REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02233315 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 701310
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
FOR
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED
CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02233315) CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
CONTENTS OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Company Information | 2 |
| Report of the Trustees | 3 to 9 |
| Independent Auditors' Report | 10 to 12 |
| Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities | 132 |
| Consolidated and Company Balance Sheet | 14 |
| Cash Flow Statement (including Notes to the Cash Flow Statement) | 15 |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | 18 to 29 |
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WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02233315) CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
COMPANY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025
DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES: Dean Elliott Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester Jonathan Fraser Chris Glover Josephine Hodges Roger Knight Dawn Long John Murfin (Resigned 31 December 2025) Alan Stuttard Alan Tidy CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Sarah-Jane Morgan REGISTERED OFFICE: Huntingdon Hall Crowngate Worcester WR1 3LD REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02233315 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 701310 AUDITORS: Richards Sandy Audit Services Limited Thorneloe House 25 Barbourne Road Worcester WR1 1RU
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WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02233315) CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025
The directors, who are also trustees of the charity, present their annual directors' report together with the consolidated financial statements of the charity and its subsidiary for the year ended 31st August 2025 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
GOVERNING DOCUMENT
The charity is a company limited by guarantee which is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, which were adopted on 21 March 1988. The Memorandum of Association was revised on 31 August 2004. The charity is registered with the Charity Commission. The charity registration number is 701310 and the limited company number is 02233315.
REGISTERED OFFICE
The registered office of the charitable company is:
Huntingdon Hall Crowngate Worcester WR1 3LD
PRINCIPAL OFFICES
The principal offices of the charitable company are:
Huntingdon Hall Crowngate Worcester WR1 3LD The Swan Theatre The Moors Worcester WR1 3ED
TRUSTEES (WHO ARE ALSO DIRECTORS)
The trustees, who are also directors, who held office during the year under review and up to the date of signature of these financial statements were:
Dean Elliott Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester Jonathan Fraser Chris Glover Josephine Hodges Roger Knight Dawn Long John Murfin (Resigned 31 December 2025) Alan Stuttard Alan Tidy
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WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02233315) CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
CO-OPTED EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
J Vale (Chairman, Friends of the Swan Theatre) L Hodgson (Worcester City Council appointee) D Broster (Heads of the School of Arts, Worcester University appointee) R Walker MP (Member of Parliament for Worcester)
LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
The charitable company is limited by guarantee and does not have an issued share capital. Each member is liable to contribute £1 each to the Charity's assets if it should ever be wound up.
QUALIFYING THIRD PARTY INDEMNITY
The charitable company's articles of association includes provision that, subject to the provisions of Companies Act 2006, the trustees to be indemnified out of the assets of the charitable company against claims made against them in regard to losses due to improper investments, fraud or negligence.
APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES
The trustees are appointed by the members in the annual general meeting. New trustees are appointed by the existing board of trustees, taking into account the way in which their skills will supplement and enhance those already available to the Board. New trustees are inducted by a series of meetings with the Chairman and senior staff of the charitable company.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The trustees have delegated day to day management of the charitable company to the Chief Executive Officer who is supported by a management team. The Trustees receive appropriate training at trustees' meetings, as is deemed appropriate.
The Chief Executive Officer is Sarah-Jane Morgan.
The pay and remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer is agreed by the Chairman and Company Secretary having taken into consideration the figures for comparable theatres in this area.
PRINCIPAL ADVISERS
The company's auditors are: Richards Sandy Audit Services Limited Thorneloe House 25 Barbourne Road Worcester WR1 1RU The company's solicitors are: Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited 5 Deansway Worcester Worcestershire WR1 2JG The company's bankers are: Royal Bank of Scotland Plc 5-9 St Nicholas Street Worcester WR1 1UR
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WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02233315) CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
ORGANISATION
Strategic decisions and the monitoring of performance against pre-determined criteria are carried out by the trustees at periodic meetings and by individual trustees with specific duties. The day-to-day management to achieve the strategic objectives is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, who is supported by a management team.
SUBSIDIARY COMPANY
The parent company has one wholly owned subsidiary, Arts Enterprises Worcester Limited. This company operates a bar at both at the Swan Theatre and at Huntingdon Hall and also sells merchandise. All of the subsidiary's profits are is gift aided to this charitable company.
RISK ASSESSMENT
The charitable company regularly reviews the risks to which it is exposed and takes such action as it is possible to mitigate those risks.
The principal risks and uncertainties of the charitable company are:
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compliance with laws and regulations relating to running a theatre and concert hall
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The trustees have put in place suitable policies in place for staff and volunteers to follow to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Premises licences are held for both the Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall and the charitable company is registered on the Information Commissioner's Office' data protection register. The chief executive officer other key staff has sufficient experience and training in their respective fields as to be able to monitor day-to-day compliance with laws and regulations.
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securing funding to cover expenditure
The trustees regularly review management accounts of the monthly financial performance of the charitable company against budgets and make decisions to reduce planned future expenditure where necessary. The trustees make applications to various grant making institutions to secure additional funding to cover any forecast shortfalls.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The principal objects of the company for the year under review are:
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to advance the education of the general public in artistic, cultural and musical matters by promoting the performing arts, theatrical productions and artistic excellence and providing and operating a theatre and performance hall; and
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to preserve for the benefit of the community of Worcester city in the county of Worcestershire and of the nation at large, the Countess of Huntingdon Hall and its ancillary buildings as a feature of historical architectural or cultural interest.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 (5) of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to guidance on public benefit, when reviewing the charitable company's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Worcester Theatres Charitable Trust Limited continues to successfully run the Swan Theatre, a 350-seat proscenium arch traditional theatre space on the edge of the city and Huntingdon Hall, a 330-seat converted Methodist Chapel, right in the heart of the city. We are the only venue-based arts provider in Worcester offering both a professional cultural provision for the city and a performance home to many local community arts groups. Providing a wide range of entertainment at the venues, from folk, popular music, jazz, world music, spoken word, classic & modern theatre, popular music, tribute bands, traditional/contemporary dance, and children’s theatre. Worcester Theatres also produce our own productions, via the Worcester Repertory Company, we are the only venue-based organisation in Worcestershire to do this and we are proud of our ability to produce high standard professional productions for the city of Worcester and the wider county. These are performed both at our venues and at other venues/locations in the city.
