to £1,828k (2022: £2,279k), reflecting use of these restricted fund to support a number of projects including ticket subsidies for U30s and the Jerwood Chorus Development Scheme. Within designated funds, £3,095k (2022: £2,252k) has been added to the capital investment reserve in recognition of upcoming major capital asset overhauls and replacements needed. The Annual Fund donations received in 2023, amounting to £657k (2022: £642k), have been transferred into the designated fund for the backstage automation project, reflecting the Trustees' commitment to underwrite the fundraising campaign for this project. A designation of £37.8m has also been made in 2023 to reflect the Tangible Fixed Assets fund (see (o) above). 

## **Analysis of Group net assets between funds:** 

|Tangible fixed assets<br>Investments<br>Cash at bank<br>Other net current liabilities<br>Creditors due after one year<br>**Net assets**|Unrestricted<br>£'000<br>37,771<br>32,180<br>4,914<br>-450<br>-242<br>74,173|Restricted<br>£'000<br>0<br>9,554<br>1,852<br>-1,447<br>0<br>9,959|Endowment<br>£'000<br>0<br>958<br>71<br>-11<br>0<br>1,018|**Total**<br>**£'000**<br>**37,771**<br>**42,692**<br>**6,837**<br>**-1,908**<br>**-242**<br>**85,150**|
|---|---|---|---|---|



Page: 49 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 17 **STATEMENT OF FUNDS (Continued)** 

## **PRIOR YEAR STATEMENT OF FUNDS** 

|Notes<br>£'000<br>£'000<br>**Endowment Funds**<br>Permanent Endowment<br>- Josephine Barlow Memorial Fund<br>(a)<br>50<br>0<br>Expendable Endowments<br>- Dr G Theono<br>(b)<br>40<br>0<br>- Woods/Peters Fund<br>(c)<br>1,028<br>54<br>**Total Endowment Funds**<br>1,118<br>54<br>**Restricted Funds**<br>Glyndebourne Festival Opera<br>0<br>25<br>Glyndebourne Tour<br>(d)<br>0<br>1,705<br>Learning & Engagement<br>0<br>160<br>Media Development<br>0<br>0<br>New Generation Programme<br>(e)<br>6,996<br>1,535<br>Isabel Leete Legacy Fund<br>(f)<br>256<br>0<br>Arthur Wise Legacy Fund<br>(g)<br>301<br>0<br>Backstage automation<br>(h)<br>0<br>500<br>Garden Fund<br>(i)<br>0<br>18<br>Benches<br>0<br>19<br>Donald Anderson Award<br>(j)<br>8<br>0<br>COVID-19 Fund<br>(k)<br>0<br>23<br>Gillian Fane Aspiring Artists Fund<br>(kk)<br>2,823<br>228<br>Croquet Pavilion<br>(l)<br>2<br>0<br>**Total Restricted Funds**<br>10,386<br>4,213<br>**Unrestricted Funds**<br>**Designated funds**<br>(m)<br>Growth Fund<br>0<br>0<br>Capital investment reserve<br>9,153<br>0<br>Backstage automation<br>515<br>0<br>Freelancer fund<br>500<br>0<br>Carbon emissions offset<br>0<br>0<br>**Non Designated funds**<br>General reserve<br>55,504<br>31,895<br>**Total Unrestricted Funds**<br>65,672<br>31,895<br>**Total Funds**<br>77,176<br>36,162<br>**Analysis of Group net assets between funds:**<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>Investments<br>Cash at bank<br>Other net current liabilities<br>Creditors due after one year<br>**Net assets**<br>At 1st<br>January 2022<br>Total<br>incoming<br>resources|£'000<br>0<br>0<br>-4<br>-4<br>-869<br>-2,127<br>-452<br>-818<br>-29<br>0<br>0<br>-500<br>-18<br>-19<br>0<br>-23<br>-8<br>0<br>-4,863<br>0<br>0<br>-1,157<br>-12<br>0<br>-25,957<br>-27,126<br>-31,993<br>Unrestricted<br>£'000<br>35,079<br>31,013<br>6,648<br>-896<br>-2,800<br>69,044<br>Total<br>resources<br>expended|£'000<br>0<br>-20<br>-54<br>-74<br>844<br>422<br>292<br>818<br>-2,259<br>-12<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>-8<br>0<br>-31<br>0<br>66<br>750<br>2,255<br>642<br>0<br>10<br>-3,650<br>7<br>-1<br>Restricted<br>£'000<br>0<br>9,277<br>2,561<br>-2,062<br>0<br>9,776<br>Transfers|£'000<br>-<br>0<br>-70<br>-70<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>-208<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>182<br>0<br>-26<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>-1,405<br>-1,405<br>-1,501<br>Endowment<br>£'000<br>0<br>955<br>69<br>0<br>0<br>1,024<br>Realised and<br>unrealised<br>gains|**£'000**<br>**50**<br>**20**<br>**954**<br>**1,024**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**6,035**<br>**244**<br>**301**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**0**<br>**3,194**<br>**2**<br>**9,776**<br>**750**<br>**11,408**<br>**0**<br>**488**<br>**10**<br>**56,388**<br>**69,044**<br>**79,844**<br>**Total**<br>**£'000**<br>**35,079**<br>**41,245**<br>**9,278**<br>**-2,958**<br>**-2,800**<br>**79,844**<br>**At 31st**<br>**December**<br>**2022**|
|---|---|---|---|---|



