COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1056472 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 501859 The Black.E Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudlted Financial Statements 5 April 2024 'ACfjLPPVE* 2511112024 COMPANIES HOUSE
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The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements Year ended 5 April 2024 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directorfs report) Independent examiner's report to the trustees 11 Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) 13 Statement of financial position 14 Notes to the financial statements 16
The Black.E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 5 April 2024 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2024. Reference and admlnlstrative delalls Registered charity name The Black-E Charity registration number 501859 Company reglstratlon number 1056472 Prlnclpal offl¢e and registered 1 Great George Street office Liverpool L1 SEW The trustees Mr P Jennings Dr Rahma Kingfisher Mr Aki Morgan Ms Andrea Vas Ms Janine Ross Mr Craig Rogers MsSEyo Mrs T Afful Mr C Allen Ms A Ankrah Ms J Green Mr B Harpe Mrs W Harpe Ms J Khalli Mr l Freeman Mr R Prilchard (Appointed 29 November 2023) (Appointed 1 Aprll 20241 (Appointed 24 April 2024) (Appointed 1 April 2024) (Appointed 1 April 2024) (Appointed 1 April 2024) (Resigned 19 October 2023) (Resigned 28 February 2024) (Resigned 13 May 2023) (Resigned 28 April 2024) (Resigned 20 July 2023) (Appoint8d 29 November 2023) (Resigned 28 February 2024) (Resigned 17 November 2023) Archive Sub-committee Members The persons who have acted as Archive Sub-committee members during the year are: Chairperson Mr P Jennings
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {conlinued) Year ended 5 April 2024 The Trustees, who are also Direclors of the charity for the purposes of Company Law, present Iheir Annual Report and the Financial Statements for the year ended 51h April 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charitls memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act 2006. and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practlce 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 2015)" The informatlon contained in Ihis Annual Report is both complemented and augmented by informalion available on the website, 4w.theblack-e.org. Th8 Charity Great Georges Community Cultural Project, now operating as The Black-E, is a charitable company limited by guarantee and with no share capital. The Company is registered in England and Wales, No. 01056472. The principal governing document is the company Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charity is registered with the Charity Commission No. 501859. The principal adclress and registered office of the Company is.. The Black-E 1 Great George Street Liverpool L15EW The day-to-day management of the charity is vested in The Chlef Executive Officer with support from the Arts Development Director for Children and Young People, the Associate Cultural Directors, and associate staff who develop and deliver activity and meet through a weekly all-team meeting. Over the year professlonal support on bookkeeping, flnancial management and governance has been provided by ERC Accountants. Haissaata Diallo and Ms Joyce Kanini. Independent examlner Richard Brown FCA FCCA Hanover Buildings 11-13 Hanover Street Liverpool L13DN
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {¢ontinuedJ Year ended 5 April 2024 Structure, governance and management Method of appointment of trustees The Trustees are "the keepers of the vision" Experts overseeing Trustees should be on Tap and not on Top as Trustees. The Trustees aim lo ensure that they are reflective of the local community {50Y. of Trustees have a connection with Liverpool) and in terms of gender, race, disability and class - and that they possess collectively the arts, cultural and community experience and the expertise to exercise their responsibilities and to provide the Black-E with "affection, protection, and direction., Trustees are recruiled through both advertising, as well as person to person contact, neOrkIng and contact with the cultural and CYP programmes. The Trustees bring to their responsibilities a combination of experience. skills and qualifications in the following areas.. architecture and planning,. building construction; financlal control, accountancy and bookkeeping., fundraising.. law; voluntary sector managernent,. arts administration and management- cultural policy- environmental issu8s-, event promolion, production, and directlon; exhibition curation; marketing,. leisure services management., local government,. security,. equal opportunllies., cultural diversity,. youth work., education and training., arts and disability,. arts therapy., information technology: film & media: lileralure,. drama,. music; dance- fashion,. visual arts and crafts., games,. sport and recreation. Induction and Iraining tnjstees New Trustees are inducled through meetings and through documentation. Monthly Trustees meetings begin with a morning training session in a specific area of responsibility (e.g., Charity Law, the Disability Discrimination Act, equal opportunities, safeguarding, audited accounts, etc.) The Truslees are responsible 'for steering the ship" This means that the Trustees take decisions to ensure that ther8 is a balance between resources available for the capital programme and for the cultural programme, that there is a balance between the cultural programme and hires, and that there is a balance within the cultural programme between 'perforrning' and 'making' arts, and between youth arts and the programme,. Management accounts, audited accounts, and revisions of business plans are received. considered, and determined by the Truslees. Ad-hoc Building Sub Committee, Audit Sub Committee, Archive Sub Committee and Personnel Sub Committee are from time lo time given delegated powers in relation to their respective areas, and report back to Trustees meetings. Staff lake decisions of detail within parameters sel by the Trustees, e.g., the detail of the Gallery or Cultural Programme and key policies including Financial Standing Orders, 'It takes a Village.... Safeguarding Policy.
