Company no. 01226660 Charity no. 270204
Amscordi Limited
Report and Unaudited Financial Statements
31 October 2025
Amscordi Limited
Reference and administrative details
| For theyear ended 31 | October 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Company number | 01226660 | |
| Charity number | 270204 | |
| Registered office and | 32 Grafton Square | |
| operational address | London | |
| SW4 0DB | ||
| Trustees | Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during | |
| the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: | ||
| John Boas | ||
| David Cairns CBE | ||
| Jonathan Gaisman KC | ||
| John Gilhooly OBE | ||
| Maria Lucas-Tooth | Resigned 10 June 2025 | |
| Frank Mampaey | ||
| Alexandra Maund | ||
| Gilbert McCabe | ||
| Helena Newman | ||
| Simon Rowe | ||
| Sir Martin Smith | ||
| John Tunstall-Behrens | ||
| David Whelton OBE | ||
| Company secretary | Jonathan Gaisman KC | |
| Bankers | CAF Bank Limited | |
| 25 Kings Hill Avenue | ||
| Kings Hill | ||
| West Malling | ||
| Kent | ||
| ME19 4JQ | ||
| Independent | Godfrey Wilson Limited | |
| examiners | Chartered accountants and statutory auditors | |
| 5th Floor Mariner House | ||
| 62 Prince Street | ||
| Bristol | ||
| BS1 4QD |
1
Amscordi Limited
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 October 2025
The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 October 2025.
Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The key aims for the Charity are to continue to provide music teaching of the highest standard for young musicians from all over the world; to provide an opportunity for established musicians to continue the process of learning, expanding their repertoire and working with younger musicians; to bring music of a high quality to an area of Britain which is in need and to work with other organisations to promote excellence. In setting objectives and planning for activities, the trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Activities undertaken to achieve
The Charity runs two major seminars per annum and arranges various concerts and outreach projects for the public and for the Friends of IMS Prussia Cove.
c. Volunteers
The Charity has estimated that it normally receives 5,000 hours of voluntary support at its concerts and seminars (valued at £50,000). The Charity has not included this figure as part of the Statement of Financial Activities as this is in line with the Charities SORP.
Achievements and performance
Amscordi (operating as the “International Musicians Seminar Prussia Cove”) thanks all its patrons, staff and volunteers for their continued support over the year.
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Our main focus are the two annual seminars , now in their [52nd] and [46th] year, respectively. In 2025, the spring Masterclass seminar again received an increased number of 367 applications for 107 places, resulting in an extremely high standard of participating musicians. Open Chamber Music in September also ran with great success, bringing together 130 international musicians of all generations.
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In addition to the seminars, we organised 20 public concerts in Cornwall, and our annual Autumn Tour visited five venues across the south of England, in Cornwall, Dorset, West Sussex, Cambridge and ending as always at Wigmore Hall in London.
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Our education and outreach programme , now in its 11[th] year connects us with local communities in Cornwall, and continues to take a more central role within the organisation. This year, our Inspiring Young Musicians project , a creative chamber music course for young musicians, worked with a group of 13 to 19 year olds and reached 1,100 young people through school concerts. IMS Inspires, a week-long programme of musical activities included school concerts, workshops for local string groups, rehearsals with amateur players and public concerts that reached more than 1,700 people.
2
Amscordi Limited
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 October 2025
- Alongside these core activities, we maintained our instrument loan scheme , where four young string players have the opportunity to borrow one of the stringed instruments made for and donated to IMS Prussia Cove. This loan scheme offers support at crucial points in young musicians’ careers or studies.
A full report of all activities is on our website, at www.i-m-s.org.uk.
We are pleased to summarise the reporting and financial aspects of the year as follows:
Artistic Team meetings are held regularly through the year, and particularly at the end of seminars to review the activities and report to the Board. The General Manager holds meetings with members of the Board prior to the main Board meetings to address the budgets and current financial situations. Donors and funders are updated and reported to by the Development and Outreach Manager. All funding and artistic updates are reported to the Board of Trustees. At the end of the financial year a review was compiled based on these reports for Trustees and sponsors. Where funds had been made available specifically for bursaries, outreach or other projects, reports have been sent to the donor concerned. At each board meeting, fundraising activities are reviewed and future fundraising plans are discussed.
