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← The Black-E

2025-04-05-accounts

Company registration number (England and Wales)

The Black-E

Annual report and unaudited financial statements For the year ended 5 April 2025

The Black-E

Legal and administrative information

Charity registration England and Wales Charity registration number 501859 Country of incorporation United Kingdom (England and Wales) Company registration number 1056472 Principal and registered address The Black-E Great George Street Liverpool L1 5EW Trustees Mr P Jennings Dr Rahma Kingfisher Ms Andrea Vaz Ms Janine Ross Mr Craig Rogers Mr Akil Morgan (resigned 10 November 2024 Ms A Ankrah (resigned 28 April 2024) Ms J Green Mrs W Harpe Ms J Khali

Archive Sub-Committee Members

Chairperson Mr P Jennings

Independent examiner

DJH Chester Limited Chester House Lloyd Drive Cheshire Oaks Business Park Ellesmere Port England CH65 9HQ

The Black-E

Contents

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 7
Independent examiner's report 8 - 9
Statement of financial activities 10
Balance sheet 11
Notes to the financial statements 12 - 23

The Black-E

Trustees' report (including directors' report) For the year ended 5 April 2025

Structure, governance and management

The Trustees, who are also Directors of the charity for the purposes of Company Law, present their Annual Report and the Financial Statements for the year ended 5th April 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

The information contained in this Annual Report is both complemented and augmented by information available on the website, www.theblack-e.org.

The 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 address and registered office of the Company is:

The Black-E 1 Great George Street Liverpool L1 SEW

The day-to-day management of the charity is vested in The Chief 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 professional support on bookkeeping, financial management and governance has been provided by ERC Accountants, Haissaata Diallo and Ms Joyce Kanini.

The Black-E

Trustees' report (including directors' report) (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

Objectives and activities

In setting our objectives and planning our activities the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.

The objects for which the charity is established are:

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 Black-E is committed to:

Access - both providing access and improving access to the artist and for the artist, and for those individuals 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 ongoing programme and in conjunction with residencies, performances; by establishing an on-going dialogue between artists and their audiences through repeated visits and work, and by running seminars, residencies, etc. which enable artists to meet and work together.

Positive action - in relation to artists who are discriminated against - and in relation to communities and individuals who are discriminated 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.

Education (learning and unlearning) and training - both by and for artists - and both by and for communities and individuals- with a view to improving performance, understanding, and communication. The creation of opportunities and contexts which enable people to actively participate in creative activities a participation based in "doing" as well as "viewing" - in order, amongst other aims, to further democratise the arts.

The creation of opportunities and contexts which enable people to actively participate in creative activities a participation 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 the most restricted of languages, such involvement aims to promote democratisation not only through a shared understanding of these languages but also through growth and development in the languages themselves.

The Black-E

Trustees' report (including directors' report) (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

This means the Black-E is committed to:

The recognition and valuing of cultural diversity. This means the Black-E is committed to:

From all the above, in committing itself to exploring and recreating the relationship between contemporary society and the contemporary artist and between contemporary society and creative activities and opportunities, the Black-Eis committing itself to a two-in-one duality - to the development of communities and to the development 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 to 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.

And if all the earlier text had to be summed up in seven words?

Our continuing objectives for the year 2024-25 were: -

To continue to 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 with hires to and 'sharings' with commercial and cultural organisations. All underpinned by a commitment to cultivating cultural diversity 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 Hip-Hop into Black-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 8-Excellent Program.

To strengthen the Trustee Board with active local members, who reflect the diversity of our intent to support greater participation of Black and ethnic minority peoples, in the cultural pipeline. Fortnightly staff planning and action meetings to support detailed planning and organisational work to produce the overall cultural programme in line with strategies and objectives determined by the Trustees.