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {conlinuedJ Year ended 5 April 2024 Objectives and activities In setting our objectives and planning our activi118s the Trustees have glv8n careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. The objects for which the charty is established are.. a) To advance Ihe education of the publlc in and by means of all the arts Includlng performing arts, visual arts, applied arts and experimenlal work in the arts and by improving standards of execution and appreciation of Ihe arts. b) To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure-time occupation in the inlerests of social welfare for members of the public at large and for persons who have need of suGh facilities by reason of their youlh, age, infirmily or disablement, Poverty or social or economic circumslances, wilh the object of improving conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities are intended. c) To establish and malntain Community Centre for the benefil of the inhabitants of the Merseyside Area and lo promote all or any objects for the benefit of the said inhabitants which now are or hereafter may be deemed by law to be charitable. The creation of contexts {both social and environmental) which encourage an improved and meaningful relationship between artists and communities for the creation's presentation and promotion of contemporary work of high quality and originality. This means that the Bl8ck-E is committed to.. a) access - both providing access and improving access to the artist and for the artist, and for those Indivlduals and groups already involved in the arts as well as for those with no previous involvement with the arts - for example by the provision of workshops both as part of the ongoin9 programme and in conjunction with residencies, performances; by establishing an on-going dialogue between artists and their audiences through repealed visits and work. and by running seminars, residencies, etc. which enable artists to meel and work together. bl positive action - relatlon to artists who are dlscriminated against - and in relation to communities and individuals who are dlscriminaled against or disadvantaged to provide opportunities for such artist communities. and individuals to give expression to their experience, their needs. and their aspirations, and to celebrate their achievements and rediscover their history. c) education {learning and unlearning) and training both by and for artists - and both by and for communilies and individuals- with a view to improving performance, understanding, and communicalion. The creation of opportunities and contexls which enable people to actively participale in creative activities a participation based in "doing" as well as "viewing" In order, amongst other aims, lo further democratise the arts. The creation of opportunities and contexts which enable people to aclively participate in creative activities a partiClP8tion based in "doing" as well as "viewing in order, amongst other aims. to further democratise the arts. Indeed, since democracy rests on the creation of a common language, and since the arts remain among Ihe most restricted of languages, such involvement aims lo promote democralisation not only through a shared understanding of these languages but a150 through growth and development in the languages Ihemselves.
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 5 April 2024 This means the Black-E is committed to.. a) the creation and 8xploralion of forms in which "8udlence' participation is fundamental. b) experiment to make a contribution to the research and development which is essential if new forms and techniques are lo emerge lo give expression to the worlds of tod8y 8nd tomorrow. The recognition and valuing of cultural diversity. This means the 8lack-E is committed to: a) promoting work which reflects the experience and Concerns of those groups within our society whose voices have been marginalised,'anthropologised' or ignored. b) programming across the spectrum of creative activities the fine arts, the popular arts, the performing arts, the making arts, creative and co-operative games, contemporary media, and traditional crafts to promote and develop harmony rather than hierarchy beeen forms, and 8ddilionally to promote and develop cross-fertilisalion and positive interaction between forms. c) a perspective of the arts which is local, regional, national, and international to stimulate and develop a sense of cultural and geographical inter-relaledness and variety. From all the above, in committing itself to exploring and recrealing the relationship between contemporary society and the contemporary artist and between contemporary society and creative aclivilies and opportunilies, the Bla¢k-E is committing itself to a 0-in-One duality - lo the development of communities and to the developmenl of artists. In terms of communities, then such a commitment is based on a recognition of the role of the arts in community development.. every community issue is also an issue to be explored through the arts. In terms of artists, then such a commitment is based on the complementary recognition that - only given the opportunity- everyone is an artist. In terms of communities, then such a commitment is based on a recognition of the role of the arts in community development.. every community issue is also an issue to lo explored through the arts. In terms of artists, then such a commitment is based on the complementary recognition that- only glven the opportunity- everyone Is an artlst. And if all the earlier text had to be summed up in seven words? Our continuing objectives for the year 2023-24 were.. - To conlinue lo produce and promote the Arts of Survival combined arts cultural programme, embracing the Gallery, Archive, publications, drama, and especially Kinetic Theatre Programme (dance, circus, physical theatre), in conjunction wilh hires to and 'sharings' with commercial and cultural organisalions. All underpinned by 8 commitment to cultivating cultural diversily and delivering inclusion and equity. To prioritise work for young people in the Youth Arts Programme and Cultural Programme. To bring our ongoing support on HiwHop into Bl8ck-E to train and conduct workshops and deliver a film project. This is work that we are committed to and have delivered during our Youth Arts Schemes and are now well on the way to delivering with out B-Excellent Program. To strengthen the Trustee Board with aclive local members, who reflect the diversity of our intent to support greater participation of Black and ethnic minority peoples, in the cultural pipeline. Fortnightly stsff planning and action meetings lo support detailed planning and or9anisalionaS work to produce the overall cultural programme in line with strategies and objectives determined by the Trustees.