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WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02233315) CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (Continued)
We are supported with funding from Worcester City Council who value the impact we make upon the city in terms of our cultural provision. The company continues to be supported by an excellent Board of Directors with wide ranging and dynamic skills who complement and support the Chief Executive in the operation of the Charity. The organisation is delighted to employ a lean but highly skilled, motivated, and passionate staff, who are driven and determined to ensure the company succeeds at every level and are backed by a volunteer force of 150, who champion Worcester Theatres and our venues, whilst providing stewarding and staffing for the venues bars.
Swan Theatre
The Swan Theatre’s programme has continued to develop and evolve, with a focus on genres such as theatre, talks, tribute artists, family theatre, film and dance. Audiences have supported equally across the genres and engaged with our programme, as we continue to curate an exciting programme of events for the venues despite the ongoing challenges that patrons are seeing due to the economic crisis. The programming at the Swan Theatre also offers opportunities for a wider and more diverse sector of our community to engage with the arts and Worcester Theatres has seen excellent engagement, through project work at the venue, with minority groups and artists in the city and the wider county. Worcester Theatres also continues to provide a space for talent development to ensure the retention of both artistic and trained talent for the city.
The Swan Theatre remains a popular venue for our community user groups and we continue to have regular annual and bi-annual amateur hire groups who value using the Swan Theatre to enable them to fulfil their hobbies, engaging with the arts within a professional theatre environment. We continue to offer the main stage and associated smaller rooms at the venue for hire to community groups and small business owners, all of which contributes to our income across the year.
Worcester Repertory Company
Worcester Theatres are unique in the Worcestershire cultural landscape, as we are the only producing theatre venue. We are proud to make homegrown theatre via the Worcester Repertory Company (Worcester Rep), performing at our own venues, and venues across the city and beyond through our touring productions. We aim to cast as many professional West Midlands actors within our productions as possible and continue to retain local talent by working with local creatives and producing various artist development programmes. We continue to grow our creative partnerships to help nurture the performing arts during a time when funding streams are being withdrawn.
We are fortunate to have Imelda Staunton as the Patron of the Worcester Rep and Rufus Norris as Patron of the Swan Youth Theatre, both of whom have meaningful connections to the Rep & Swan Theatre. As we cherish the history of the building and of the Worcester Rep, we continue to strengthen its position within the city. The Worcester Repertory Company falls under Worcester Theatres management and shares the same staffing team. We also invite experienced and respected guest directors throughout the season to work with us, whilst still providing opportunity for local emerging directing talent.
This year the Worcester Rep produced, Animal Farm, Jack & the Beanstalk, Hansel & Gretel, and The Three Musketeers and welcomed total audiences of 22,670 just for our repertory work an increase on last year’ figures by 488 patrons (with the deduction of one show as this is deemed as a youth production this year). This reflects an increased engagement in our Rep work and is a promising step forward in our theatre work this year.
Outreach & Participation at the Swan Theatre
The Swan Theatre youth theatre has continued to thrive in the past 12 months, and we now see members reaching over 120, each of whom are learning new drama and performance skills, devising their own theatre, working on a range of dramatic scripts, and embedding lifelong skills such as public speaking, performance confidence, communication, building self-assurance and developing meaningful friendships outside of the classroom.
During the past year, and as a direct result of the economic crisis we have seen a continued increase in the demand for bursaries for our youth theatre. This increase, although a liability on our own funds, is fundamental to our ethos to ensure that there are no financial barriers to restrict engagement for families and young people. Worcester Theatres offer unlimited bursary places for a range of financial aid reasons, these are funded directly from Worcester Theatres funds, or via funding that we raise.
Young Rep Company
The Young Rep has become a valued part of our work and we have continued to provide opportunities for 16–24-year-olds to work in a professional theatre environment. This year the Young Rep have staged Brain Play (as part of the NT Connections Festival) and Animal Farm as part of our collaborative community production. The Young Rep provides a nurturing and welcoming environment, and offers places based on talent (via auditions) supporting young people to reach their full potential. We see a high proportion of our intake either studying performance at a higher education level, pursuing places at drama schools, or working in the industry during or post their time with us, with some members becoming paid professional actors in our Worcester Repertory Company after further training.
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WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02233315) CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (Continued)
Worcester Fringe
The Worcester Fringe did not run this year due to a lack of funding and change of personnel at the University of Worcester. It is hoped that we may be able to revisit the fringe or a similar event in the future.
Saucy
Our LGBTQ+ queer performance project for marginalised groups in the city and across the wider county, offers commissions and performance opportunities for local queer artists and a safe space for performers and audiences wishing to engage with queer theatre. We continue to source annual funds through grants from trusts & foundations, the National Lottery, Arts Council etc. to ensure we can continue to create opportunities for this community and support the ongoing development of this area of our work.
Youth Advisor Board & Future Arts Leaders Programme
This year we have brought together young people from the local community and given them the opportunity to make their mark on the artistic programme of WT & the wider landscape of Worcestershire. By working with our participants, we hope to give a voice to the young people within our organisation, become more responsive to their needs and reflective of their desires within our programming.
Huntingdon Hall
Huntingdon Hall remains a vital venue for the city. It is a venue which is well loved by all of the artists who perform there and for our patrons, many of whom are regular attendees to the venue. The Hall primarily supports our comedy, live original music, spoken word and tribute artists genres, although we do also see occasional theatre performances within the space. Much like the Swan Theatre, we have seen a solid response to programming over the year, with patrons enjoying the opportunities to engage with the arts at our venue. We have, however not been frivolous in our approach to programming, ensuring our organisation remains sustainable, often programming safely meaning we can ensure, solid support across the genres and in return the charities resources are well managed. In the last 12 months we have seen an increase in the professional hirers/artists wishing to use the venue. We are pleased to offer Huntingdon Hall on a hire basis as this provides a guaranteed income for Worcester Theatres.
The venue continues to be hired by Worcester Concert Club for Sunday matinee classical concerts and to the Heart of Worcestershire College to enable music students to experience performing in a professional venue.
Summary
The Charity has continued to see strong audiences for a robust and dynamic programme this financial year, this committed support enables us to continue working with a balanced programme of commercial and artistic strands, maintaining our offer to audiences as a dynamic mixture of professionally varied shows to allow a lively and vibrant presentation of events and cultural opportunities for creative engagement. Alongside this programme we continue to offer a series of engagement activities which enrich and develop the opportunities to engage with the arts in the city and county, reducing loneliness, supporting talent development and developing cultural creativity for the region. We have continued to see a strong engagement from a younger and more diverse audience and participation community supporting our continued efforts to deliver a varied and expanding programme for the city and wider county. The commitment from our patrons and hirers of both venues, which is particularly prevalent, defined and consistent, allows us to continue to present a year on year season of events which are often supported regularly by audiences wishing to engage with the venues, staff and products knowing that they will be able to find high quality products at an excellent value for money compared to other professional venues in the county. Additionally we are well known and praised for our ability to welcome audiences with additional needs and for supporting those who require help to access the arts both as participants, audience members or as young people looking to pursue a career in our industry. All these areas define us as an organisation and continue to remain priority areas of development alongside our commitment to high quality programmes for our venue capacity.