The Black-E

Trustees' report (including directors' report) (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

Achievements and performance

In February 2024, I took the interim role as the Chair of the Charity. We are now working again with our community to re-new our ambition and plans. 2024 has centred on helping us transition to our Trustees for Life and founders Bill & Wendy Harpe, after nearly 60 years becoming Patrons. Bill, as a dancer, choreographer and Wendy, as 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 two distinct roles, being an unpaid-trustee: with being a very poorly paid Artistic Director - often surrendering his salary to projects like supporting the training of local emergent artists. As a global reaching multi ethnic community based, artist led charity - Bill and Wendy were pioneers on volunteerism, social action and building social movements - and they placed these ideas and their 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 the CEO working to 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 together to retain our ACE fun9ing. However, we have a long way to go in keeping up with cost increases and replacing other funding that we were unable to retain. 2025 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 first new work Mary Seacole to Joan Stober was delivered in 2023, allowing us to use our beautiful multi-space building and work with community to create site specific and immersive work. This first work in the cycle enabled us, through community workshops in drumming, gospel music, dance & movement, circus and the visual & textile arts to explore the lives of two great Black women. This new work also created a means to share with a wider audience the well-known story of Mary Seacole from her own words: 'The Wonderful Adventures of Mary Seacole in Many Lands'. 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 the 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 time in the USA, was a friend to Martin Luther King jnr.

The planning of the second series working with our Chinese community, Liverpool University and our wider partners is well underway. A further piece of work is in the pipeline it is the story of Kitty’s Amelia. The slave ship made four voyages transporting enslaved people (1804-1807) this work will centre on the last legal slave voyage in October 1807 from the Port of Liverpool.

Over the year we staged and hosted may events across our 500-capacity main space, studio, seminar rooms, and particularly in the intimacy of our 150-seater Chamber Theatre and our cafe & gallery space. We are particularly proud to have worked with IRIE! dance theatre, Kauma Arts and One Dance UK in securing an exhibition that captures a history of Black British Dance. As a promoter of participatory work, much of the work we undertake is not 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 yields new ideas, fosters new partnership and drives creative ambition.

Our annual Chinese New Year celebration saw over 3,600 visitors to The Black-E throughout the day, and increase of 1,600 visitors on 2024. The audience enjoyed a 5-hour marathon of dance, circus and workshops together with free lunch.

The Black-E

Trustees' report (including directors' report) (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

The Black-E also hosted its first Neurodiverse Festival of Arts with Wilfull Misfits and aims for this to be an annual event. The Black-E is a fully accessible building and we are fully inclusive working with children and young people who have SEND needs and neurodiverse.

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. In honour of its founder Bill Harpe, African Routes Revival incorporating the Black Dance Forum was a huge success and the planning has begun for African Routes 2025: Equal Measures again working with Karen Gallagher Associates, IRIE! dance theatre and a plethora of other artists in the genre.

Creative learning for children and young people, within a professional community arts space remains central to our vision. Over the Summer of 2024, we delivered five weeks of The Black-E Youth Arts Scheme. Each week had a different theme that embraced filming, dance, aerial art, hip hop and beat box which came together as a Scheme finale where our Children and Young People curated a Carnival, a celebration of five weeks. Our Children and Young people invited their parents, carers, guardians and families to a Carnival of everything Art and Culture. 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 skifls and play fed by practicing artists, making a space to create new work. With funding from Merseyside Play Action Council (MPAC) and the government 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 years the Black-E's ethos has been 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 with lived experience of learning disability. Bringing innovation and fresh insights to classic texts including Shakespeare's Tempest, and others. We are proud to work with partners who are fostering innovation and enabling artists to deliver quality for all our community.

We have reaffirmed our commitment to 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 with 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 trustees of the Black-E are committed to being the change to ensure that we create spaces and opportunities for new work and voices to flourish.

The Trustees acknowledge that work would not be possible without all our staff, sessional artists, sessional workers, volunteers and interns across who ail continue to work hard. Thank you to all for putting people at the centre of delivering the great experiences that make the Black-E the national centre for participatory arts!

During the last year The Black-E has hosted organisations such as: the Launch the first Neurodiverse Festival of Arts,, CBBC Filming, Feeding Liverpool, The World Transformed, YPAS, the Northwest region Scouts, NHS 75 Anniversary, The UK Cycling Charity, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, The Black-E Patrons Ga/a, Hip Hop events, The Great Christmas Orchestra, Laura May ltd Visually Impaired Choir, the National Youth Choir, Batala Festival, Capoeira for.All, Leap Dance Festival, the Royal Court, Big Condo, What we did next choir, Creative Encounters, Liverpool 5 Rhythms, Fallen Angels, BBC Three, The Neurodiverse Festival of Arts, Liverpool City Region Growth Platform, the Race 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, UK Pheonix Chinese Cultural and Artistic Association, Company 8, Kung Fu, Boss Breakers, RAWD, Local Welcome and Flow Project.