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnuedj Year ended 5 April 2024 Achievements and performance Trustee Review of Activitl8s and Future Developments In February 2024,1 took the interim role as the Chair of Ihe Charity. We are now working again with our community to re-new our ambition and plans. This year has Centred on helping us Iransilion to our Trustees for Life and founders Bill & Wendy Harpe, after nearly 60 years becoming Patrons. Bill, as a dancer, choreographer and Wendy, 8s a maker and facilitator of community involving work that cannot be replaced. Indeed, the Charity has remained resilient and succeeded where others have long since gone because of how the Trust board was set up. Bill Harpe for most of his career Combined dislincl roles, being an unpaid-truste8.' Wlth being a very poorly paid Artistic Director often surrenderlng his salary to projects like supporting the training of local emergent artists. As a global reaching mulli ethnic community based, artist led charity Bill and Wendy were pioneers on volunteerism. social action and building social movements - and they placed the58 ideas and thelr methodology at the heart of the charity. It is a heavy burden as the current Chair of Trustees to try and emulate these values and ideas - but it must be done. It has also been a year of Ihe CEO working lo retain and grow our regular funding base and we thank the Arts Council Relationship Team for their wise counsel, constructive feedback and support in this difficult year. With the help of the trustees, our local Liverpool community and partners pulling logether lo retain our ACE funding. However, we have a long way lo go in keeping up with cost increases and replacing other funding that we were unable to relain. 2024 will see the CEO raise funding for operational costs and building and maintenance costs so that The Black - E can continue to serve the global minority community, connect with the Arts and ensure the wider communities health and wellbeing is maintained. The firsl new work Mary Seacole to Joan Stober was delivered in 2023, allowing us lo use our beautiful multi-space building and work with community to create sile spècific and immersive work. This first work in Ihe cycle enabled us, through community workshops In drumming. gospel music, dance & movement, circus and the visual & lexlile arts to explore the lives of two greal Black women. This new work also created a means lo share with a wider audience the well-known story of Mary Seacole from her own words. The Wonderful Adventures of Mary Seacole in Many L8nds'. This formed the basis of brilliant children and young people centred work designed and led by our Development Manager. Together with the lesser known. but courageous and inspiring life of Ihe late Joan Stober (nee Morten) a former Liverpool resident. Joan was one of the first Black British born nurses at the start of the NHS in July 1948, in the 1980's she was a race equality campaigner and civil rights activists. who during her tlme in the USA, was 3 friend to Martin Luther King jnr. The planning of the second series working with our Chinese community and Liverpool University is well underway. Over Ihe year we slaged and hosted may events across our 500-capacity main space, studio, seminar rooms, and particularly in the intimacy of our 150-sealer Chamber Theatre and our Gafé & gallery space. We are particularly proud to have worked with IRIE! Dance Theatre, Kauma Arts and One Dance UK in securing an exhibition thal captures a history of Black British Dance. As a promoter of participatory work, much of the work we undertake is nol visible as part our events programme. It is in our small and intimate spaces, where we deliver workshops for children, young people and adults that we see experimentation, collaboration and creative synergy that yelds new ideas, fosters new partnership and drives creative ambition. Our most successful Chinese New Year celebration to date. saw over 2,000 people visit our building and a 5 hour marathon of dance. circus and workshops for all to enjoy.