The trustees are responsible for ensuring that fundraising and expenditure are kept within budgeted targets. The Board of trustees meets three times a year.
Financial review
a. Financial overview
The continuing success of our seminars, our concerts (including the Autumn Tour) and our outreach activities continues to carefully budget with our limited financial resources.
Moderately high inflation, now above the Bank of England’s target for the fourth year in a row, continued to increase our operating costs in 2025 (+11%). We economised on the seminars’ accommodation costs (-2%), and we kept staff costs growing below inflation (+2%). But other essential costs, such as managing the hire and maintenance of pianos (+11%), the cost of insurance and transport (+13%), as well as the rent of our shared office space (+20%) have continued to outpace inflation. Importantly, we protected the quality of our seminars by not unduly economising on artistic outlays that support our core purpose.
Income, by contrast, was stagnant to slightly lower in 2025 (-5%). We continued to evolve the fees charged to seminar participants in line with inflation, but we remain mindful not to exclude talented young players for financial reasons by continuing our bursary programme. Secondly, the pool of funding available from trusts, foundations and individuals has lagged inflation in recent years, a trend that continued in 2025. We were, however, fortunate to have strong backing from a growing constituency of local supporters in Cornwall, the “Friends of IMS”.
The resulting, small financial deficit for 2025 reduced the reserves we built in previous years. It is worth keeping in mind, however, that those reserves are neither entirely made up of liquid assets, nor entirely available on an unrestricted basis. A significant part of our “funds” in fact consists of the musical instruments we lend out, at an initial cost of just under £295,000. Another c. £287,000 of our reserves is subject to restrictions, mainly to be used only as bursaries to deprived cello students at the spring seminar.
3
Amscordi Limited
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 October 2025
b. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
c. Investment policy
The Charity may invest some or all of its reserves in excess of six months’ anticipated expenditure in approved charitable investments. In doing so, it pays due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance document “Charities and investment matters: a guide for trustees (CC14)”. The Board of trustees has overall responsibility for investments, but it may delegate one or more trustees experienced in investment matters to research and/or propose investments. If no trustee has sufficient investment experience, the Board will seek external advice. The Board is of the opinion that investments offer the potential for higher returns than bank deposits, but that risk of capital loss must remain limited, for example by ensuring that investments be diversified. The Board prefers not to directly invest in a single asset, such as single shares or bonds, but to invest in one or more well-run collective investment schemes or funds. Finally, the Board agrees that investments must be transparent and easy to manage, without distracting from IMS Prussia Cove’s charitable goals. The Board receives regular reports on the performance of its investments and regularly considers whether that performance is consistent with the objectives laid out. The Board considers investment performance after all associated costs, and it considers whether those costs are good value for money.
d. Principal funding
The Charity charges students who attend the Masterclass seminars a fee. Musicians attending Open Chamber Music are asked to make a contribution towards Board and Lodging. The Friends of IMS Prussia Cove raise money for the Charity through concerts and through annual subscriptions. The Charity also raises other monies through fundraising events, from donations and grants made by individuals and charitable trusts and foundations and sponsorship from businesses. Lastly, the Charity receives legacies, which is becoming an increasingly important source of funding.
e. Reserves held by the Charity
Any surplus of income over expenses in a given year adds to the Charity’s reserves, and those reserves diminish in years when expenses exceed income. Reserves consist of unrestricted, restricted and endowment funds.
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As part of our unrestricted reserves, it is IMS’s policy to maintain a level of liquid assets on hand sufficient to cover six months anticipated expenditure, i.e. currently c. £274,000. We provide unrestricted funds at our discretion to generally further any of our purposes. From time to time, however, we set aside some unrestricted funds for a particular project or commitment, as designated funds. This is, for example, the case with the IMS Endowment Fund, set up primarily to serve IMS’s long-term purpose and ensure its long-term survival, as described in note 17 to the annual accounts.