Page: 50 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 18 **PENSION SCHEMES** 

Glyndebourne Productions Limited is one of several employers participating in the Christie Pension and Life Assurance Scheme. With effect from 05 December 2008, the Christie Pension and Life Assurance Scheme was sectionalised, thus restricting the Charity’s liability to that only in respect of Glyndebourne group employees, past and present. The assets of this scheme are held in separate trustee-administered funds. The scheme now comprises only a defined benefit pension scheme, which was closed to new entrants from 01 January 2001 and further closed to future accrual from 31 December 2022. The Scheme carried out a buy-in transaction with Just Group plc covering all Scheme liabilities as of 04 August 2023. 

The assets of the defined contribution section of the Christie Pension and Life Assurance Scheme, for employees commencing employment after 01 January 2001 to 31 January 2014, were transferred in bulk to the People's Pension with effect from 28 August 2020 and this section of the scheme was wound up with effect on 20 April 2022. 

On 31 January 2014 a defined contribution stakeholder scheme was introduced, open to all employees and since 01 February 2014 the Company has participated in  a Mastertrust scheme with  the People’s Pension in accordance with meeting auto enrolment responsibilities. 

The FRS102 assessment of the scheme as at 31 December 2023 showed the market value of the Charity’s share of the scheme’s assets at £21,923,000 (2022: £24,892,000), representing 155% (2022: 183%) of its liabilities. The surplus has not been recognised in accordance with the principles of FRS102. Total employer contributions to the scheme during the year amounted to £7,000 (2022: £84,000).  The present value of the defined benefit obligation, the related current service cost and past service cost, were measured using the projected unit credit method. 

## **(a)   Defined benefit scheme** 

The main assumptions used for the purposes of FRS102 are: 

||**2023**|2022|2021|
|---|---|---|---|
|Discount rate|**4.45%**|4.75%|1.80%|
|Inflation assumptions (RPI)|**3.20%**|3.25%|3.50%|
|Inflation assumptions (CPI)|**2.70%**|2.75%|3.00%|
|Salary – increases|**n/a**|n/a|4.00%|
|Pension increases in deferment|**2.70%**|2.75%|3.00%|
|Rates of increase to pension in payment:||||
|LPI (max 5%) based on CPI|**2.65%**|2.70%|2.95%|
|LPI (max 2.5%) based on CPI|**2.25%**|2.00%|2.10%|
|LPI (max 3%) based on CPI|**2.00%**|2.25%|2.40%|
|Mortality:||||
|The average life expectancy in years of a pensioner retiring at age 65||||
|on the balance sheet date is as follows:||||
|Male|**86.40**|86.90|86.90|
|Female|**88.90**|89.30|89.30|
|The average life expectancy in years of a pensioner retiring at age||||
|65, twenty years after the balance sheet date is as follows:||||
|Male|**87.60**|88.20|88.20|
|Female|**90.30**|90.70|90.70|