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continuedj Year ended 5 April 2024 The Black-E Black Dance Forum is providing an opportunity for world class discussion. with dance leaders, practitioners and facilitators. Together with dancers and dance makers sharing their practice. The plan for 2024 is to broden the Black Dance Forum and plan a revival of African routes, incoporating Black Dance Forum, in honour of its founder Bill Harpe. Creative leaming for children and young people. within a professional community arts spaGe remains central to our vision. Over the Summer of 2023, we Collaborated with the Big Condo on a new video, involving 12 young people, building skills In film. digital and cultural confidence lo tell their story through music and film. We also supported our year-long Eat Your heArt Out Festival with over 100 children and young people. Providing a year of holiday arts. circus skills and play led by praclicing artists, making a space to create new work. With funding from Merseyside Play Action Council {MPACI and the governmenl Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) and private donations, it was possible to make this free for all CYP and provide a hot meal, snacks, fresh fruit and a food hamper for families experiencing need. Liverpool is a city with a proud history, people who work hard - but it is also a city with significant Inequality and economic deprivation. For over fifty y8ars the 81ack-E's ethos has be8n about feeding the body and soul -arts and food go hand in hand. Over the year we have further invested in our new Binaural Sounds Studio, working with a youth group Wilful Misfits. This is located on the fourth floor Cultural Hub, creating better spaces for cultural partners like Company of Friends. Company of Friends, work continues to celebrate the talent and perspectives of performing artists wilh lived experience of learning disability. Bringing innovalion and fresh insights to classic texts including Shakespeare's Tempest, and others. We ar8 proud lo work with partners who are fostering innovation and enabling artists to deliver quality for all our community. We have reaffirmed our commllmenl lo continuing a distinctive participatory arts programme -that is fuelled by a community arts model of delivering risk and quality in equal measure. Of broadening our audience reach and cultivating a cultural pipeline that speaks wlh and to the experience of those often excluded from the arts & cultural industries: Black and ethnic minority people, women, Disabled people and our diverse working-class community here in Liverpool. The truslees of the Black-E are committed to being the change to ensure that we create spaces and opportunities for new work and voices lo flourish. The Trustees acknowledge that work would not be possible wthout all our staff, sessional artists, sessional workers, volunteers and interns across who all conlinue to work hard. Thank you to all for putting people at the centre of delivering the great experiences that make the 81ack-E the national centre for participatory artsl During the lasl year The 81ack-E has hosted organlsations such as.. the Launch of Afro vision, CBBC- Filming, Feeding Liverpool, The World Transformed, YPAS, the Northwest region Scouts, NHS 75 Anniversary, The UK Cycling Charity, Mefseyside Fire and Rescue Service, The Black-E Patrons Gala, Hip Hop events, The Great Christmas Orchestra, Laura May Ltd Visually Impaireé Choir, the National Youth Choir, Balala Festival, Capoeira for. All, Leap Dance Festival, the Royal Court, Big Condo, What we did nexl choir, Creative Encounters, Liverpool 5 Rhythms, Fallen Angels, BBC Three, The Neurodiverse Festival of Arts, Liverpool City Region Growth Plafform, Ihe RaGe Equality Hub, various student theatres and many more. The Black-E has become the home of community groups such as Company of Friends, Collective Encounters, Liverpool Inclusiveness Theatre, Wilful Misfits, Creators Academy, Drag Cage, Jennifer Johns, Tai Chi, Community and League Table Tennis, QiPao, Company 8, Kung Fu, Boss Breakers, RAWD, Local Welcome and Flow Project. With IRIEI dance theatre, our resident dance artists, delivered successful projects who, have not only
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {continuedJ Year ended 5 April 2024 performed their research and development phase of GROUNDATION. but have had successful workshops with our younger and older audiences and a very successful outreach programme that held workshops for over 700 children and young people. The Black-E have launched Afro-vision (during Eurovision) The Black-E Peoples Gala, The Black-E Patrons Gala and il's most successful Chinese New Year celebrations.
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 5 April 2024 Financial review The results for the year and the charitys financial position at the end of the year are shown in the attached financial statements. The principal funding sources are detailed under note 4 to the accounts, Income from charitable activities. The plan for yèars 2025, 2026 and 2027. having already raised over £40,000 for projects this year is to raise £300,000 {£100,000) per year in operating costs. The Black - E are working with the Heritage Lottery Fund {HLFI to raise maintenance and energy efficency funding, this will be in the region of £1 £1 ,5 million over 5 years. The Black E ar8 currently working with Liverpool University Archilect School to achieve these goals. Risk and Reserves The major rlsks to which the charity Is exposed as identified by the Trustees have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate these risks, including regular periodic reviews of income and expenditure and cash flow and the revision of commitments and expenditure in relation to income. The Trustees also have a Corporate Risk Register, which is kept under ongoing review and jointly updated with senior staff. The Trustees take the view that if the Charity was to suffer a major loss of funding, it would need to keep reserves of £10,000. In addition, if the Charity was to suffer 8 significant loss of funding. it would use the £100,000 currently held by Barclays Bank for other purposes to wlnd down the charity. The Trustees have no plans to wind down the charity. With regards to the cultural programme. the major risks are linked to funding availability. Core funding risks are mitigated by the facl that The Black-E holds funding agreements with both Arts Council England as a National Portfolio client. In addition, as a national centre for participatory arts, Ihe Trustees can mitigate risk by.. 1. Reliance on growing volunleers, working with paid artists -reducing revenue costs. 2. Using high value film & TV, sports and commercial hires, that generates income to cross subsidise our cultural programme. On the basis of a fundraising strategy approved by the Trustees, The 8lack-E continues to make applications and submissions for funding of the cultural programme to charitable trusts, local and national government departments, and other bodies. The future finances of The Black-E las analysed in the current Business Plan) are dependent on a balance of income from {a) grants, and (b) rental from hires. Rental from hires of the comp.leted building will not 'leap' to an optimal level following relaunch but is predicted to grow over a 5-year period. 1. the Millennium Commission required and has taken a 1st fixed 80-year charge over The Black-E building and land together with a floating charge over all as5els, and 2. the Arts Council has required and taken a second fixed 20-year charge over the Black-E building and land, this is avalaible to be removed from November 2024. Fixed Assets In Ihe year ended 5 April 2012, the Truslees agreed that the Report and Accounts as produced be adopted and approved, and that a capital asset of £200,000, being the Trustees, own valuation of the current value in use of the Great George Street building, be revalued accordingly.