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WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02233315) CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
The charitable company makes appeals to both the general public for donations and to charitable trusts for grants. These activities include automated requests for donations from persons using the online ticket booking system, advertised benefits for persons signing up to one of the charitable company's various patrons schemes and the placing of donation boxes within the venues operated by the charitable company. The charitable company does not use either a professional fund-raiser nor a commercial participator. The charitable company is not bound by any voluntary standard or scheme for regulating fundraising activities. The charitable company has not received any complaints within the year relating to how it undertakes fundraising activities. The trustees do not believe that these activities are likely to cause neither vulnerable people and other members of the public to be at risk of suffering unreasonable intrusion on a person's privacy, unreasonably persistent approaches for the purpose of soliciting or otherwise procuring money or other property on behalf of the charitable company or placing undue pressure on a person to give money or other property.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Incoming resources was £2,601,308 compared to £2,233,457 last year. The unrestricted fund net surplus for the year was £571,442 (2024 - unrestricted fund net surplus of £214,675).
At the year end the charity held free reserves (defined as the unrestricted reserves less unrestricted reserves held within fixed assets (see note 18)) of £1,333,248 (2024 - £779,839).
At the year end the charity held restricted funds of £141,529 (2024 - £143,017). Many of these relate to funds held to finance significant building improvement and renovation work.
RESERVES POLICY
The charity's reserves policy ensures that the charity hold an appropriate level of financial reserves to protect the Charitable Trust and its employees against any future uncertainties. Should for whatever reason the charity be unable to continue trading, the minimum level of reserves needed to cover closure costs has been estimated to be £235,000, including provision for the following estimated costs:
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Reserves to meet all staff redundancy costs and notice pay in the event of a closure;
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Overheads for six months;
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Staff wages to assist with the managed closure; and
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Liquidator fees.
Total reserves at the year end were £1,511,899 (2024 - £926,203), including total restricted funds of £141,529 (2024 - £143,017). At the year end tangible fixed assets held had net book value of £44,260 (2024 - £19,194), including assets with book value of £7,138 (2024 - £15,847) that relate to restricted funds.
Unrestricted General Fund excluding fixed assets amounted to a surplus of £1,333,248 (2024 - £779,839), which is in excess of the level required by the reserves policy. This is partly due to the charity trustees deferring some decisions regarding expenditure during the period due to potential contribution from Worcester City levelling Up Funds which would have required match funding, drawn from the organisational reserves to add a platform lift, accessible toilet and enable a foyer refurbishment. There are also a number of additional projects that are in still in the planning stages and due to continued high building costs Trustees and are yet to confirm how best to allocate their current surplus of funding. There has been uncertainty around the investment into these including a number of ongoing capital investments and building improvements. These may include adding to the campaign to refurbish the sanitary facilities at both venues improving the facilities that we are providing for audiences and/or investing into improved accessible facilities at the Swan Theatre, so that everyone can access the arts in a meaningful way.
INVESTMENT POLICY
The investment policy is to invest surplus funds in interest bearing accounts with immediate access. The charitable company has insufficient funds to invest on longer term basis.
The charitable company holds a wholly owned trading subsidiary held for the purpose of generating income for use by the charitable company.
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WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE ISTERED NUMBER: 02233316 REPORT OF THE TRUSTE R THE YEAR ENDED T 2026 Corrfnu PLANS FOR ThE FUTURE The Charity continuos to Work to maintain rt$ rA)SrtI and it'$ programme careful of current economi¢ climate In wtti¢h ts ¢wnty a1 $rt$ are crentlY positioned, we are aware that many regional theat$ are facing pressures from the economic cri$k8 and rtying costs. partnered wrth funding CLrt5. Wor¢e$twTh8atr88 are avrare that ltrir own Current funding position from Worce51er Crty Goundl 1$ likely Ic chawe in th8 re%t IWee months whkth will be chaInging for organisalion and difficuY( lo replxe in a singular fundkng stream, If al all. As the management and board remain oplimisliG ab(wl the future, dw to a con515tenlty 5troNJ P21ron bas8, they are aware that they must pro¢e8d wrth cAre. Management remain ambitiou$ t¢ ¢ontinu8 to broaden antl diversfy the prramme where possib, •nsuring an equilbrium beMen the programmirwJ 1$ found lo ensure viabilty an(J artL%ii¢ bala. Worcester Theatre5 continue to programme productior, show& and ts)mmunrty hires for both Ihfr Swan Theatre aThl Huntingdon Hall for the next evJhteen rnonths arnl beyond in some case5. with o stra18gic and conspJ8red appro8Gh lo audn¢¢ dgvelopmenl and art&lic d8¥0pMenl. The charity Mll conlinLE lo maintain arnl look at ways to expand our work for young peopk. minorty groups taknled b¢al ¢reats"ves local&Y within Ihtr ¢ity of Wwcester, ensurww our #IadY successful progr8mme5 continue to receive funding to ensure IrEir success. We remain amb'liou$ lo dgvakp our engagernent wY¢h $¢hool$, Contin to offer l¢)w Cost. free and bursary funded opportunities our youth the81r8 and Young Rep and ¢onlinue lo provide free acce$s to Ihe arts Ihrough CuY(ur8 Cafè and Knit and Natter $tyle a¢ts"viti8s. The develcprmnt of opportunitÈs fer adums aTyY young peoplè lo eNJage with tha arts through culrea¢h and parti¢ipatlon sh as WLYk8hopslcourses afid lenntlm8lhelty aCINe5 wll ¢ontinue 0$ well a& rnore developed prqttt exploTations to expand our areas of creative engagwnent and to offer more ways for the ¢ommunty of Worcester to engage W cultu aThJ gd craalive to ensure thatwor¢e$IerTheat remain compelilwe and ¢uttvralty astuiefor those it serve5. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBIUTIES The trustee$ Iwho are also the directors of WOrter Theatres ChaTit8ble Trusl Ud ft the purpose$ of ccfflpary law) af• responsible fof prepa[¥ Ihe Repori of the TNslees financial $12temenls in accordt4)ee ilh appIab Lqw and United 'ngdom Accounting StsrKlard$ (Unrted ingdoM GenOra1 A¢¢¢pW Aoun Practic81. Company Igw requlre$ the Iruslees lo prepare financral $latemenls for aach financkgl yearwhith give a tr and fair View of the slate of affairs of Il ¢haril8bk company and qf incoming rasources and application of resour¢e$, includirg the incom• and eypendrture, ufthe eharite company for Ihal perK)d. It) prepar those hnanckql statements, trustses are requir lo.. $ele¢l $utsble accounting pdics and then aA)ty them con8islenlly.. observethe melhods arK1 principks in the Charitie5 SORP IFRS 1021,. make juthJemnts aThJ accounting eslirrwies that are reasonab and prudent.. and prepare the finanryal 5talemenl$ on the going Cenrn ba515 Un$9 it 1$ inapproprL810 lo prgsurne thal the charilabty c(¥npany %ill continw in business. The trustee$ respos)sibJÈ for k8apirvJ proper accountithg re¢ord$ which fIlse with reasonable accuracy at any limg the financial posibon ol Ilw cha1ab company and to enabk tIEm lo ensure that the finaTraal stalwnenls comply %Ylth tha Ccmpanies Act 20C6. They a al$0 responsible for safgJuarding the as$8t$ ol ¢harit2bk company and for tan9 roasonabla steps fe¥ the prevÈntion and detection of fraud and other wregularit1es. STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDtTORS In so far a$ thg Irusteas are avrare al the t¥n& of approvlw our trusle•s' anThJal report.. there Is no relan1 fOrMatIOn. irt9 Informaln needed by the OlI10r in ¢ot)n8ction with prep#rir¢J Ihelr reptt. olwhl¢h th8 group's auditor unatsre. and the tIU5tees. having made enquiries of felkjw direGlors and the groups audKor that th0y ought to ha¥e Indtvhjualty tak8n, have each taken 811 steps that helshe oblued 10 lake as 8 director in ord2w lo make themse85 aware ef any relevgnt 9j11 inlormgtK)n and 10 85tablk8h that ihe audttor 1$ ware of that infomiatK)n. Thls report h85 been prepared aGcordanr* %Mth Ihs provi5iorts of Part 15 of compan Ad 20C6 relatiNJ to small ¢orryanies. Approved b order ol tts Board of Tru$le8s on........ . arnl SvJrJ on ts b8half by. Pagg 9
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Worcester Theatres Charitable Trust Limited (the ‘parent charitable company’) and its subsidiary (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31st August 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the group and parent charitable company's affairs as at 31st August 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and the provisions available for small entities, in the circumstances set out in note 21 to the financial statements, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken during the course of the audit:
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the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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The Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent charitable company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the parent charitable company's financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
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the directors were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies' exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees Responsibilities set out on page 10, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group's and parent charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud, we have:
-
obtained an understanding of the nature of the industry and sector, including the legal and regulatory framework that the group operates in and how the group is complying with the legal and regulatory framework; and
-
inquired of management, and those charged with governance, about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, including any known actual, suspected or alleged instances of fraud.
As a result of these procedures we consider the most significant laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial statements are the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011 (and related legislation), as well as laws and regulations relating to the employment and payment of staff including, but not limited to, the Employment Rights Act 1996, the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and the Pensions Act 2008.
We performed audit procedures to detect non-compliances which may have a material impact on the financial statements, which included reviewing the financial statement disclosures and sample testing of monthly payroll records for the calculation of gross wages, payroll taxes and pension costs.
Page 11
REPORT OF THE INDÉPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MVIBERS OF WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31sr AUGUST 2026 Bocause of the inh¢rpJt limrtalior& of an audit. there Is a that we 11 not delect all irregulafftk$, including those kJiDg to a materigl mk%sl8tement in the financi81 stsiements or non-compliantx with regulation. Thi5 ri%k in¢reas88 the rn0 that ¢tsmpliatKa with a law or WULqln is removed fvNn the event8 and traa¢tn$ r8fl8ct8d in Ihe finantAal $talemenls, as wil be le$s Ilkely le become aware of instances of n0cOMplianC•. The v5k is also greator regartling Sryrfularits occurring due to frathj rather than er, a$ fraud invofves Sntynlional ne8alMent. forgery, ¢ellu8ion, crni$sn er mi$reFYeseThlaticfi. A hjrther description of our respo[bir111es the audit of the financial $tattrn8nts is bcated on the Fin2ncBI ReportiryJ Couools b$rt8 al *%trw.fr¢.ow.W8uditorslaudit-assUran¢&4hKslaJitOrrè$pQnsIbIIltse$-f0r-th0-3udit. Thi8 description forn$ part ol our Report of t Independent Auditors. Use ol our report This report i8 made selety to the charit8bte cempanY$ MterS, as 8 b(yJy. In ?¢cerdance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies A¢t 20C6. Our audit work has been undprt¥ken so that we might Stale lo the Charitab ¢ompanV$ rn8mbers Ih05e rnatte¥s we are rUir&I to State 10 th In an auditor5, reFx)rt aTrJ for no other purpose. To the fulle51 extent permitted by law, we do not arcept vr assume responsibility lo anyene olherthan the ¢haritatle company and Ihg charitable companys m8mb8rs a5 a body. for wr authtwk, lor Ihis wort, or for th8 opinvJn5 we have fomed. Molissa Jean Godwin ACA ACCA (Senitir Statutory AuditN) For and on bghaff of Richards Sandy Audrt S8Ni8s Limfted Istalubry Auditor5} Chartèred Certthed Accountsnls Thorneloe House 25 Bathurrvè Road Worcester WR1 1RU Dalo.. l2...c&. IG. pa 12
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02233315) CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments TOTAL INCOME AND ENDOWNMENTS 15 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charitable activities TOTAL EXPENDITURE 16 NET INCOME / (EXPENDITURE) TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Fund £ 390,648 1,694,809 446,405 22,569 2,554,431 131,807 1,851,182 1,982,989 571,442 15,742 587,184 783,186 1,370,370 |
Restricted Fund £ 46,877 - - - 46,877 - 32,623 32,623 14,254 (15,742) (1,488) 143,017 141,529 |
Total 2025 £ 437,525 1,694,809 446,405 22,569 2,601,308 131,807 1,883,805 2,015,612 585,696 - 585,696 926,203 1,511,899 |
Total 2024 £ 225,487 1,540,713 433,282 33,975 2,233,457 129,175 1,897,582 2,026,757 206,700 - 206,700 719,503 926,203 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CHARITY
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the charitable company has not presented its own statement of financial activities and related notes. The charitable company's net surplus for the year was £585,696 (2024 - net surplus of £206,700).