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Restricted funds, on the other hand, are funds for which donors have established a specific purpose. These include, for example, the Jennie Gwynn bequest, of funds only to be used to support deprived cellist take part in the spring seminar, or the Promoting Polish Musicians fund, to support Polish musicians or those living or studying in Poland to attend our seminars.
4
Amscordi Limited
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 October 2025
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Amscordi Limited is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association dated 9 September 1975. The registered charity number 270204. The Charity operates under the name IMS Prussia Cove.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees with such additional assistance as the Board sees fit to invite. There is no fixed time for a Trustee to serve on the Board and new Trustees are appointed as and when the Board feels it necessary to do so. The Board of Trustees is responsible for fundraising initiatives and the aim is to include Trustees who can bring specific areas of knowledge to the Charity, eg Law, Accounting and Fundraising. Recruitment is done by Trustees suggesting new members from time to time and this being followed up by the Chairman.
c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies Day to day management of the Charity is delegated by the Trustees to the General Manager. The General Manager is responsible to the Artistic Director for the appointment of professors to the Masterclass seminar, the invitation to musicians to attend the Open Chamber Music seminar and the general running of the seminars. The General Manager is also responsible to the Board of Trustees for fundraising initiatives and control of expenditure. The General Manager and the Chairman of the Board attend Artistic Planning meetings and Board meetings to ensure artistic decisions are kept within financial parameters. The Board and the General Manager are supported in fundraising, outreach and related activities by the Development and Outreach Manager. The organisation is also supported by a part-time Assistant Administrator, working closely with the General Manager and Development and Outreach Manager, with a focus on communications and publicity.
The Charity controls the overall running of the seminars in Cornwall. It is supported by the Friends of IMS Prussia Cove, who are responsible for the running of the concerts in Cornwall during the seminars and maintaining links with organisations in the area, eg other music establishments. The Chairman of the Friends of IMS Prussia Cove is a member of the Board of Trustees and liaises with the General Manager on a day-to-day basis.
d. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
It is important for any Trustee to visit the seminars in Cornwall and all Trustees are invited to do so. New Trustees are made aware of the rules governing the Charity, ie notes from the Charities Commission, the purpose of the Charity, up-to-date Report and Accounts and current fundraising activities.
e. Financial risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Company is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Company and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
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Amscordi Limited
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 October 2025
The seminars take place on a privately owned estate (Note 19 Related party transactions) rented by the Charity for two months of the year. The Chairman of the Board and the General Manager meet with the owner of the estate to discuss future plans, insurance matters, liability, licensing and to carry out a risk assessment concerning the period of time the seminars are running. The Chairman of the Friends of IMS Prussia Cove liaises with the General Manager concerning the running of the concerts in Cornwall and any liabilities arising. The General Manager brings any concerns to the attention of the Board of Trustees and is responsible to them for carrying out remedial action. The Trustees are made aware of any risks and liabilities concerning events taking place outside Cornwall when deciding on these events.
Statement of responsibilities of the trustees
The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with 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).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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▪ observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; ▪ make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; ▪ state whether applicable UK accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.
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Amscordi Limited
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 31 October 2025
Independent examiners
Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners to the charitable company during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.