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 5 April 2024 The Trustees again discussed the independent valuation of the building.. 1 Great George Street and concluded there was no cost benefit, or any material benefit to the charity. This decision was taken because the cost of a valuation would be in the region of £16k. The building has both fixed and floating charges on the property register linked lo grants received from the Arts Council of England and other lottery funders. Further the property has a fixed use, a restriction which means that il can only be used as cultural facility and change of use would be required. These factors greatly reduce the value of the building and taking account of this the Trustees unanimously continue to see no benefit in an independent valuation. Small company provlslons This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable lo companies enlilled to the small companies exemption. The trustees, annual report was approved on 21 November 2024 and signed on behalf of the board ol trustees by.. Mr P Jennings Trustee 10
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Black-E Year ended 5 April 2024 I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Black-E {'Ihe charity,) for the year ended 5 April 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the company {and also ils direclors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 20061'lhe 2006 Act'l. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the 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 Ihe Charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'the 2011 Act'l. 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 examlnerfs stalement Since the charity'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 thal l am qualified to underlake the examination becaus8 1 am a member of the Institute of Charterad Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEWI, whlch is one of the listed bodles. I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihat no matters have come to my attention in connection wilh the examination giving me cause lo believe.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or Ihe financial statements do not accord with those records; or the financial statements do not comply with the accounling requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement thal the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination., or the flnancial statements 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). 11
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of The Black-E (conlinu•d) Year ended 5 April 2024 I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the ex8mination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ro4v Rlchard Brown FCA FCCA Independent Examiner Hanover Buildings 11-13 Hanover Street Liverpool L13DN 12
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financlal Actlvities (including income and expenditure account) Year ended 5 April 2024 2024 Reslricted funds Total funds 2023 Unrestricted funds Total funds Note Income and endowments Donations and1egacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment income 5,843 655 53,503 318 235,066 240,909 655 57,126 318 225,473 8,245 105,277 287 3,623 Total Income 60,319 238,689 299,008 339,282 Expenditure Expenditure on raising funds.. Costs of other trading activities Total expenditure 41,861 41,861 251,707 251,707 293,570 293,570 327,791 327,791 Net gains on investments 10 {450,000) (450.002) Nel Income and net movement In funds 18,458 436,982 455,440 11,491 Reconcilialion of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 126,127 736,904 863,031 851,540 144,585 1,173,886 1,318,471 863,031 The statement of flnancial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The notes on pages 16 to 30 form part of these flnancial staternents. 13
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financial Position 5 April 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 15 1,213,372 763.253 Current assets Debtors Investments Cash al bank and in hand 16 17 61.860 100,000 43,506 38,731 100,000 62,965 205,366 201,696 Credltor8: amounts falllng du8 Wlthln one year Net current assets 18 100,267 105,099 101,918 99,778 Total assets18ss current Ilabllitles 1,318,471 1,318,471 863.031 Net assets 863.031 Funds of the charlty Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 1,173,886 144,585 736.904 126,127 863,031 Total charlty funds 19 1,318.471 For the year ending 5 April 2024 Ihe charily was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Acl 2006 relating to small companies. Directors. responsibilities: The members have not required the company to obtain an audil of its financial statement5 for the year in queslion in accordance with section 476; The directors acknowledge their responsibilltles for complylng with the requirements of the Act with respecl to accounting records and the preparation of financlal statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies. regime. The statement of finan.cial position continues on the following page. The notes on pages 16 to 30 fomi part of these financial statements. 14
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financial Position (¢onllnuedJ 5 April 2024 These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 21 November 2024. and are signed on behalf of the board by: r* Mr P Jennings Trustee The notes on pages 16 to 30 form part of these financial statements. 15
The Black-E Company.Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 5 April 2024 General infomiation The charity Is a publlc benefit entity and a prlvale company Ilmited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 1 Great George Street, Liverpool, L15EW. Statement of compliance These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland,, the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. Accounting policles Basis of preparation The financial stalemenls have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of Ihe entity. Golng concern There are no material uncertainlies about the charitvs ability to continue. 16