Page: 51 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

**(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 18 **PENSION SCHEME (Continued)** 

The fair value of the plans assets were: 

|The fair value of the plans assets were:<br>Equities<br>18.7%<br>Debt<br>9%<br>Hedge funds<br>5%<br>Annuity policies<br>64.6%<br>Cash<br>2.9%<br>**Total Market Value of Assets**|**At 31st**<br>**December**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**4,100**<br>**2,017**<br>**1,008**<br>**14,162**<br>**636**<br>**21,923**|At 31st<br>December<br>2022<br>£'000<br>15,657<br>6,646<br>871<br>0<br>1,718<br>24,892|
|---|---|---|



The pension scheme has not invested in any of Glyndebourne Productions Limited’s own financial instruments, nor in properties or other assets owned by Glyndebourne Productions Limited. The assets are all quoted in an active market. 

|**Net defined benefit asset/(liability)**<br>Fair value of scheme assets<br>Present value of defined benefit obligation<br>Asset not recognised<br>**Defined benefit asset/(liability) recognised in balance sheet**<br>**Total expense/(credit) recognised in income and expenditure**<br>Current service cost<br>Administration costs<br>Past service costs including curtailments<br>Net interest on the net defined benefit liability<br>**Total income and expenditure charge/(credit)**<br>**Total amount taken to other comprehensive income**<br>Actual return on scheme assets – gains<br>Less: amounts included in net interest on the net<br>defined benefit asset/(liability )<br>Remeasurement gains and (losses)<br>-          Return on scheme assets excluding interest income<br>-          Actuarial gains and (losses)<br>Asset not recognised<br>**Remeasurement gain/(loss)**<br>**recognised in other comprehensive income**|**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**21,923**<br>**-14,143**<br>**-7,780**<br>**0**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**0**<br>**322**<br>**0**<br>**-529**<br>**-207**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**-1,993**<br>**-1,159**<br>**-3,152**<br>**-578**<br>**-7,780**<br>**-11,510**|2022<br>£'000<br>24,892<br>-13,596<br>-11,296<br>0<br>2022<br>£'000<br>114<br>105<br>-208<br>-108<br>-97<br>2022<br>£'000<br>-1,009<br>-475<br>-1,484<br>6,568<br>-11,296<br>-6,212|
|---|---|---|



Page: 52 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 18 **PENSION SCHEME (Continued)** 

## **Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation** 

|Present value of defined benefit obligation<br>at beginning of year<br>Benefits paid<br>Current service cost<br>Administration costs<br>Interest cost<br>Remeasurement (gains) and losses<br>-          actuarial (gains) and losses<br>Employee contributions<br>Past service costs including curtailments<br>**Present value of defined benefit obligation**<br>**at end of year**<br>**Changes in the fair value of scheme assets**<br>Fair view of Scheme assets at beginning of the year<br>Interest income<br>Remeasurement gains and (losses)<br>-          Return on scheme assets excluding interest income<br>Contribution by employer<br>Employee contributions<br>Benefits paid including expenses<br>**Fair value of the Scheme assets at end of the year**|**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**13,596**<br>**-985**<br>**0**<br>**322**<br>**630**<br>**578**<br>**2**<br>**0**<br>**14,143**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**24,892**<br>**1,159**<br>**-3,152**<br>**7**<br>**2**<br>**-985**<br>**21,923**|2022<br>£'000<br>20,878<br>-1,122<br>114<br>105<br>367<br>-6,568<br>30<br>-208<br>13,596<br>2022<br>£'000<br>26,909<br>475<br>-1,484<br>84<br>30<br>-1,122<br>24,892|
|---|---|---|



## **(b) Defined contribution schemes** 

The amount recognised as an expense for the defined contribution scheme was £488,000 (2022: £349,000). 

## 19 **RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** 

The Trustees are satisfied that all of the following related party transactions are allowed under the constitution of the charity. 

## (a) **Glyndebourne Opera House** 

The Charity occupies Glyndebourne Opera House under a lease signed in 1992 from the Trustees of the Glyndebourne 1990 Temporary Charitable Trust, a private trust whose beneficiaries are the Christie family and the Charity.  The lease provides for a peppercorn rent and will expire in 2075. 