Approved by the trustees on 2 April 2026 and signed on their behalf by
David Whelton OBE - Chairman
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Independent examiner's report
To the trustees of
Amscordi Limited
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Amscordi Limited (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 October 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 29.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the charitable company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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(2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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(3) the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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(4) the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Date: 2 April 2026 Dougal Howard ACA Member of the ICAEW
Godfrey Wilson Limited
Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD
8
Amscordi Limited
Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)
For the year ended 31 October 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure 7 Net gains on investments 12 8 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in funds Net income / (expenditure) before net gains on investments |
Restricted Unrestricted £ £ 134,507 123,292 - 123,478 - 28,277 - 47,993 134,507 323,040 - 31,655 140,145 375,995 140,145 407,650 (5,638) (84,610) - 34,988 (5,638) (49,622) 293,224 1,463,767 287,586 1,414,145 |
2025 Total £ 257,799 123,478 28,277 47,993 457,547 31,655 516,140 547,795 (90,248) 34,988 (55,260) 1,756,991 1,701,731 |
2024 Total £ 288,504 108,607 27,061 58,306 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 482,478 | |||
| 31,486 461,706 |
|||
| 493,192 | |||
| (10,714) 12,505 |
|||
| 1,791 | |||
| 1,755,200 | |||
| 1,756,991 |
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 17 to the accounts.
9
Amscordi Limited
Balance sheet
As at 31 October 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Investments 12 Current assets Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year 14 Net current assets Net assets 16 Funds 17 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds General funds Total charity funds |
£ 70,457 991,803 1,062,260 (24,032) |
2025 £ 95,700 567,803 663,503 1,038,228 1,701,731 287,586 1,153,530 260,615 1,701,731 |
2024 £ 113,400 532,815 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 646,215 69,624 1,102,367 |
|||
| 1,171,991 (61,215) |
|||
| 1,110,776 | |||
| 1,756,991 | |||
| 293,224 1,169,780 293,987 |
|||
| 1,756,991 |
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:
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(i) ensuring that the company keeps proper accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act; and
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(ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
10
Amscordi Limited
Balance sheet
As at 31 October 2025
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
Approved by the trustees on 2 April 2026 and signed on their behalf by
David Whelton OBE - Chairman
11
Amscordi Limited
Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 October 2025
| Cash used in operating activities: Net movement in funds Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Gains on investments Dividends, interest and rents from investments Increase in debtors Decrease in creditors Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Dividends, interest and rents from investments Proceeds from the sale of investments Net cash provided by investing activities (Decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
2025 £ (55,260) 17,700 (34,988) (47,993) (833) (37,183) (158,557) 47,993 - 47,993 (110,564) 1,102,367 991,803 |
2024 £ 1,791 17,797 (12,505) (58,306) (10,804) (32,398) |
|---|---|---|
| (94,425) | ||
| 58,306 150,000 |
||
| 208,306 | ||
| 113,881 988,486 |
||
| 1,102,367 |
The charity has not provided an analysis of changes in net debt as it does not have any long term financing arrangements.
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
1. Accounting policies
a) General information and basis of preparation
Amscordi Limited is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is 32 Grafton Square, London, SW4 0DB.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Amscordi 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.
b) Going concern basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
c) Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
13
Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
d) Donated services and facilities
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
e) 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.
f) Funds accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
g) 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.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
h) Allocation of support and governance costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities in proportion to direct costs, as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Raising funds | 6% | 6% |
| Charitable activities | 94% | 94% |
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
i) Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows: Bed linen 20% straight line Musical instruments 10% straight line Furniture and equipment 10% straight line Music library 15% straight line
Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £2,500.
j) Investments
Listed investments traded on a recognised stock exchange are stated at fair value at the reporting date, which is deemed to be their market value. Any gain or loss, whether realised or unrealised, is taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.
k) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
l) Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
m) Creditors
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
n) Financial instruments
The charitable company only 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 their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
o) Pension costs
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
p) Accounting estimates and key judgements
- In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values 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 both current and future periods.
The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are depreciation as described in note 1i above.