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) Year ended 5 April 2024 Accounting policies (conflnued) Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty Our objectives are lo obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement. whether due lo fraud or error, and lo issue an audilorf.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 delecl a material misstatement when it exists. Misslatements can arise from fraud or error and are consider8d material if, individually or in the aggregate, th8y could r8asonably be expected lo influence the economic decisions of users laken on the basis of these financial statements. As part of an audit in accordance with ISAS (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professlonal scepiiclsm throughoul the audit. We also: Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial stalemenls, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not deleGling a material misstatem8nl resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve colluslon, forgery, Intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the independent examination in order to design procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effecliveness of Ihe internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting eslimates and related disclosures made by the directors. Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors, use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audil evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubl on the company's ability to continue as a going ¢on¢ern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exisls, we are required lo draw attention in our auditor's report lo the related disclosures in the financial stalements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up lo the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the company to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial slatemenls represent Ihe underlwng transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with Ihose charged with govemance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control thal we identify during our independent examination. 17
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Flnanclal Statements (contlnuedj Year ended 5 April 2024 Accounting policies (Continued) Fund accountlng Unrestricled funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees lo further any of the charitys purposes. Deslgnated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment. Restricted funds are subjected to restriclions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall inlo one of sub-classes.. restricted income funds or endowment funds. Incomlng resources All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlem8nt has passed to the charily',11 Is probable that Ihe economic beneflts assoclaled wllh the transaction wlll flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income.. income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of enli118ment to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. legacy income Is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established. income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractlcal to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from th8 Cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers. Income from contfacls for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a conlraclual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspenl, in which case il may be regarded as restricted. 18
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {¢ontlnued) Year ended 5 April 2024 Accounting policies Icontlnu•d) Resources expended Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure Includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates.. expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, non- charitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods. expenditure on charltable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity In undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of ils beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relaling to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities. other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of ils expenditure on charitable activities. All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportloned beNveen the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiab18 and consislenl basis. Tangible assets Tangible assets are inltlally recorded al cost, and subsequently staled at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts 8re recorded at the fair value al the date of revalu81ion less any subsequent accumulaled depreciation and subsequent accumulated impaimient losses. An increase irb the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in olher recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which il offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown wilhin other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities. Depreciation Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset. less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: Freehold propety Fixtures and fittings Nil - See note 13 250/0 reducing balance Impairment of flxed assets A review for indicators of impaimient is carried out al each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the Carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impaiments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. 19
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {¢ontlnuedJ Year ended 5 April 2024 Accounting policies (¢onllnuedJ Impairment of fixed assets f¢onllnu•d) For the purposes of impairmenl testing. when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amounl of the ¢ash- generating unit lo which the asset belongs. The cash-generaling unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generaling units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combinalion, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of th8 charity are assigned to those units. Finanelal Snstruments A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when Ihe charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the Instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequenlly measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or recelved and not dlscounted. Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Where investments In shares are publicly traded or their fair valu8 can otherwis8 be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured al fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impalrment. Other financial inslruments, including derivatives. are initially recognised al fair value. unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured al the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rale of interest for a similar debt instrument. Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial aclivilies, with the exception of hedging instruments in designated hedging relationship. Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment al the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised. For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and olher financial assels that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are. either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics. 20