The Black-E

Trustees' report (including directors' report) (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

With IRIE! dance theatre, our resident dance artists, delivered successful projects who, have not only performed their finished production of GROUNDATION, whilst on a global tour. IRIE! have also 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 in St Helens and Knowsley.

The Summer of 2024 was the first time in almost 60 years The Black-E closed for a week due to racist behaviour and its inability to keep families arriving and departing to the Youth Arts Scheme safe. It is a huge credit to our staff and artists that we were able to get up and continue to deliver our Youth Arts Scheme online overnight, without disruption to our Children and Young People. The CEO and a Trustee delivered 45 hampers, a week’s worth of food, to families who were in receipt of Benefit Related Free School Meals from the funding received from HAF and MPAC.

The Black-E has completed an extremely busy year culminating in being awarded The Arts and Creativity Community Impact Award, The Black-E were nominated anonymously, and we still don’t know who nominated us. All of the Trustees, the CEO and staff look forward to another successful year.

Risks and reserves

The continuing major risks 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 have reviewed and updated the Corporate Risk Register and will be kept under ongoing review on a quarterly with senior staff.

The Trustees have identified that if the Charity was to suffer a major loss of funding, it would need to keep reserves of £60,000. As the restricted and designated reserves are held within the buildings, free reserves as at 5 April 2025 were £58,646.

In addition, if the Charity was to suffer a significant loss of funding, it would consider the possibility of the sale of an asset, namely the property at 5 Huskisson Street, Liverpool, which would guarantee the Charity for at least for another 5 -7 years. This is subject to lease renewal with LCC.

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 fact 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, the Trustees can mitigate risk by:

Reliance on growing volunteers, working with paid artists -reducing revenue costs and using high value film & TV, sports, and commercial hires, that generates income to cross subsidise our cultural programme.

Based on a fundraising strategy approved by the Trustees, The Black-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 are dependent on a balance of income from grants, and rental from hires.

In this financial year the charge by the Millennium Commission, an 80-year charge over The Black-E building and land together with a floating charge over all assets, has been satisfied.

The Arts Council has fixed 20-year charge over the Black-E building and land, currently remains remains, but as this was available to be removed from November 2024 the Trustees now need to also progress its satisfaction.

The Black-E

Trustees' report (including directors' report) (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

.............................. Mr Patrick Jennings 28/01/26 Date: .............................................

The Black-E

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of The Black-E

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Black-E (the charity) for the year ended 5 April 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors 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 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement - matter of concern identified

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. 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, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I have identified the following matters that should be taken into account to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

I confirm that apart from the matters of concern set out above, no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I confirm that there are 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 financial statements to be reached.

The Black-E

Independent examiner's report (continued) To the trustees of The Black-E

DJH Chester Limited

Chester House Lloyd Drive Cheshire Oaks Business Park Ellesmere Port England CH65 9HQ Date: ............................

The Black-E

Statement of financial activities Including income and expenditure account

For the year ended 5 April 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and
legacies
3
30,813
-
Charitable activities
4
-
210,691
Other trading
activities
5
39,992
-
Investments
6
5,904
-
Total income
76,709
210,691
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
-
-
Charitable activities
8
123,525
210,691
Total expenditure
123,525
210,691
Net income/(expenditure)
(46,816)
-
Transfers between
funds
171,897
(171,897)
Other recognised
gains and losses:
Revaluation of
tangible fixed assets
-
-
Net movement in
funds
125,081
(171,897)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 6 April
2024
144,584
1,173,886
Fund balances at 5 April
2025
269,665
1,001,989		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
30,813
5,842
235,066
210,691
655
-
39,992
53,503
3,623
5,904
318
-
287,400
60,318
238,689
-
41,860
251,708
334,216
-
-
334,216
41,860
251,708
(46,816)
18,458
(13,019)
-
-
-
-
-
450,000
(46,816)
18,458
436,981
1,318,470
126,126
736,904
1,271,654
144,584
1,173,885		 Total
2024
£
240,908
655
57,126
318
299,007
293,568
-
293,568
5,439
-
450,000
455,439
863,030
1,318,469