Page 13
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITA8LE TRUST LIMITED REGISTERED NUMBER- 02233315 CHARITABLÉ COMPANY LIMITED BY GUAIUNTEE NSOLIDAT BALANCE SHEET EN Group 2025 GroLV 2024 Paront Parent 2024 2025 Note FIXEO ASSETS Tangibk fYA8d a55els Investments 44.2fj0 19,194 44,260 19,194 19,194 44,262 19,196 CURRENT AssErs Stocks Debtors C8sh at bank arxj In hd 9,199 337,857 1697713 1044,769 9,737 29.657 1498.023 1,537,417 10 483.259 1553 538 1036,795 170,021 1357 070 1.527,091 LIABIWIES ounts fal4ng du8 wiihin one ye 11 1577.1301 1630.4081 1569.1581 1620,C>841 NET CURRENT ASSETS 1487 639 907 009 1 467 637 907 007 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1511899 1 S11899 The fund¥ ofthe charltsblt ¢ompany: unrestrted Funds Re8tficted Funds 1.370,370 141,629 783,186 143.017 1,370,370 141.529 783,186 143,017 17 99 926.203 1511899 Th88• finBnGo1 $tat8m8nts have been prepared in accordancK ilh the provislons appli¢a)le lo char1(ab wnyans subject to the small ccryan$ lMo. Thgfinancial stalAlts M*re aFproved bythe BoArO olTrustees on...... nd were stsJned by on it5 bÈhaNby'. Jon or P8ge 14
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025
| Notes to the cash flow statement Cash flows from operating activities: Cash generated from operations 1 Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Interest received Purchase of fixed assets Net cash used in investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period |
Group 2025 £ 214,902 214,902 22,569 (37,781) (15,212) 199,690 1,498,023 1,697,713 |
Group 2024 £ 313,098 313,098 33,975 - 33,975 347,073 1,150,950 1,498,023 |
Parent 2025 £ 211,678 211,678 22,569 (37,781) (15,212) 196,466 1,357,070 1,553,536 |
Parent 2024 £ 546,773 546,773 33,975 - 33,975 580,748 776,322 1,357,070 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
1 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
| Net income for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Interest received Distribution of profits receivable from the subsidiary (Increase)/decrease in stocks (Increase)/decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash provided by operating activities |
Group 2025 £ 585,696 12,715 (22,569) - 538 (308,200) (53,278) 214,902 |
Group 2024 £ 206,700 11,748 (33,975) - (316) 521 128,420 313,098 |
Parent 2025 £ 585,696 12,715 (22,569) (144,013) - (169,225) (50,926) 211,678 |
Parent 2024 £ 206,700 11,748 (33,975) (140,593) - 377,871 125,022 546,773 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Material non-cash transactions
In the parent charity's individual cash flow statement, distribution of profits receivable from the subsidiary of £144,013 (2024 - £140,593) was unpaid at the year end and has been accounted for as a material non-cash transaction.
2 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT
| Group Cash at bank and in hand Parent Cash at bank and in hand |
At the start of the year £ 1,498,023 1,498,023 1,357,070 1,357,070 |
Cash flows in the year £ 199,690 199,690 196,466 196,466 |
At the end of the year £ 1,697,713 1,697,713 1,553,536 1,553,536 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 15
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General information
The Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales and has no share capital. In the event of the charitable company being wound up, the liability in respect of guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charitable company.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise stated.
The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the group. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
Group financial statements
These consolidated financial statements incorporate the accounts of Worcester Theatres Charitable Trust Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary Arts Enterprises Worcester Limited on a line by line basis. Both Worcester Theatres Charitable Trust Limited and Arts Enterprises Worcester Limited prepare their individual company financial statements adopting accounting policies not considered different from those of these consolidated financial statements and prepared to a year end of 31st August 2025. All intra-group transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
Income recognition
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charitable company is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
For donations to be recognised the charitable company will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charitable company and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.
No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with Charities SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.
Legacies are recognised when probate is granted and there is sufficient information to measure them. Where there is insufficient information to reliably measure any outstanding legacies, these are instead treated as contingent assets (and details of any such legacies will be disclosed in the notes to these financial statements).
Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charitable company. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred. Fundraising and trading income received during the period, but which relates to services provided during the next period are treated as being deferred income and has been included in creditors as receipts in advance.
Investment income is included in the statement of financial activities on a receivable basis.
Page 16
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
- 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Donated services
The charitable company benefits from the use of the Swan Theatre effectively on a rent free basis. Due to the unique nature of the building, it is considered impractical to estimate a reasonable value of the donated services provided to the charitable company in regard to these arrangements and no income nor expenditure in regard to these arrangements have been included in the statement of financial activities.
The charitable company benefits from the use of Huntingdon Hall. Where rent is payable under the lease, but the landlord has waived the amounts payable, this has been accounted for as donated rental income.
Expenditure recognition
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:
-
Costs of raising funds;
-
Expenditure on charitable activities; and
-
Other expenditure represents those items not falling into the categories above.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
Operating leases
Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the SoFA on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pensions
The parent company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund. Contributions payable for the year are charged in the profit and loss account.
Taxation and deferred taxation
The charitable company is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Assets costing up to £3,000 are written off to revenue.
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life as follows:
- Fixtures, fittings and equipment : 20% on cost - Motor Vehicles : 33% on cost - Swan Theatre : 10% on cost
Impairment reviews are carried out annually.
Investments
In the parent charitable company's individual financial statements, the investment in the subsidiary is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
Stocks
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
Cash at bank
Cash at bank includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Page 17
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
- 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Financial instruments
The charitable company 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 when the charitable company becomes party to contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets are offset, with the net amounts presented in the accounts where 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.
Basic Financial Assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables 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.
Basic Financial Liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of future receipts, discounted at a market rate of interest. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of the operations from suppliers. Accounts 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 payables are recognised initially at transaction cost.
Restricted funds
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charitable company for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charitable company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Significant judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the group's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These 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 most significant judgement that has had the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are the setting of depreciation policies for tangible fixed assets (which are stated in the accounting policies). The net book value and movements in the year of tangible fixed assets are disclosed in note 7 of the financial statements.
