COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NI624114 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NIC100332
Science Festivals NI Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 30 April 2025
Finegan Gibson Ltd Chartered accountants Causeway Tower 9 James Street South Belfast BT2 8DN
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Financial Statements
Year ended 30 April 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) | 1 |
| Independent examiner's report to the trustees | 7 |
| Statement of financial activities (including income and | |
| expenditure account) | 9 |
| Statement of financial position | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11 |
| The following pages do not form part of the financial statements | |
| Detailed statement of financial activities | 23 |
| Notes to the detailed statement of financial activities | 24 |
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)
Year ended 30 April 2025
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2025.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name Science Festivals NI Charity registration number NIC100332 Company registration number NI624114 Principal office and registered The Crescents Arts Centre office 2-4 University Road Belfast BT7 1NH
The trustees
Independent examiner
C L Lyttle J A Harvey J G Wallace A Fitzsimmons (Resigned 31 July 2024) J A Byrne W H Connor V R Simms (Chairperson) D M Rogers S C Gunn-Smith (Resigned 9 December 2024) C Lynn (Appointed 9 December 2024) S Bailie (Appointed 9 December 2024) Paul Dolan FCA
1
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
Structure, governance and management
Governing Document
Science Festivals NI is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 15th April 2014. Science Festivals NI is a registered charity with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. Science Festivals NI is a membership organisation each of whom agrees to contribute £1 in the event of the charity winding up.
Appointment of trustees
The Chairperson and the Trustees recruit and select new Trustees as needed. New Trustees are recruited on the relevance of their professional skills, and their potential to be able to make a helpful contribution to the governance of the charity. As part of the recruitment process they are made aware of a Trustees' legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity.
Once the potential new Trustee has agreed to be considered for appointment to the role, the Trustees meet to review and to vote on the candidates' suitability for appointment. If there is unanimous agreement their names are then proposed for appointment to the voting Members of the Company at the next Annual General Meeting.
2
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
Objectives and activities
The purposes of the charity are to advance the education of the public about science by offering accessible, creative and relevant activities to the broadest possible range of people in particular (but not exclusively) by:
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Providing events that enable the broadest possible group of people to have a better understanding of how science is part of, and impacts on, their everyday life;
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Providing an annual science festival in Northern Ireland accessible to all members and the public to enable and promote better understanding of how science, technology, engineering, maths and the arts are part of, and impacts on, their everyday life;
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Collaborating with local educational institutions, businesses, arts organisations and charities to engage the public with scientific and technological developments;
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Providing a platform for the scientists in Northern Ireland and/or United Kingdom and/or Ireland to talk to a diverse audience about what they do, and stimulate interest in their work;
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Facilitating dialogue between scientists and the public providing hands on, interactive science events with broad and lasting impact which will encourage increased public engagement across Northern Ireland;
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Building relationships with other similar science activities and festivals to share best practice, ideas and resources;
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Promote openness about science in society between scientists and the public;
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Promote the intercourse of those who cultivate science, particularly through the arts, in different parts of Northern Ireland, the reminder of the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond;
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Maintain, developing and extending the social and international relations of science.
In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help.
The review also helps us ensure our aim, objectives and activities remain focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
3
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
Achievements and performance
Activity
The main activity and duty of the Festival is to run a 12 day Festival taking place in February. This took place across over 110 venues across Northern Ireland with live events for all ages. We had over 300 unique events and performances, which consisted of a mixture of international and local speakers, with events developed by both the Festival and its partners for the public, schools and educators programmes.
Performance
With an audience exceeding 52,500 people, the NI Science Festival exceeded our expectations of what was achievable in a challenging year of cost of living concerns, increased activity and the team working on multiple projects. Audience and stakeholder feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 92% of respondents saying they were satisfied with the quality and the amount of activities in the programme. 51% of respondents were new visitors to the festival. The NI Science Festival team continues to to work exceptionally well together, showing real commitment, flexibility and creativity in delivering a diverse and ambitious programme. Their collaborative approach and strong professional relationships were key to the festival's continued success.