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The Black-E

Balance sheet

As at 5 April 2025

2025 2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 13 1,213,008 1,213,372
Current assets
Debtors 14 5,091 61,858
Investments 15 - 100,000
Cash at bank and in hand 176,912 43,507
182,003 205,365
Creditors: amounts falling due 17
within one year (123,357) (100,268)
Net current assets 58,646 105,097
Total assets less current liabilities 1,271,654 1,318,469
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds 18 1,001,989 1,173,885
Unrestricted funds 19 269,665 144,584
1,271,654 1,318,469

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 5 April 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

28/01/26

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................

.............................. Mr Patrick Jennings

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 5 April 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Black-E is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Black-E, Great George Street, Liverpool, L1 5EW.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold buildings Nil Fixtures and fittings 25% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated 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 where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 5 April 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 30,813 - 30,813 5,842 235,066 240,908

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Community arts and recreational
facilities
Bar sales
-
-
Grants
-
210,691
-
210,691		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
-
655
-
210,691
-
-
210,691
655
-		 Total
2024
£
655
-
655

Performance related grants analysis

Community
arts and
recreational
facilities
2025
£
ACE Revenue Grant 194,691
HAF Grant 16,000
210,691

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 5 April 2025

5 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Great George Street
Venue Hire
37,092
-
Huskisson Strees Venue
Hire
2,900
-
Other trading activities
39,992
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
37,092
53,003
-
2,900
500
3,623
39,992
53,503
3,623		 Total
2024
£
53,003
4,123
57,126

6 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 5,904 318

7 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising
events
-
-
Fundraising agents
-
-
Advertising
-
-
Other fundraising costs
-
-
Staff costs
-
-
-
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
-
669
135,852
-
21,481
(1,061)
-
-
27,151
-
10,089
89,207
-
9,621
559
-
41,860
251,708		 Total
2024
£
136,521
20,420
27,151
99,296
10,180
293,568

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 5 April 2025

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Agency and sessional workers
Equipment costs
Advertising and marketing
Music licence
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Support costs allocated to activities
Staff costs
Telephone and website
Premises costs
Accounts and bookkeeping
Legal and professional
Bank charges
General expenses
Analysed between:
Community arts and recreational facilities		 Community
arts and
recreational
facilities
2025
£
44,843
364
118,577
2,717
9,212
2,705
178,418
155,798
334,216
123,525
210,691
334,216
2025
2024
£
£
15,078
-
15,525
-
106,194
-
10,528
-
34
-
1,229
-
7,210
-
155,798
-
155,798
-

9 Support costs allocated to activities

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

10 Trustees

During the year, one trustee took up a paid role to act as Chief Executive. The charity commission have been notified. Expenses incurred are reimbursed to the Chief Executive in relation to duties as Chief Executive but not for acting as a trustee. No payments were made to trustees for acting as trustees.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Administration and finance 1 1
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Staff costs 59,921 10,180

Staff costs above include one legally classified employee, together with the costs of the chief executive, charity administrators and finance assistants all of whom were self-employed. These costs represent the remuneration of key management personnel.

Operational workers and artists, who are paid as self-employed workers and used in the daily operation of the charity and to facilitate the various charitable projects, are not included in the average number of employees above. The average number of self-employed workers in addition to the key management personnel for the year was 15. These workers are not legally classified as employees. Their costs are include within agency and sessional workers costs.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The key management personnel are deemed to be the chief executive, charity administrator and finance assistants and their remuneration is included within staff costs noted above.

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 5 April 2025

13 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Cost or valuation
At 6 April 2024
At 5 April 2025
Depreciation and impairment
At 6 April 2024
Depreciation charged in the year
At 5 April 2025
Carrying amount
At 5 April 2025
At 5 April 2024		 Freehold
buildings
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
1,211,917
11,449
1,211,917
11,449
-
9,994
-
364
-
10,358
1,211,917
1,091
1,211,917
1,455		 Total
£
1,223,366
1,223,366
9,994
364
10,358
1,213,008
1,213,372

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 are consulting with advisors to determine 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 buildings are therefore carried at revalued amount and not depreciated.