Significant judgement has also been applied in asserting that it is considered impractical to estimate a reasonably reliable value of the effectively rent free use of the Swan Theatre (see note 13). If a reasonably reliable estimate had been determined, then this amount would be recognised in both income (within donations and legacies) and expenditure (within charitable activities support costs).
There are not considered to be any key estimates or assumptions which give raise to significant risk of causing material adjustments to the carrying value of assets or liabilities.
Page 18
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
2 OPERATING SURPLUS
| The operating surplus is stated after charging: Operating leases Depreciation Auditor’s remuneration Audit of the charity’s accounts Other services |
Group 2025 £ 16,684 12,715 17,490 17,884 35,374 |
Group 2024 £ 24,988 11,748 13,800 8,573 22,373 |
Parent 2025 £ 16,684 12,715 17,490 15,300 32,790 |
Parent 2024 £ 24,988 11,748 13,800 6,151 19,951 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Auditor’s remuneration is stated inclusive of irrecoverable input VAT.
3 STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
| Gross salaries Employer's N.I. Pension costs Total average employees |
Group 2025 £ 514,082 38,323 11,898 564,303 27 |
Group 2024 £ 466,324 33,089 11,046 510,459 27 |
Parent 2025 £ 514,082 38,323 11,898 564,303 27 |
Parent 2024 £ 466,324 33,089 11,046 510,459 27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No employees had emoluments (excluding employer's N.I. and pension costs) in excess of £60,000, in either the current or previous financial years.
The trustees were not paid nor received any other benefits from employment with the Trust or its subsidiary, neither were they reimbursed expenses during either the current or comparative years.
Total remuneration (including employer's N.I. and pension costs) paid to key management personnel was £60,963 (2024 - £58,431) during the year.
The charitable company contributes to occupational and individual pension schemes which are defined contribution pension schemes and the amounts charged to the income and expenditure accounts for the year are as stated above.
4 INTEREST RECEIVABLE AND SIMILAR INCOME
| Bank interest received | Group 2025 £ 22,569 |
Group 2024 £ 33,975 |
Parent 2025 £ 22,569 |
Parent 2024 £ 33,975 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 TAXATION
The parent charitable company is a registered charity and is not liable to corporation tax. The subsidiary company did not have a taxable profit.
Page 19
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
6 COMPARATIVES FOR THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments TOTAL INCOME AND ENDOWNMENTS EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charitable activities TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME (EXPENDITURE) TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Fund £ 161,911 1,540,713 433,282 33,975 2,169,881 129,175 1,826,031 1,955,206 214,675 - 214,675 568,511 783,186 |
Restricted Fund £ 63,576 - - - 63,576 - 71,551 71,551 (7,975) - (7,975) 150,992 143,017 |
Total 2024 £ 225,487 1,540,713 433,282 33,975 2,233,457 129,175 1,897,582 2,026,757 206,700 - 206,700 719,503 926,203 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Swan Theatre & Fixtures, Huntingdon Hall Fittings & Improvements Equipment £ £ COST At 1 September 2024 284,424 86,830 Additions 37,781 - Disposals - - At 31 August 2025 322,205 86,830 DEPRECIATION: At 1 September 2024 270,846 81,214 Charge for the year 7,099 5,616 Eliminated on disposal - - At 31 August 2025 277,945 86,830 NET BOOK VALUE: At 31 August 2025 44,260 - At 31 August 2024 13,578 5,616 |
Motor Vehicles £ 24,282 - - 24,282 24,282 - - 24,282 - - |
Group Total £ 395,536 37,781 - 433,317 376,342 12,715 - 389,057 44,260 19,194 |
Parent Total £ 395,536 37,781 - 433,317 376,342 12,715 - 389,057 44,260 19,194 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 20
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
8 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| COST At 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025 NET BOOK VALUE: At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024 |
Unlisted investments £ 2 2 2 |
|---|---|
The company's investments at the Balance Sheet date in the share capital of companies include the following:
Arts Enterprises Worcester Limited
Registered company number: 02827118
Registered office: Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 3LD Nature of business: running of a bar, sale of merchandise and the licencing of a restaurant.
Worcester Theatres Charitable Trust Limited owns the whole of the issued share capital in a trading company, Arts Enterprises Worcester Limited. This consists of two ordinary shares of £1 each.
The financial results of Arts Enterprises Worcester Limited for the year were as follows:
| Turnover Expenditure (Loss) / profit for the year Gift aid distribution to Worcester Theatres Charitable Trust Limited Retained earnings for the year Aggregate capital and reserves STOCK Group 2025 £ Goods held for resale 9,199 9,199 |
2025 £ 285,472 (141,459) 144,013 (144,013) - 2 Group 2024 £ 9,737 9,737 |
2024 £ 275,696 (135,103) 140,593 (140,593) - 2 Parent 2025 £ - - |
Parent 2024 £ - - |
|---|---|---|---|
9 STOCK
10 DEBTORS: AMOUNT FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade debtors Amounts due from Arts Enterprises Worcester Ltd Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Group 2025 £ 8,677 - 11,837 317,343 337,857 |
Group 2024 £ 1,206 - 1,171 27,280 29,657 |
Parent 2025 £ 8,677 146,150 11,837 316,595 483,259 |
Parent 2024 £ 1,206 141,112 1,171 26,532 170,021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 21
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
11 CREDITORS: AMOUNT FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade creditors Monies held as agent of third party hirers Payments received on account Social security and other taxes Pension creditors Other creditors Accruals |
Group 2025 £ 28,649 83,128 376,639 16,115 2,550 9,887 60,162 577,130 |
Group 2024 £ 59,793 93,824 401,046 14,085 2,215 8,781 50,664 630,408 |
Parent 2025 £ 27,919 83,128 376,639 11,023 2,550 9,887 58,012 569,158 |
Parent 2024 £ 56,884 93,824 401,046 8,670 2,215 8,781 48,664 620,084 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Payments received on account
Payments received on account represents tickets sold before the year end for post year end performances amounting to £378,398 (2023 - £400,934) and venue hire revenue relating to post year end periods amounting to £112 (2024 - £112).
12 PENSION COMMITMENTS
The parent charitable company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payment obligations. Pension costs of £11,898 (2024 - £11,046) representing contributions payable by the company to the fund, were charged to the profit and loss account. At the year end creditors included an unpaid pension creditor of £2,550 (2024 - £2,215).