Our extensive reach has always been important to us and balancing this direct engagement activity alongside that of our partners is key to continuing the connection we have with communities across the whole of Northern Ireland. This year over 46% of the festival was free to attend and 31% was between £1 and £10 per ticket. Regional events increased by 6% this year, with 43% of the public event programme taking place outside Belfast City.
The Festivals partnership with the Nerve Centre continued with the team focusing on delivering the schools programme and assisting the core team with programming the North West programme. This approach paid dividends with the schools programme continuing to grow and develop. Continued investment in the schools programme should be explored as an option in future years.
The quality of events surpassed the high bar reached in previous years, and has shown growth since the effects of the Covid Pandemic have subsided, providing a firm foundation for future consolidation and growth for our twelfth festival in 2026.
Key Events
Science Communication skills.
Year two of being a regional hub partner with Queens and Ulster University for FameLab. The project is designed to find and support the next generation of NI Science Festival science communicators and equip them with the skills to engage the public in their research in an exciting and engaging way. The process provides training and support to upskill researchers in best practice for communicating their research to the general public. FameLab also gives access to a worldwide network of trainers and institutions for sharing resources. The second year was more difficult to recruit participants. We had over 40 people for training but only 5 applied for the competition. 4 finalists presenting their work during the festival. The winner Dr Erin McEvoy went on to take part in the UK Final.
Regional Roadshow
The festival is committed to reaching across Northern Ireland and bringing high quality science communication to families through the Regional Roadshow. The tour went to Bangor, Newcastle, Strabane and Limavady and featured two newly developed shows. With support from ALMAC Group
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Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
we developed a new show with Scientific Sue - Chemistry and the Celts and Look Closer, a mini lab and film activity for young children developed with Queens University and CBeebies. Chemistry and the Celts has since been performed in venues throughout the Island of Ireland at various other science festivals and celebrations.
Foyle Science Showcase
After the success of the showcase in 2024 we brought back the Foyle Science Showcase to the Foyle arena in Derry-Londonderry. We had over 1000 attend the public day and over 600 at the schools and community groups day. Featuring stands from Loughs Agency, Acorn Farms, various AR/VR and AI based events from the Ulster University, CCA, Nerve Centre, Kainos and Geoenergy NI. We were excited to be able to have a mini Planetarium from the W5 team, plus live shows from Mark The Science Guy and The Big Maths Gameshow with Kyle Evans.
Spread Across NI
The NI Science Festival continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring audiences across Northern Ireland can access innovative and inspiring science engagement. In year three of our work on Rathlin Island, we strengthened partnerships with the RSPB, Manor House Hotel and Future Island Island, delivering place-based programming that connects communities with local environmental science and wildlife conservation.
Beyond the coast, we expanded our geographical reach with events delivered at the Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh, celebrating the unique geological heritage of the region, to walks on Divis Mountain, tasting chocolate in Kilkeel and looking at the stars in Hilltown. Further activity across rural and urban venues enabled us to engage with new audiences and deepen participation in areas traditionally underserved by major cultural events.
National Museums NI partnership
The Festival worked with National Museums NI and presenter Grace Webb to curate a new show 'Graces Marvellous Machines' which took place across two days in the Rail Gallery in Cultra. 97% of attendees said they would like to see more events like this at the Transport Museum. We also partner with the team at the Ulster Museum to bring back the successful Late Lab night, reimaging it as Late Late Love Lab for valentines night. With speakers from the National History Museum, Wild Belfast, tattoos of objects from the museum collection, talks by curators and music. Feedback praised the accessible, informal format and unique opportunity to engage with science in a fun, social setting.
Year Round Programme
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Over 6500 people were engaged in our year-round programme of events including:
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Our Stories Festival as part of Belfast 2024
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Power Plants
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Brink Summer Solstice
5
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
Financial review
Science Festivals made a surplus during the year of £37,350 (2024: £9,373 deficit). At 30 April 2025, Science Festivals had unrestricted reserves of £411,538 and restricted funds of £5,688.
Reserves policy and going concern
Reserves are needed to bridge the timing gap between spending and receiving of income and to cover unplanned temporary shortfalls in income should they arise. Holding adequate reserves safeguards the provision of our services in the event of unexpected significant financial pressures. The organisation is currently dependent on a small number of key funders to sustain its activities. This means that if there were to be a gap in this income or a funder(s) did not commit to the next Festival, Science Festivals NI would face significant financial pressure threatening its contractual commitment to deliver a Festival and the future sustainability of the organisation. To mitigate risks associated with funding difficulties the board has agreed to set a target level of financial reserves to ensure that main operations can continue and the organisation can still deliver its primary objective of delivering a Festival each year.