Included within freehold buildings includes property at 5 Huskisson Street which has been valued by the Trustees as at 5 April 2024 at £450,000. The trustees are of the opinion that this value remains the same as at 5 April 2025.

The buildings at Great George Street are subject to fixed and floating charges by the Arts Council.

At 5 April 2025, had the revalued assets been carried at historic cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, their carrying amount would have been approximately £200,000 (2024 - £200,000).

14
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
£
5,091
-
5,091		 2024
£
3,289
58,569
61,858

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 5 April 2025

15
Current asset investments
Unlisted investments
16
Loans and overdrafts
Other loans
Payable within one year
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Borrowings
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
-
2025
£
74,700
74,700
2025
£
74,700
1,596
5,358
799
40,904
123,357		 2024
£
100,000
2024
£
80,700
80,700
2024
£
80,700
-
5,358
9,530
4,680
100,268

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 6 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 5 April
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Building fund 155,204 - - - 155,204
Arts Council Building fund 365,000 - - - 365,000
Veolia Trust Building fund 31,784 - - - 31,784
Granada Foundation 9,400 - - (9,400) -
Fashions Bequest 6,822 - - (6,822) -
Liverpool City Voluntary fund 5,910 - - (5,910) -
ACE Revenue 87,724 194,691 (194,691) (87,724) -
LCC Project grants 4,585 - - (4,585) -
Liverpool Culture/HAF 53,459 16,000 (16,000) (53,459) -
Sally & Kevin's Bequest 17,016 - - (17,016) -
Other (13,019) - - 13,019 -
723,885 210,691 (210,691) (171,897) 551,988
Revaluation reserve 450,000 - - - 450,000
Previous year: At 6 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 5 April
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Building funds 155,204 - - - 155,204
Arts Council Building fund 365,000 - - - 365,000
Veolia Trust Building fund 31,784 - - - 31,784
Granada Foundation 9,400 - - - 9,400
Fashions Bequest 6,822 - - - 6,822
Liverpool City Voluntary 5,910 25,523 (25,523) - 5,910
ACE Revenue 87,724 194,692 (194,692) - 87,724
LCC Project grants 4,585 - - - 4,585
Liverpool Culture/HAF 53,459 - - - 53,459
Sally & Kevin's Bequest 17,016 - - - 17,016
Vola Consortium - 8,374 (8,374) - -
MPAC - 10,100 (10,100) - -
Other - - (13,019) - (13,019)
736,904 238,689 (251,708) - 723,885
Revaluation reserve - - - - 450,000

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 5 April 2025

18 Restricted funds

(Continued)

The building and Arts Council Capital Grants funds are for Building Refurbishment.

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.

ACE Revenue grant is to support the ongoing community arts projects.

MPAC grant is for Youth Arts Play Scheme and Healthy Eating project.

Sally and Kevin's bequest fund is for Youth Music and workshops.

Liverpool HAF is for holiday activities and food programmes to provide free places at holiday clubs for children.

Liverpool City Council Grants are for refurbishment of the property.

Vola Consortium helps support organisations to provide skills, employment and criminal justice in Liverpool.

19 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 6 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 5 April
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 144,584 76,709 (123,525) 171,897 269,665
Previous year: At 6 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 5 April
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 126,126 60,318 (41,860) - 144,584

Unrestricted funds include an amount set aside by the trustees of £120,000 in respect of 5 Huskisson Road.

The Black-E

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 5 April 2025

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
At 5 April 2025:
Tangible assets
211,019
1,001,989
Current assets/(liabilities)
58,646
-
269,665
1,001,989
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
At 5 April 2024:
Tangible assets
56,501
1,156,871
Current assets/(liabilities)
88,083
17,014
144,584
1,173,885		 Total
2025
£
1,213,008
58,646
1,271,654
Total
2024
£
1,213,372
105,097
1,318,469

21 Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties

During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with related parties:

At the year end there was a balance outstanding and due to the charity of £5,090 from W Harpe, founder and former trustee.