13 OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
Lessee commitments
The following payments are committed to be paid within one year:
| Expiring: Less than one year Between two and five years More than five years |
Group 2025 £ 1,944 4,698 - 6,642 |
Group 2024 £ 1,620 5,535 - 7,155 |
Parent 2025 £ 1,944 4,698 - 6,642 |
Parent 2024 £ 1,620 5,535 - 7,155 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Annual rent payable in regard to Huntingdon Hall, under an agreement that runs until 2025, is dependent on the financial results of the charitable company for the previous financial period, up to a maximum of £10,000 per year. Future amounts of rent payable in regard to Huntingdon Hall have been excluded from the above operating lease commitment disclosure, on the basis that the amounts payable cannot be reliably measured.
Total rent payable in the year amounted to £16,684 (2024 - £24,998).
No rent is payable in regard to the Swan Theatre. Worcester City Council is currently planning to transfer ownership of the Swan Theatre to the charity for a nominal fee.
Lessor commitments
During the year the charity received rent of £5,500 (2024 - £5,500) from Elgar School of Music in regard to the sub-let of part of Huntingdon Hall. The lease agreement with Elgar School of Music is subject to 6 month's notice and the charity's minimum contracted lease income of this arrangement of £2,750 (2024 - £2,750).
14 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no related party transactions in either the current or previous financial years.
Page 22
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
15 INCOMING RESOURCES
| Donations and legacies Donated services and facilities Grants received - Worcester City Council Grants received - Friends of The Swan / Huntingdon Hall Grants received - National Lottery Grants received - other Donations received from individuals Patron scheme Legacies Charitable activities Performance income Performance sponsorship Theatre tax credits Hall hiring fees Youth Theatre Rent - Elgar School of Music Holiday activities & food programme Classes Sundry other activities Other trading activities Raffle 100 Clubs Commission Sundry Advertising Box office booking fees Sale of food, drinks and merchandise 60th Anniversary event Investment income Bank interest TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES |
Unrestricted Funds 2025 £ 10,000 117,416 - - 9,410 7,511 1,278 245,033 390,648 1,529,310 6,250 2,837 106,087 23,669 5,500 16,741 4,065 350 1,694,809 3,844 2,230 6,874 6,774 200 136,466 285,472 4,545 446,405 22,569 2,554,431 |
Restricted Funds 2025 £ - 19,528 - 18,550 3,350 5,449 - - 46,877 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46,877 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 10,000 136,944 - 18,550 12,760 12,960 1,278 245,033 437,525 1,529,310 6,250 2,837 106,087 23,669 5,500 16,741 4,065 350 1,694,809 3,844 2,230 6,874 6,774 200 136,466 285,472 4,545 446,405 22,569 2,601,308 |
Total Funds 2024 £ - 121,563 1,710 - 34,056 55,491 2,665 10,002 225,487 1,403,036 3,750 1,171 90,089 21,705 5,500 12,548 2,120 794 1,540,713 5,419 2,520 5,563 3,264 190 140,630 275,696 - 433,282 33,975 2,233,457 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 23
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
16 EXPENDITURE
| Raising funds 100 Club prizes Cost of food, drinks and merchandise held for resale Charitable Activities Direct Costs Wages and salaries Subcontractors Artist fees and other event expenses - general Artist fees and other event expenses - pantomime Technical expenses Youth Theatre Holiday activities & food programme Outreach projects Performing Rights Society fees Classes Depreciation Support Costs Wages and salaries Administration subcontractors Credit card charges re ticket sales Brochure and ticket printing Advertising Telephone Postage and stationery Computer expenses Photocopier Property rent payable Repairs and renewals Sundry expenses Insurance Water Electricity and gas Bank charges Professional fees Bad debts Auditors remuneration Auditors remuneration for non audit work TOTAL EXPENDITURE |
Unrestricted Funds 2025 £ 1,180 130,627 131,807 239,785 17,695 711,965 109,981 6,314 17,632 6,092 2,762 36,226 2,920 4,006 1,155,378 324,518 2,983 78,182 26,716 11,465 5,764 28,026 9,790 66 10,000 91,645 7,615 14,000 3,064 37,836 5,605 3,355 (200) 17,490 17,884 695,804 1,982,989 |
Restricted Funds 2025 £ - - - - - 22,774 - - - - - - - 8,709 31,483 - - - - 1,140 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,140 32,623 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 1,180 130,627 131,807 239,785 17,695 734,739 109,981 6,314 17,632 6,092 2,762 36,226 2,920 12,715 1,186,861 324,518 2,983 78,182 26,716 12,605 5,764 28,026 9,790 66 10,000 91,645 7,615 14,000 3,064 37,836 5,605 3,355 (200) 17,490 17,884 696,944 2,015,612 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 1,260 127,915 129,175 216,527 13,951 829,009 99,937 6,776 22,165 12,649 5,097 35,034 94 11,748 1,252,987 293,932 13,208 81,124 26,342 12,060 4,920 32,836 - 9,126 10,000 57,899 6,616 10,827 3,080 45,792 5,788 660 8,012 13,800 8,573 644,595 2,026,757 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 24
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
17 RESTRICTED FUNDS
| Lighting New equipment Outdoor projector and screen Satellite dish and projector Swan Studio & Huntingdon Hall project Accessibility fund Adult Arts Programme Dance floor Foyer redevelopment Gxrls On Fire Inclusive community fund New lighting Our shoes project Outreach and participation fund Restoration fund Saucy Save our loos Youth advisory board Worcester Pride |
As at 1 September 2024 927 1,984 1,218 10,920 798 3,258 2,056 6,000 1,702 389 3,280 - 3,000 3,850 83,826 - 19,100 709 - 143,017 |
Income - - - - - 1,000 - - - 796 - 15,742 - - 671 18,550 5,128 - 4,990 46,877 |
(927) (1,642) (1,218) (4,522) (400) (1,140) (919) - - (736) (1,470) - - (3,850) - (10,100) - (709) (4,990) (32,623) Expenditure |
Transfers from / (to) unrestricted reserves - - - - - - - - - - - (15,742) - - - - - - - (15,742) |
As at 31 August 2025 - 342 - 6,398 398 3,118 1,137 6,000 1,702 449 1,810 - 3,000 - 84,497 8,450 24,228 - - 141,529 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 25
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
- 17 RESTRICTED FUNDS (Continued)
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESTRICTED FUNDS
| Lighting New equipment Outdoor projector and screen Satellite dish and projector Swan Studio & Huntingdon Hall project Accessibility fund Adult Arts Programme Booming Voices Dance floor Foyer redevelopment Gxrls On Fire Inclusive community fund Open day Our shoes project Outreach and participation fund Restoration fund Saucy Save our loos Shower room Worcester Fringe Youth advisory board Youth projects |
As at 1 September 2023 1,856 3,626 2,436 15,843 1,198 3,858 3,000 7,803 6,000 1,702 - 7,000 1,050 3,000 17,821 45,958 - 12,597 5,000 3,292 1,273 6,679 150,992 |
Income - - - - - - - (3,686) - - 735 - - - - 48,212 2,362 6,503 - 2,500 - 6,950 63,576 |
(929) (1,642) (1,218) (4,923) (400) (600) (944) (4,117) - - (346) (3,720) (1,050) - (13,971) (10,344) (2,362) - (5,000) (5,792) (564) (13,629) (71,551) Expenditure |
Transfers from / (to) unrestricted reserves - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
As at 31 August 2024 927 1,984 1,218 10,920 798 3,258 2,056 - 6,000 1,702 389 3,280 - 3,000 3,850 83,826 - 19,100 - - 709 - 143,017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transfer between funds
During the year the charity purchase new lighting costing £37,781, which was partly funded out of restricted funding received for this purpose totalling £15,742. On purchase of the asset, the related restricted funding was released to unrestricted funds.