Unrestricted reserves freely available to spend, therefore excluding fixed assets, restricted reserves and designated reserves amounted to £411,386 which was in line with the target level. The trustees believe this represents a sufficient level of reserve to ensure that the going concern assumption is appropriate.
Plans for future periods
Science Festivals NI is continuing to grow in scale and had a strategic review in 2023-24 to plan for the next four years of the festival, with further planning and a new website due in November 2025. The organisation is also planning to continue to grow its reach and range of events throughout Northern Ireland.
Cost of Living Crisis
The trustees are mindful of the risk to the festival due to the cost of living crisis which will affect funders and audiences. The festival will continue to provide free or low cost events for people across Northern Ireland and look at new funding pathways to protect the organisation.
Small company provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
The trustees' annual report was approved on 8 December 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
V R Simms (Chairperson) Trustee
6
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Science Festivals NI
Year ended 30 April 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Science Festivals NI ('the charity') for the year ended 30 April 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the company (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 Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (the ‘2008 Act’) and the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’). You are satisfied that the accounts of the company are not required by charity or company law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements as carried out under section 65 of the 2008 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the 2008 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 65 of the 2008 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with my examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
7
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Science Festivals NI (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
I confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Paul Dolan FCA Independent Examiner
Finegan Gibson 9 James Street South Causeway Tower BT2 8DN
Date: 8 December 2025
8
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)
Year ended 30 April 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | ||||
| funds | funds | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 5 | 20 | – | 20 | – |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 50,708 | 264,533 | 315,241 | 352,485 |
| Other trading activities | 7 | 87,209 | – | 87,209 | 93,438 |
| Other income | 8 | 2,725 | – | 2,725 | – |
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| Total income | 140,662 | 264,533 | 405,195 | 445,923 | |
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| Expenditure | |||||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 9 | 103,312 | 264,533 | 367,845 | 455,296 |
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| Total expenditure | 103,312 | 264,533 | 367,845 | 455,296 | |
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| Net income/(expenditure) and net | |||||
| movement in funds | 37,350 | – | 37,350 | (9,373) | |
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| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 374,188 | 5,688 | 379,876 | 389,249 | |
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| Total funds carried forward | 411,538 | 5,688 | 417,226 | 379,876 | |
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The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 11 to 21 form part of these financial statements.
9
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Statement of Financial Position
30 April 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | |||
| Tangible fixed assets | 15 | 152 | 207 |
| Current assets | |||
| Debtors | 16 | 30,415 | 43,679 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 405,024 | 343,036 | |
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| 435,439 | 386,715 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 17 | 18,365 | 7,046 |
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| Net current assets | 417,074 | 379,669 | |
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| Total assets less current liabilities | 417,226 | 379,876 | |
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| Net assets | 417,226 | 379,876 | |
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| Funds of the charity | |||
| Restricted funds | 5,688 | 5,688 | |
| Unrestricted funds | 411,538 | 374,188 | |
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| Total charity funds | 19 | 417,226═════════ |
379,876═════════ |
For the year ending 30 April 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
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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;
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The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 8 December 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
C L Lyttle Trustee
V R Simms (Chairperson) Trustee
The notes on pages 11 to 21 form part of these financial statements.
10
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 30 April 2025
1. General information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in Northern Ireland and a registered charity in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is The Crescents Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NH.
2. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.
11
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
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income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.
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legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established.
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income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers.
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income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:
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expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, non-charitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods.
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expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
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other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.
All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
12
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Tangible assets (continued)
An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Equipment - 33% straight line
Impairment of fixed assets
A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.
For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.
For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.
Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.
13
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Financial instruments (continued)
Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment.
Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship.
Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised.
For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics.
Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised.
Defined contribution plans
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.
When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.
4. Limited by guarantee
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.