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (eontlnued) Year ended 5 April 2024 Accounting policies {¢ontlnu•dJ Flnancial instruments (conllnuedj Any reversals of impaimient are recognised immediately, lo the extent that the reversal does not result in a Carn9 amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised. Llmlted by guarantee The Black-E was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act 1985 on 0110611972. The liability of the members is limited to £1.00. Donatlons and legacies Unrestricled Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Donations General Donations Just Giving Chinese New Year 620 620 1,600 1,600 Grants ACE Capital Grant ACE NW Revenue Llverpool Clty Voluntary L C C - Project Grants Liverpool Culture City Liverpool HAF MPAC UBELE Initiative VOLA 194,692 194,692 3,623 2,400 6,023 19,500 10,100 19,500 10,100 8,374 235,066 8,374 240,909 5,843 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Donations General Donations Just Giving Chinese New Year 200 102 2,488 200 102 2,488 21
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {contlnued) Year ended 5 April 2024 Donatlons and legacies (contlnuedj Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Grants ACE Capital Grant ACE NW Revenue Liverpool City Voluntary L C C - Project Grants Liverpool Culture City Liverpool HAF MPAC UBELE Initiative VOLA 22,500 112.024 7,550 5,860 49,249 7,500 17,500 500 22,500 112,024 7,550 5.860 49,249 7,500 17,500 500 2,790 222,683 225,473 Charitable activities Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestrlcted Total Funds 'Funds 2024 Funds 2023 8ar Sales Hospitality - Inhouse Miscellaneous Income 655 655 8,008 12 225 8,008 12 225 655 655 8,245 8,245 Other tradlng actlvltles Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Venue hire Huski8son rental 53,003 500 3,623 56,626 500 53,503 3,623 57,126 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Venue hire Huskisson rental 104,711 566 104,711 566 105,277 105,277 22
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnu•d) Year ended 5 April 2024 Investmenl income Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Bank Interest 318 318 287 287 . Costs of other trading activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Staff Costs Governance costs Premises costs Office costs Prol8Ct costs 9,621 21,482 10,089 559 {1,061) 89,206 27,151 135,852 10,180 20,421 99,296 27,151 136,522 669 41,861 251,707 293,570 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Staff Costs Governance costs Premises costs Office costs Project costs 3,782 8,255 93,024 17,439 11,831 134,331 100,829 104,612 8,255 95,808 17,439 101,677 327.791 2,784 89.847 193,460 10. Net galns on Investments Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Gainsl(losses) on freehold propety 450,000 450,000 11. Net Income Nel income is stated after chargingl{crediting): 2024 2023 Depreciation ol tsngible fixed assets 485 446 23
The Black-E Company Llmited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 5 April 2024 12. Independent examination fees 2024 2023 Fees payable to the independent examiner for.. Independenl examination of the financial statements 2,200 2,100 13. Staff costs The total staff cosls and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follovts.. 2024 2023 Wages and consultancy Social security Costs Other employee benefils 21.746 1.838 397 105,757 355 23.981 106,112 The average head count'of employees during the year was 1 (2023: 7) with staffing being mainly made up of freelancers and conlraclors during the year. The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows: 2024 No. 2023 Number of staff - Finance Number of staff - Director Number of staff - CYP manager Number of staff - Administration Number of staff - Cleaning Number of staff - Maintenance Number of staff - Communications No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023.. Nil). 24
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (conlinuedj Year ended 5 April 2024 14. Trustee remuneratlon and expenses Included above are fees and expenses of Mr Harpe in respect of services provided to the charity. The amount included in the year was £Nil (2023.. £10,420). 1 Trustees were reimbursed for their travel expenses in respect of their attendance al Council meetings. The amounts totalled £2.178 for the year ending 5th April 2024 12023.. 2 Trustees totalling £4,575). Bill Harp8 was a non-paid Trustee - but in addition held the paid posltion as Cultural Director or Artistic Director and this was a paid position. He was therefore not paid to be a Trustee. He was however paid for his cultural leadership and day to day management of the arts and community operation. The governing document allowed this, so far as he was not involved in setting his own remuneration. Bill Harpe and Wendy Harpe were not involved in setting remuneration. Both ACE and the Charity Commission were aware of this position over the last 50 years. The Trustees agreed, prior to 2019. Ihal Bill Harpe would begin the process of stepping back and eventually down. Bill Harpe was paid a 'pension' which covered his role as Joint Cultural Director. together with activity to transmit his work, Including Intellectual Property and ideas to the next generation. This included work on the publicalion, archive and the notation of the great dance works that had framed the creation of the charity and indeed informed the re-development of the actual building space of the 81ack-E. In accordance with the Governing Documents, Bill Harpe was paid -but the potential conflict continued lo be managed, as he neither set, nor parlicipated in setting payments. A5 of 31107123 Bill Harpe is no longer a Director or Trustee and was on his retirement removed as a person with Significant Control. No payments have been made lo Bill Harpe since April 2023. 11 is possible that in future. Trustees may s88k to mak8 an ex-gralia payment relating lo 5 Huskisson Street andlor Bill's new role as a Patron. If this was to be done, it would be discussed and agreed by vole by the Trustees, taking account of our Conflicts of Interest Policy, Charity Commission guidance on on making ex-gralia payments (including the reputational risk of nol making such a payment) and any payment would be derived from earned income and not existing charitable funds. 25