2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities
| Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Gains on investments Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in funds Net income / (expenditure) before net gains on investments |
Restricted £ £ 106,890 181,614 - 108,607 - 27,061 - 58,306 106,890 375,588 - 31,486 128,498 333,208 128,498 364,694 (21,608) 10,894 - 12,505 (21,608) 23,399 Unrestricted |
2024 Total £ 288,504 108,607 27,061 58,306 |
|---|---|---|
| 482,478 | ||
| 31,486 461,706 |
||
| 493,192 | ||
| (10,714) 12,505 |
||
| 1,791 |
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Trusts and foundations Individuals Friends of IMS Membership subs Gift aid Legacies Total income from donations and legacies Prior period comparative: Trusts and foundations Individuals Friends of IMS Membership subs Gift aid Legacies Total income from donations and legacies |
Restricted £ £ 125,732 14,000 8,775 59,987 - 28,500 - 11,582 - 8,723 - 500 134,507 123,292 Restricted £ £ 105,695 57,000 1,195 66,593 - 28,130 - 9,820 - 19,900 - 171 106,890 181,614 Unrestricted Unrestricted |
2025 Total £ 139,732 68,762 28,500 11,582 8,723 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 257,799 | ||
| 2024 Total £ 162,695 67,788 28,130 9,820 19,900 171 |
||
| 288,504 |
4. Income from charitable activities
| Income from charitable activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Seminars Outreach Touring & Events Total income from charitable activities |
2025 Total £ 105,947 4,490 13,041 123,478 |
2024 Total £ 97,414 2,340 8,853 |
| 108,607 |
All income from charitable activities was unrestricted in the current and prior year.
17
Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
5. Income from other trading activities
| Income from other trading activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Bar Sundry Fundraising Total income from other trading activities |
2025 Total £ 1,000 12,488 1,269 13,520 28,277 |
2024 Total £ 9,500 11,371 2,231 3,959 |
| 27,061 |
All income from other trading activities was unrestricted in the current and prior year.
6. Income from investments
| Bank interest Investment income |
2025 Total £ 40,737 7,256 47,993 |
2024 Total £ 45,353 12,953 |
|---|---|---|
| 58,306 |
All income from investments was unrestricted in the current and prior year.
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
7. Total expenditure
| Total expenditure | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff costs (note 9) Masterclass musicians OCM musicians Autumn Tour Outreach Programme Accommodation Supplies Travel Scheduler Memorial concert Piano care Fundraising event expenses Advertising Depreciation Rent Printing Admin expenses Accountancy Sub-total Total expenditure Allocation of support and governance costs |
Raising funds £ 25,164 - - - - - - - - - - 2,800 - - - - - - 27,964 3,691 31,655 |
Charitable activities £ 52,992 60,937 4,874 22,202 27,665 66,452 93,276 34,831 1,200 3,854 63,174 - 756 17,700 - 1,929 4,111 - 455,953 60,187 516,140 |
Support and governance costs £ 19,565 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14,218 3,952 17,809 8,334 63,878 (63,878) - |
2025 Total £ 97,721 60,937 4,874 22,202 27,665 66,452 93,276 34,831 1,200 3,854 63,174 2,800 756 17,700 14,218 5,881 21,920 8,334 |
| 547,795 - |
||||
| 547,795 |
Total governance costs were £3,300 (2024: £3,120).
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
| 7. Total expenditure (continued) Prior period comparative Staff costs (note 9) Masterclass musicians OCM musicians Autumn Tour Outreach Programme Accommodation Supplies Travel Scheduler Memorial concert Piano care Fundraising event expenses Advertising Depreciation Rent Printing Admin expenses Accountancy Sub-total Total expenditure Allocation of support and governance costs |
Raising funds £ 26,436 - - - - - - - - - - 1,630 256 - - - - - 28,322 3,164 31,486 |
Charitable activities £ 50,532 49,819 2,779 20,195 21,198 67,977 83,548 30,817 1,000 5,137 56,696 - - 17,797 - 6,261 1,553 - 415,309 46,397 461,706 |
Support and governance costs £ 18,891 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11,854 2,352 10,741 5,723 49,561 (49,561) - |
2024 Total £ 95,859 49,819 2,779 20,195 21,198 67,977 83,548 30,817 1,000 5,137 56,696 1,630 256 17,797 11,854 8,613 12,294 5,723 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 493,192 - |
||||
| 493,192 |
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
8. Net movement in funds
This is stated after charging:
| Depreciation Trustees' remuneration Trustees' reimbursed expenses Independent examiner's remuneration (excluding VAT): Independent examination |
2025 £ 17,700 Nil 112 2,750 |
2024 £ 17,797 Nil 303 2,600 |
|---|---|---|
During the year 1 trustee (2024: 1) was reimbursed for travel expenses.