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Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
5. Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2025 | Funds | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations | |||||
| Donations | 20 | 20 | – | – | |
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| 6. | Charitable activities | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |||
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Belfast City Council | 2,995 | 104,600 | 107,595 | ||
| Department of the Economy | – | 93,000 | 93,000 | ||
| Queen's University Belfast | 5,000 | – | 5,000 | ||
| Ulster University | 20,000 | – | 20,000 | ||
| British Council | – | 7,000 | 7,000 | ||
| British Science Association | 180 | – | 180 | ||
| MCS | – | – | – | ||
| Kainos Sponsorship | 1,000 | – | 1,000 | ||
| Royal Society of Chemistry | – | – | – | ||
| RSPB | – | – | – | ||
| National museums | 1,533 | 8,000 | 9,533 | ||
| Institute of Physics | – | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||
| CQ Bid | – | – | – | ||
| Belfast Harbour Commission | – | 4,000 | 4,000 | ||
| Derry and Strabane Council | – | 22,599 | 22,599 | ||
| Matrix NI | 10,000 | – | 10,000 | ||
| Film Hub NI | – | 5,000 | 5,000 | ||
| The Nerve Centre | – | 14,309 | 14,309 | ||
| Open University | 5,000 | – | 5,000 | ||
| Arts and Business | – | 4,025 | 4,025 | ||
| Open College Network | – | – | – | ||
| Almac Group | 5,000 | – | 5,000 | ||
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| 50,708 | 264,533 | 315,241 | |||
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15
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
6. Charitable activities (continued)
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Belfast City Council | 26,200 | 97,600 | 123,800 |
| Department of the Economy | – | 93,000 | 93,000 |
| Queen's University Belfast | 5,000 | – | 5,000 |
| Ulster University | 20,000 | – | 20,000 |
| British Council | – | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| British Science Association | 2,460 | 7,938 | 10,398 |
| MCS | 10,000 | – | 10,000 |
| Kainos Sponsorship | 1,000 | – | 1,000 |
| Royal Society of Chemistry | 5,000 | – | 5,000 |
| RSPB | 2,000 | – | 2,000 |
| National museums | 15,000 | – | 15,000 |
| Institute of Physics | 2,000 | – | 2,000 |
| CQ Bid | 500 | – | 500 |
| Belfast Harbour Commission | – | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Derry and Strabane Council | – | 20,787 | 20,787 |
| Matrix NI | 10,000 | – | 10,000 |
| Film Hub NI | 5,000 | – | 5,000 |
| The Nerve Centre | – | – | – |
| Open University | 5,000 | – | 5,000 |
| Arts and Business | 1,200 | 2,800 | 4,000 |
| Open College Network | 5,000 | – | 5,000 |
| Almac Group | – | – | – |
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| 115,360 | 237,125 | 352,485 | |
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7. Other trading activities
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2025 | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Ticket income | 87,209 | 87,209 | 93,438 | 93,438 |
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════════ |
════════ |
|
| Other income | ||||
| Unrestricted | Total Funds | Unrestricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | 2025 | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Other income | 2,725 | 2,725 | – | – |
═══════ |
═══════ |
════ |
════ |
8. Other income
16
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
9. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type
| Activities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| undertaken | Total funds | Total fund | ||
| directly | Support costs | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | 334,187 | 21,151 | 355,338 | 440,977 |
| Governance costs | – | 12,507 | 12,507 | 14,319 |
───────── |
──────── |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| 334,187 | 33,658 | 367,845 | 455,296 | |
═════════ |
════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
10. Analysis of support costs
| Analysis of | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| support costs | Total 2025 | Total 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Premises | 14,122 | 14,122 | 17,273 | |
| General office | 7,029 | 7,029 | 11,011 | |
| Governance costs | 12,507 | 12,507 | 14,319 | |
──────── |
──────── |
──────── |
||
| 33,658 | 33,658 | 42,603 | ||
════════ |
════════ |
════════ |
||
| 11. | Net income/(expenditure) | |||
| Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets | 214 | 677 | ||
════ |
════ |
|||
| 12. | Independent examination fees | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Fees payable to the independent examiner for: | ||||
| Independent examination of the financial statements | 3,239═══════ |
2,100═══════ |
13. Staff costs
| The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as | The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as | follows: |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 114,297 | 112,751 |
| Social security costs | 6,484 | 6,478 |
| Employer contributions to pension plans | 4,359 | 5,111 |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| 125,140 | 124,340 | |
═════════ |
═════════ |
17
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
13. Staff costs (continued)
The average head count of employees during the year was 3 (2024: 3). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Number of staff | 3 | 3 |
════ |
════ |
No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: Nil).