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continuedj Year ended 5 April 2024 15. Tangible fixed assets Freehold Fixtures and property fittings Total Cost At 6 April 2023 Additions Revaluations 769.417 10,845 604 780,262 604 450,000 450.000 At 5 April 2024 Depreciation At 6 April 2023 Charge for the year Al 5 April 2024 Carrying amount Al 5 April 2024 At 5 April 2023 1,219.417 11.449 1,230,866 7,500 9,509 485 17,009 485 7,500 9,994 17,494 1,211,917 1,455 1,213,372 763,253 761,917 1,336 The Black-E, the former Great George Street Congregational Church and the land, was donated to the charity in 1982. The original cost is not known. The trustees ar8 consulting with advisors to delemiine the most appropriate way to value the building, including the cost of upgrading the building, and how to disclose this and the related depreciation in the financial statements. The Millennium Commlssion is available lo be removed from November 2024. It is required and has taken a first fixed 80 years charge over the 8lack-E building and the land together with a floating charge over all assets and the Arts Council has required and taken a second fixed 20 years charge over the Black-E building and the land. 5 Huskisson Slreet has been valued by the Trustees as at 0510412024 al £450,000, this is valued lower than market value based on similar properties sold in the area. 26
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (conlinued) Year ended 5 April 2024 15. Tangible fixed assets {¢ontlnued) Tangible fixed assets held at valuation In respect of tangible fixed assets held at valuation, the aggregat8 cost, depreciation and comparable carrytng amount that would have been recognised if the assets had been Carried under the historical cost model are as follows- Freehold property At 5 April 2024 Aggregate cost Aggregate depreciation Carrylng value 207,500 {7,500) 200,000 Al 5 April 2023 Aggregate cost Aggregate depreciation Carrying value 207,500 (7,5001 200,000 16. Debtors 2024 2023 Prepayrnenls and accrued income Other debtors 58,569 3,291 61,860 38,440 291 38,731 17. Investments 2024 2023 Other investments 100,000 100.000 18. Credltors: amounts falllng due wllhln one year 2024 2023 Other loans Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Social security and other taxes Other creditors 80,832 5,357 4,680 80,701 9,624 2,453 9,140 101,918 9,398 100,267 27
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Staternents (conllnuedj Year ended 5 April 2024 18. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (¢ontlnued) The bank overdrafts are s8cur8d against the credit balance of £100,000 held by Barclays Bank as an investment. Monies recieved LCC was given as a loan on the understanding that The Black-E as a recipienl of LCC funding would pay it back as long as The Black-E were funded. 19. Analysis of charitable funds Unreslrlcted funds At 6 April 2023 Gains and At losses 5 Aprll 2024 Income Expenditure General Unrestricted fund Designated Unreslricled Fund (25,423) 60,319 141,861) (6.965) 151,550 126,127 151.550 60,319 (41,861) 144.585 Al 6 April 2022 Gains and Al losses 5 April 2023 Income Expenditure General Unreslricled fund Designated Unrestricted Fund (15,691) 116,599 (134,331) (33,423) 159,550 159.550 143,859 116,599 (134,331) 126,127 Restrlcted funds At 6 April 2023 Gains and At losses 5 April 2024 Income Expenditure Restricled Fund 736,904 238,689 (251.707) 450,000 1,173.886 At 6 April 2022 Gains and At losses 5 April 2023 Income Expenditvre Restricte¢Y Fund 707,681 222,683 (193,460) 736,904 28
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 5 April 2024 19. Analysis of charitable funds (ContInu) Arts Council Capital Grant is for Building Refurblshment. Veolia Trust Grant is for the Kitchen refurbishment. Granada Foundation Grant is for Streaming Equipment and Music Technology Studio. Fashions Bequest Fund is for Gallery Exhibitions and Online Games.Fashions Bequest Fund is for Gallery Exhibitions and Online Games. MPAC grant is for Youth Arts Play Scheme and Healthy Eating project. Sallls bequest fund is for Youth Music and workshops. Liverpool HAF is for holiday activities and food programmes lo provide free places al holiday clubs for children. Liverpool City Councll Grants are for refurbishment of the property. Vola Consolrium helps support organisations to provide skills, employment and criminal Justi in Liverpool. Feeding Liverpools Is a food alllance for Llverpool resldents, 20. Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Tangible fixed assels Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets 56,501 188,351 (100,267) 144,585 1,156,871 17,015 1,213,372 205,366 {100,2671 1,318,471 1,173,886 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than l year Nel assets 90,050 137,995 (101,918) 126,127 673,203 63,701 763,253 201,696 (101,918) 863,031 736,904 29
The Black-E Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Flnanclal Statements (conlintsed) Year ended 5 April 2024 21. Restricted funds 06-Apr-23 Income Expendlture 05-Apr-24 Building Fund Arts Council England - Building Project Veolia Trust - Building Project Granada Foundation Fashions Bequest Fund MPAC Liverpool City Council Funds ACE NW Revenue Sally & Kevin's Bequest- Youth Music Vola Consortium Transfer of funds 155,204 365,000 31,784 9,400 6,822 155,204 365,000 31,784 9,400 6,822 10,100 89,477 282,416 10,100 25,523 194,692 63,954 87,724 17,016 17.016 8,374 8,374 (706,870) (706,780) Total 736,904 (468.181) 251.707 17,016 Included in the income from ACE is an amount accrued for. the quarter ending 31st March 2024 tolalling £48,673. 22. Deslgnated funds 06-Apr-23 Income Expenditure 05-Apr-24 Main Space Floor Improvement Patron's New Commission's Fund 5 Huskisson Repair & Development Edward Murphy - Celebration & staffing 5 Huskisson Lease Renewal 2,000 10,000 11,000 8,550 120,000 2,000 10,000 11,500 8,550 500 120,000 Total 151,550 500 32,050 120,000 30