Similarly to other charities of our size, our independent examiners also assist with the preparation of the financial statements.
9. Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs were as follows:
| Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs Freelancers |
2025 £ 87,399 - 2,622 7,700 97,721 |
2024 £ 77,694 2,626 2,639 12,900 |
|---|---|---|
| 95,859 |
Included in freelancers are fees paid to the Artistic Director, and in 2024 maternity cover for the Outreach and Development Manager.
No employee earned more than £60,000 during the current or prior year.
The key management personnel of the charitable company comprise the Trustees and General Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £52,815 (2024: £52,750).
| Average head count | 2025 No. 3.0 |
2024 No. 2.5 |
|---|---|---|
10. Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.
21
Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
11. Tangible fixed assets
| Bed linen £ £ £ Cost 3,313 294,638 14,937 Depreciation At 1 November 2024 3,313 181,238 14,937 Charge for the year - 17,700 - At 31 October 2025 3,313 198,938 14,937 Net book value At 31 October 2025 - 95,700 - At 31 October 2024 - 113,400 - 12. Investments Market value at 1 November 2024 Disposals Net gains Market value at 31 October 2025 Musical instruments Furniture and equipment At 1 November 2024 and at 31 October 2025 |
Music library £ 3,830 3,830 - 3,830 - - 2025 £ 532,815 - 34,988 567,803 |
Total £ 316,718 |
|---|---|---|
| 203,318 17,700 |
||
| 221,018 | ||
| 95,700 | ||
| 113,400 | ||
| 2024 £ 670,310 (150,000) 12,505 |
||
| 532,815 |
Investments are comprised of listed investments.
22
Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
13. Debtors
| Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trade debtors Accrued income Prepayments Other debtors |
2025 £ 38,625 28,623 - 3,209 70,457 |
2024 £ 45,724 19,900 4,000 - |
| 69,624 |
14. Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
| Trade creditors Accruals Deferred income (note 15) Sundry creditors Deferred income At 1 November Deferred during the year Released during the year At 31 October |
2025 £ 17,028 3,300 1,170 2,534 24,032 2025 £ 22,000 1,170 (22,000) 1,170 |
2024 £ 32,059 3,120 22,000 4,036 |
|---|---|---|
| 61,215 | ||
| 2024 £ 20,000 22,000 (20,000) |
||
| 22,000 |
15. Deferred income
Deferred income relates to income received for bursaries and ticket sales for the subsequent period. Entitlement to recognise the income is met in the period when the related activity takes place.