Key Management Personnel
Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £48,476 (2024:£48,595).
14. Trustee remuneration and expenses
The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the Charity in the year (2024: £Nil). No trustee received reimbursement for travel expenses during the year (2024: £Nil).
No trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity in the year (2024: £Nil).
15. Tangible fixed assets
| Equipment | |
|---|---|
| £ | |
| Cost | |
| At 1 May 2024 | 3,350 |
| Additions | 159 |
| Disposals | (2,117) |
─────── |
|
| At 30 April 2025 | 1,392 |
═══════ |
|
| Depreciation | |
| At 1 May 2024 | 3,143 |
| Charge for the year | 214 |
| Disposals | (2,117) |
─────── |
|
| At 30 April 2025 | 1,240 |
═══════ |
|
| Carrying amount | |
| At 30 April 2025 | 152 |
═══════ |
|
| At 30 April 2024 | 207 |
═══════ |
18
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
16. Debtors
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Trade debtors | 30,415 | 43,679 |
════════ |
════════ |
17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Trade creditors | 12,866 | 2,676 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 3,239 | 2,100 |
| Social security and other taxes | 1,534 | 1,543 |
| Pension creditor | 726 | 727 |
──────── |
─────── |
|
| 18,365 | 7,046 | |
════════ |
═══════ |
18. Pensions and other post retirement benefits
Defined contribution plans
The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £4,359 (2024: £5,111).
19. Analysis of charitable funds
Unrestricted funds
| At | At | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 May 2024 | Income | Expenditure | 30 April 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 374,188 | 140,662 | (103,312) | 411,538 | |
═════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
||
| At | At | ||||
| 1 May 2023 | Income | Expenditure | 30 April 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 382,449 | 208,798 | (217,059) | 374,188 | |
═════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
||
| Restricted funds | |||||
| At | At | ||||
| 1 May 2024 | Income | Expenditure | 30 April 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Department of the Economy | – | 93,000 | (93,000) | – | |
| Belfast City Council | – | 104,600 | (104,600) | – | |
| Derry and Strabane Council | – | 22,599 | (22,599) | – | |
| The Nerve Centre | – | 14,309 | (14,309) | – | |
| British Science Association | 5,688 | – | – | 5,688 |
19
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
19. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)
| Halifax | – | – | – | – |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast Harbour Commission | – | 4,000 | (4,000) | – |
| British Council | – | 7,000 | (7,000) | – |
| Arts and Business | – | 4,025 | (4,025) | – |
| National Museums | – | 8,000 | (8,000) | – |
| Film Hub NI | – | 5,000 | (5,000) | – |
| Institute of Physics | – | 2,000 | (2,000) | – |
─────── |
───────── |
───────── |
─────── |
|
| 5,688 | 264,533 | (264,533) | 5,688 | |
═══════ |
═════════ |
═════════ |
═══════ |
|
| At | At | |||
| 1 May 2023 | Income | Expenditure | 30 April 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Department of the Economy | – | 93,000 | (93,000) | – |
| Belfast City Council | – | 97,600 | (97,600) | – |
| Derry and Strabane Council | – | 20,787 | (20,787) | – |
| The Nerve Centre | – | – | – | – |
| British Science Association | 4,400 | 7,938 | (6,650) | 5,688 |
| Halifax | 2,400 | – | (2,400) | – |
| Belfast Harbour Commission | – | 5,000 | (5,000) | – |
| British Council | – | 10,000 | (10,000) | – |
| Arts and Business | – | 2,800 | (2,800) | – |
| National Museums | – | – | – | – |
| Film Hub NI | – | – | – | – |
| Institute of Physics | – | – | – | – |
─────── |
───────── |
───────── |
─────── |
|
6,800═══════ |
237,125═════════ |
(238,237)═════════ |
5,688═══════ |
20. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | 152 | – | 152 |
| Current assets | 429,751 | 5,688 | 435,439 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (18,365) | – | (18,365) |
───────── |
─────── |
───────── |
|
| Net assets | 411,538 | 5,688 | 417,226 |
═════════ |
═══════ |
═════════ |
|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | 207 | – | 207 |
| Current assets | 381,027 | 5,688 | 386,715 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (7,046) | – | (7,046) |
───────── |
─────── |
───────── |
|
| Net assets | 374,188 | 5,688 | 379,876 |
═════════ |
═══════ |
═════════ |
20
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 April 2025
21. Taxation
The Company is a registered charity, and as such is entitled to tax exemptions on income and profits in furtherance of the charity's primary objectives.