## (b) **Glyndebourne Cottages** 

- Under a lease from the Trustees of the Glyndebourne 1991 AJC Life Interest Trust, a private trust whose life tenant is Gus Christie, the Charity occupies the buildings formerly known as 1 & 2 New Cottages located on the Glyndebourne site for operational purposes. Additionally the Charity leased 1 Old Cottage from the Trustees of the Glyndebourne 1991 AJC Life Interest Trust for a period in 2022. Rent of £17,740 was paid for the year (2022: £29,200). 

Page: 53 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022** 

## 19 **RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)** 

## (c) **Glyndebourne Mansion House and Gardens** 

The Mansion House at Glyndebourne is the residence of Gus Christie and his family who make certain areas of the house available for use by staff and artists engaged by the Charity and for the entertainment of donors.  The Charity meets the costs incurred by the Christie family in making the Mansion House available for these purposes in accordance with an agreement approved by the Charity Commission.  Under the terms of the agreement the Charity made contributions of £126,000 (2022: £108,596) during the year. 

Furthermore, the Charity is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the gardens at Glyndebourne. Gus Christie bore costs amounting to £5,674 (2022: £5,404) in respect of the running of the gardens. 

## (d) **Payments to/from trustees and connected parties** 

None of the trustees received any remuneration, or claimed any expenses, in connection with their role as a trustee of GPL. 

The Christie family incurred expenses amounting to £1,380 (2022: £554) which have been recharged to the family. 

Gus Christie, Executive Chairman and a non-voting advisory trustee, received total remuneration, including pension contributions, of £128,007 (2022: £117,144) during the year under the terms of his contract of employment with Glyndebourne. Gus Christie's wife, Danielle de Niese, received total remuneration, including pensions, of £31,900 (2022: £nil) for her role as Ambassador for the Charity. 

Seats were made available during the the course of the Festival and Autumn programme, to Gus Christie and other members of the executive management team, which were predominantly used for GPL business entertaining purposes. The number of seats used across the performances for executive management team use and associated value amounted to 1,163 and £205k respectively (2022: 1,468 and £283k). Given these were primarily used for business entertaining purposes, it is not considered that this was to the financial detriment of the Charity. 

## (e) **Christie Management Limited** 

Christie Management Limited is controlled by the Christie family. No amounts were paid by the charity to Christie Management Limited in 2023 or 2022. 

## (f) **Donations from trustees** 

Donations totalling £45,700 were received from trustees during the course of 2023 (2022: £2,940). 

## (g) **Transactions with GEL** 

The Charity has one active wholly owned subsidiary, GEL, which is responsible for income generating activities which are incidental to GPL's charitable purposes. These comprise merchandising, the sale and hire of Glyndebourne productions to other international opera houses, the operation of Glyndebourne's wind turbine and producing all of the Festival, Autumn and youth/community productions each year on behalf of GPL. During the year Gus Christie, John Botts CBE, Lord Davies of Abersoch, Alina Kessel and Christopher Walter, who are key management personnel for the Charity, were directors of the company. GEL gifted £3,051,416 to the Charity during 2023 (see also note 10) (2022: gifted £1,640,694 (including profits of 2021)). At the year end the company owed GPL £664,259 (2022: £466,724). 

Page: 54 



**GLYNDEBOURNE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED** 

**(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## 20 **FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS** 

Capital commitments are as follows: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|GROUP|CHARITY|
|2023|2022|2023|2022|
|£'000|£'000|£'000|£'000|
|Expenditure contracted but not|
|provided for in the financial statements|530|2,146|530|2,146|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|GROUP|CHARITY|
|2023|2022|2023|2022|
|£'000|£'000|£'000|£'000|
|Due within one year|0|4|0|4|
|Due after one year|0|5|0|5|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## 21 **FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS** 

At the balance sheet date the consolidated group held financial assets at amortised cost comprising cash and short term deposits, trade debtors, other debtors and accrued income of £7,570k (2022: £10,515k) and financial liabilities at amortised cost, comprising trade creditors, other creditors and accruals of £2,552k (2022: £2,674k). 

Total income received in respect of financial assets held at amortised cost totalled £245,628 (2022: £62,252). 

The group held assets at fair value through income and expenditure of £42.7m (2022: £41.2m). Movements in the year through the statement of financial activities comprised gains of £1,638,970 (2022: losses of £1,500,711) and income from investment portfolio of £120,880 (2022: £110,992). 

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