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
16. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Restricted | Designated | General | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | - | 95,700 | - | 95,700 |
| Investments | 567,803 | - | 567,803 | |
| Current assets | 287,586 | 490,027 | 284,647 | 1,062,260 |
| Current liabilities | - | - | (24,032) | (24,032) |
| Net assets at 31 October 2025 | 287,586 | 1,153,530 | 260,615 | 1,701,731 |
| Prior period comparative |
| Prior period comparative | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Designated | General | Total | |
| funds | funds | funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | - | 113,400 | - | 113,400 |
| Investments | - | 532,815 | - | 532,815 |
| Current assets | 293,224 | 523,565 | 355,202 | 1,171,991 |
| Current liabilities | - | - | (61,215) | (61,215) |
| Net assets at 31 October 2024 | 293,224 | 1,169,780 | 293,987 | 1,756,991 |
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
17. Movements in funds
| Movements in funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted funds Jennie Gwynn bursaries Promoting Polish musicians Jennifer Murray bursaries Masterclass core costs Masterclass bursaries OCM board and lodging OCM bursaries Outreach programme Concerts Total restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds: The IMS Endowment Fund Instrument fund Piano fund Tessa Gaisman bursaries OCM board and lodging Total designated funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds |
At 1 November 2024 £ 271,008 8,100 1,415 - - - - 12,701 - 293,224 1,015,025 113,400 30,000 11,355 - 1,169,780 293,987 1,463,767 1,756,991 |
Income £ - - - 15,000 72,962 5,000 3,000 14,670 23,875 134,507 - - - - 14,300 14,300 308,740 323,040 457,547 |
£ (10,910) (1,500) (600) (15,000) (62,085) (5,000) (3,000) (23,175) (18,875) (140,145) (10,100) (17,700) - (600) (7,150) (35,550) (372,100) (407,650) (547,795) Expenditure |
£ - - - - - - - - - - - - 5,000 - - 5,000 29,988 34,988 34,988 Transfers and gains/ (losses) |
At 31 October 2025 £ 260,098 6,600 815 - 10,877 - - 4,196 5,000 |
| 287,586 | |||||
| 1,004,925 95,700 35,000 10,755 7,150 |
|||||
| 1,153,530 | |||||
| 260,615 | |||||
| 1,414,145 | |||||
| 1,701,731 |
Purposes of restricted funds Jennie Gwynn bursaries
The Jennie Gwynn bequest for bursaries was set up in a prior year with funds received from the Jennie Gwynn bequest. The fund is to be used specifically to provide bursaries to support only the participation of deprived students of the violoncello wheresoever located in the world to attend the Maestro Seminars of IMS Prussia Cove in the spring of each year.
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
17. Movements in funds (continued) Purposes of restricted funds (continued)
-
Promoting Polish musicians
-
The Promoting Polish Musicians restricted fund was set up in a prior year with a donation from the Alfred Orda Foundation. The fund is used to support Polish musicians, or those studying or living in Poland, to attend IMS Prussia Cove seminars.
-
Jennifer Murray bursaries
-
The Jennifer Ann Murray bequest for bursaries restricted fund was set up in a prior year with the Jennifer Ann Murray bequest received and is used for bursaries.
-
Masterclass core costs
-
The Masterclass core costs fund is made up of grants received specifically to support the core costs of running the Masterclasses. The fund includes a grant from the English Speaking Union which is to support bursaries over four years, 2025 to 2028 inclusive.
-
Masterclass bursaries
-
The Masterclass bursary fund is made up of grants received specifically to support bursary funding for the Masterclasses. The fund includes a grant from the English Speaking Union which is to support bursaries over four years, 2025 to 2028 inclusive.
-
OCM board and lodging
-
The Open Chamber Music board and lodging fund is made up of one donation specifically to support the board and lodging costs and help reduce the amount each participant is asked to contribute towards this.
-
OCM bursaries Open Chamber Music bursary fund is made up of grants received specifically to support bursary funding for the Open Chamber Music seminar.
-
Outreach programme The Outreach Programme fund is made up donations received to specifically support the outreach work of the organisation.
-
Concerts
The Concerts fund is made up of donations received from Trusts and Foundations as well as individuals specifically to support a programme of concerts in Cornwall and the Autumn Tour.
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
17. Movements in funds (continued) Purposes of designated funds
The IMS Endowment Fund
The designated endowment fund is intended to serve the charity's long-term purposes, providing stability and security for the future of the organisation. The fund may be used, without limitation, for the provision of bursaries for masterclass students, for projects related to the preservation of the charity’s archives and other heritage activities, for outreach and education projects, for organisational investment and development, and to support general running costs where necessary. It was established from general funds and includes the Ashley Cooper, Poole, Joyce Rathbone, Jenefer Ann Murray and Antony and Marjorie Hewish bequests, as well as funds raised through Cornish Art Auctions held in prior years.
-
Instrument fund Representing the net book value of instruments held, as detailed in note 11.