22. Contingencies
A contingent liability exists to repay grants received should certain conditions not be fulfilled by the charity. In the opinion of the Trustees, the terms of the Letters of Offer have been, or will be, complied with and no liability is expected.
23. Related parties
There were no related parties in the 2024/25 financial year (2024: £Nil)
21
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Management Information
Year ended 30 April 2025
The following pages do not form part of the financial statements.
22
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 30 April 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Donations | 20 | – |
──── |
──── |
|
| Charitable activities | ||
| Belfast City Council | 107,595 | 123,800 |
| Department of the Economy | 93,000 | 93,000 |
| Queen's University Belfast | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Ulster University | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| British Council | 7,000 | 10,000 |
| British Science Association | 180 | 10,398 |
| MCS | – | 10,000 |
| Kainos Sponsorship | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Royal Society of Chemistry | – | 5,000 |
| RSPB | – | 2,000 |
| National museums | 9,533 | 15,000 |
| Institute of Physics | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| CQ Bid | – | 500 |
| Belfast Harbour Commission | 4,000 | 5,000 |
| Derry and Strabane Council | 22,599 | 20,787 |
| Matrix NI | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Film Hub NI | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| The Nerve Centre | 14,309 | – |
| Open University | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Arts and Business | 4,025 | 4,000 |
| Open College Network | – | 5,000 |
| Almac Group | 5,000 | – |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| 315,241 | 352,485 | |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Other trading activities | ||
| Ticket income | 87,209 | 93,438 |
──────── |
──────── |
|
| Other income | ||
| Other income | 2,725 | – |
─────── |
──── |
|
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Total income | 405,195 | 445,923 |
═════════ |
═════════ |
23
Science Festivals NI
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 30 April 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| Charitable activities | ||
| Activities undertaken directly | ||
| Wages and salaries | 114,297 | 112,751 |
| Employer's NIC | 6,484 | 6,478 |
| Pension costs | 4,359 | 5,111 |
| Staff travel and subsistence | 1,045 | 1,133 |
| Depreciation | 214 | 677 |
| Training costs | 156 | 1,192 |
| Performer & Speaker Travel | 11,598 | 10,254 |
| Performer & Speaker Fees | 56,225 | 83,075 |
| Subscriptions and memberships | 360 | 239 |
| Marketing | 74,079 | 73,000 |
| Performer and production costs | 47,657 | 52,181 |
| Event catering | 95 | 834 |
| Venue hire | 14,828 | 40,033 |
| R&D | 2,790 | 176 |
| Bad debt | – | 25,559 |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| 334,187 | 412,693 | |
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Support costs | ||
| Rent | 9,945 | 13,860 |
| Insurance | 4,177 | 3,413 |
| Other office costs | 1,996 | 1,860 |
| General expenses | 5,033 | 9,151 |
──────── |
──────── |
|
| 21,151 | 28,284 | |
──────── |
──────── |
|
| Governance costs | ||
| Independent examiners fees | 4,139 | 2,100 |
| Legal and professional fees | 5,666 | 11,064 |
| Accountancy fees | 1,891 | 936 |
| Governance costs - costs of trustees' meetings | 614 | – |
| Bank Charges | 197 | 219 |
──────── |
──────── |
|
| 12,507 | 14,319 | |
──────── |
──────── |
|
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 367,845 | 455,296 |
═════════ |
═════════ |
|
───────── |
───────── |
|
| Net income/(expenditure) | 37,350═════════ |
(9,373)═════════ |
24