Nature of individual restricted funds
The lighting fund relates to fixed assets held originally purchased by funding provided by the Rowlands Trust for the purchase of theatre lighting. Expenditure for the year relates to depreciation of the fixed assets purchased with these funds.
The new equipment fund relates to fixed assets held originally purchased by funding provided for the purchase of a stair lift, new lights and a new stage. Expenditure for the year relates to depreciation of the fixed assets purchased with these funds.
The outdoor projector and screen fund relates to fixed assets held originally purchased by funding provided by The Kildare Trust for the purchase of an outdoor projector and screen. Expenditure for the year relates to depreciation of the fixed assets purchased with these funds.
The satellite dish and projector fund relates to grant funding received from the Foyle Foundation and the Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust to fund installation equipment at the Swan Theatre to allow live broadcasts to be viewed there. Expenditure for the year relates to depreciation of the fixed assets purchased with these funds.
The Swan Studio and Huntingdon Hall project fund relates to fixed assets held originally purchased by funding provided by (among others) The Foundation for Sport and the Arts for the renovation and improvement works to the existing Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall. Expenditure for the year relates to depreciation of the fixed assets purchased with these funds.
Accessibility fund relates to funding received in regard to a project to make performances more assessable to audience members with who may experience anxiety, mental health issues or have additional support needs.
Adult Arts Programme fund relates to funding received in regard to a 2 year project in support of our Adult Arts Programme.
Page 26
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
17 RESTRICTED FUNDS (Continued)
Nature of individual restricted funds (continued)
Booming Voices fund relates to funding received in regards to a 10 week programme providing young people with the opportunity and skills to explore poetry. At the project end the unspent grant income was refunded to the donor.
Dance floor fund relates to funding received to instal a new dance floor at the Studio.
Foyer redevelopment fund relates to funding received to redevelopment of upstairs foyer area of the Swan Theatre.
Gxrls On Fire fund relates to running afternoon sessions for girls aged between 14 to 18.
Inclusive community fund relates to funding received relating to an inclusive community project.
New lighting fund relates to a grant from Worcester City Council to purchase additional theatre lighting.
Open day fund relates to funds received to run an open day.
Our shoes project fund relating to funding received relating to an emerging artist development project.
Outreach and participation fund originally related to monies received to be used to fund a scheme whereby performance tickets were given out free to qualifying individuals. When the scheme ended the original donor consented that the remaining funds be used to support the activities of the charity's outreach and participation department.
Outreach projects fund relates to funding received to fund various community group activities organised by the charity.
The restoration fund relates to various grants and donations received to fund ongoing renovation work at the venues operated by the charitable company.
Saucy fund relates to funding received to support the charity's LGBTQ+ arts programme Saucy.
Save our loos fund relates to donations collected from the general public to finance a refurbishment of the venues' toilet facilities.
Shower room fund relates to funding received to instal a shower room at the Swan Theatre.
Worcester Fringe fund relates to funding received to support the charity's Worcester Fringe event.
Worcester Pride fund relates to funding received to support performances undertaken by the charity during Worcester Pride Festival.
Youth advisory board fund relates to funding received relating to a 12 month development project for young people to gain experience and make decisions that will affect the cultural landscape of Worcester Theatres.
Youth projects fund relates to various grants received to fund activities relating to the youth theatre group run by the charity.
Page 27
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
18 ANALYSIS OF GROUP NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GROUP NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS |
Unrestricted Funds 2025 £ 37,122 9,199 328,857 1,572,322 (577,130) 1,370,370 Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 3,347 9,737 29,657 1,370,853 (630,408) 783,186 |
Restricted Funds 2025 £ 7,138 - 9,000 125,391 - 141,529 Restricted Funds 2024 £ 15,847 - - 127,170 - 143,017 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 44,260 9,199 337,857 1,697,713 (577,130) 1,511,899 Total Funds 2024 £ 19,194 9,737 29,657 1,498,023 (630,408) 926,203 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 28
WORCESTER THEATRES CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025 (Continued)
19 ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE COMPANY'S NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets Investments CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS |
Unrestricted Funds 2025 £ 37,122 2 474,259 1,428,145 (569,158) 1,370,370 |
Restricted Funds 2025 £ 7,138 - 9,000 125,391 - 141,529 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 44,260 2 483,259 1,553,536 (569,158) 1,511,899 |
|---|---|---|---|
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE COMPANY'S NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets Investments CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS |
Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 3,347 2 170,021 1,229,900 (620,084) 783,186 |
Restricted Funds 2024 £ 15,847 - - 127,170 - 143,017 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 19,194 2 170,021 1,357,070 (620,084) 926,203 |
|---|---|---|---|
20 FUNDS HELD AS AGENT
The charity sold performance tickets as agent of third party hirers in regard to current year performances totalling £349,860 (2024 - £293,824). At the year end the charity had creditors totalling £78,178 (2024 - £93,824) in regard to monies held as agent of third party hirers.
21 FRC ETHICAL STANDARD - PROVISIONS AVAILABLE FOR SMALL ENTITIES
In common with many other businesses of our size and nature we use our auditors to prepare and submit returns to the tax authorities and assist with the preparation of the financial statements.
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