-
Piano fund
-
The piano fund was set up by the trustees in a prior year and relates to a provision against the cost of future piano refurbishment. The trustees agreed that an amount of £5,000 would be transferred to the fund each year.
Tessa Gaisman bursaries
-
The Tessa Gaisman bursary fund was set up in the current financial year by the Trustees in memory of IMS Prussia Cove’s former Chairman. The fund is made up of donations received in her memory in 2022, plus an additional donation during this financial year. The trustees intend to use this fund for bursaries.
-
OCM board and lodging
-
The Open Chamber Music board and lodging fund was set up in a prior year. The trustees decided to designate funds raised at particular events in 2022 and 2023 to Open Chamber Music to reduce the amount each participant was asked to contribute towards board and lodging.
Transfers between funds
Transfers into designated funds relate to a £5k top up for the piano refurbishment fund.
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 October 2025
| 17. Movements in funds (continued) Prior period comparative At 1 November 2023 £ Restricted funds Jennie Gwynn bursaries 282,058 Promoting Polish musicians 8,600 Jennifer Murray bursaries 1,815 Dutch musician support 3,300 Masterclass core costs - Masterclass bursaries - OCM board and lodging - OCM bursaries - Outreach programme 19,059 - Autumn tour - Total restricted funds 314,832 Unrestricted funds Designated funds: The IMS Endowment Fund 1,016,275 Instrument fund 131,100 Piano fund 25,000 Tessa Gaisman bursaries - OCM board and lodging 7,350 Total designated funds 1,179,725 General funds 260,643 Total unrestricted funds 1,440,368 Total funds 1,755,200 The Foyle Foundation - grant for salaries |
Income £ - - - - 27,500 32,890 5,000 4,000 12,500 15,000 10,000 106,890 - - - - - - 375,588 375,588 482,478 |
£ (11,050) (500) (400) (3,300) (27,500) (32,890) (5,000) (4,000) (18,858) (15,000) (10,000) (128,498) (1,250) (17,700) - (1,000) (7,350) (27,300) (337,394) (364,694) (493,192) Expenditure |
£ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5,000 12,355 - 17,355 (4,850) 12,505 12,505 Transfers and gains/ (losses) |
At 31 October 2024 £ 271,008 8,100 1,415 - - - - - 12,701 - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 293,224 | ||||
| 1,015,025 113,400 30,000 11,355 - |
||||
| 1,169,780 | ||||
| 293,987 | ||||
| 1,463,767 | ||||
| 1,756,991 |
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Amscordi Limited
Notes to the financial statements
| For | the year ended 31 October 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| **18. ** | Financial instruments at fair value | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Financial assets measured at fair value | 567,803 | 532,815 |
Financial assets measured at fair value comprise fixed asset investments.
19. Related party transactions
John Tunstall-Behrens, a trustee of Amscordi Limited, is the landlord for Porth-en-Alls Prussia Cove in Cornwall. The estate provides event accommodation to IMS Prussia Cove (the trading name of Amscordi Limited). The total expenses invoiced in the current year between Amscordi Limited and Porth-en-Alls amounted to £90,583 (2024: £90,402) and related to accommodation, cleaning, heating and other property expenses. There were no amounts outstanding at the year end (2024: £nil).
Simon Rowe, a trustee of Amscordi Limited, is the landlord for Lavethan House in Cornwall. This house is used for accommodation for some outreach projects arranged by IMS Prussia Cove (the trading name of Amscordi Limited) during the year. The total expenses invoiced in the current year between Amscordi Limited and Lavethan House amounted to £3,513 (2024: £2,611) for accommodation costs. There were no amounts oustanding at the year end (2024: £nil).
David Whelton, trustee of Amscordi Limited, is also a trustee of Mayfield Valley Arts Trust. The Trust donated £15,000 (2024: £15,000) to the charity during the year.
The registered office of the company is the home of one of the trustees and Company Secretary, Mr J N C Gaisman KC. There is no charge to the company from the trustee in relation to this.
29