Charlty registration number NIC 101603 Company registration number N1609126 (Northern Iland) ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND LEGALAND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees S Deignan D Mc Parland L P Murphy C Sharpe D M Roberts GArmstrong Emma Drury Stephen Mccrystall Lisa Dohety Joe Dougan Deah Collins (Appointed 28 Marth 2024) (Appointed 28 March 2024) (Appointed 8 December 2023) (Appointed 8 December 2023) (Appointed 8 December 2023) Secretary D Mc Parland Charity number NIC 101603 Company number N1609126 Reglstsred offlce East Beffast Netrwork Centre 55 Templemore Avenue Belfast BT5 4FP Auditor Hathnson Mulhollarvj Centrepoint 24 Onneau Avenue B81fast Co. Antrim Northem Irelar BT2 8HS
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND CONTENTS Pag8 Chai¢s ReiK)rt Trustees, report statnent of trustees. responsibilities 10 Indep8ndent audrtofs report ststement of financial activities 14 Balance sheet 15 ststement of cash flows 16 Notes to the financial statements 17-28
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 At Arts & Business Nl our core belief is that the Arts are fundamental lo how we suctsssfully function as a society and that creativity drives performance and prosperity. We are committed lo our objectives of providing strategic and practical support lo the arts sector and working alongside our arts arKI business sector partners to inspire. grow and support relationships and investment in the Arts. to strengthen Ihat sector and shape a society that is culturally, socially and economically prosperous. Anticipating and urvjerstarsding the needs of our members is essential as we work to ensure we are delivering 'mely, effective and targeted programming We are committed to being adaptable and ambitious as we play our part in supporting the growth of a culturally rich and strong Northern Ireland, ale lo thrive whilst withstanding external economic pressures Through the support of our principal funder, the Arts Counal of Nl, and our other funding stakeholders and partners, we are again proud to have delivered a high-quality programme of activities and services designed to drive performance across both the arts and business sectors_ Throughout 2023124 our Arts member5 benefitted from a weallh of bespoke support and advice as well as thought- leadership, governance and lunding infomatson, provided via one-to-one surgeries, workshops, conferences, podcasts. webinars and newsletters. Our programme was designed to build confidence and encourage fresh thinking in tackling the many issues faang arts organisations at this time. The financial pressures of increased running cosls, the cosl-of-ltving cnsis and reduced govemment funding combine to make this a challenging environment for arts organisations and those who might have considered a career in the sector. New business models diversified income streams. effective impact evaluation and robust governance are vital for survival in this economic climate Arts & Business Nl provides the guidance and support our member5 need to thrive and make Northem Ireland a belter pla for all of us. Our ground-breakiThJ Bluepnnt Programme has been providing training via peer leaming and support, thought leadership. mentonng and a suite of learning resources for 17 arts organisab'ons The provision of investment grants and training tailored lo their specific needs has been critical to encourage ambition. free up capacity test new incorrie generating ideas and drive confidence lo Invest for financial growth. We have embedded learning and reSourS from Blueprint into our wder membership offer. Our business network continued to support and strengthen the arts Following ¢)ui bespoke guidance and governance training we matched business Individuals onlo the boards of arts organisations, brokeree numerous creative partnerships and provided mentoring opportunities Our business professionals engaged with and informed our advice and support across our memberships. We were pleased to maintain our business member nUMbS over the year, dernonstrating that the private sector values the arts and the ennchment the arts bring to their businesses and our society. Business challenges identified through round-table discussions wth members formed the basis of our member events and led lo high levels of engagement and attendan The A&BNI Investment Programme: nded by Arts Council of Northern Ireland, continued to boost partnerships between local businesses and arts organisalions. encouraging them to extend their relationship to undertake additional actsvity In this financial year we supported 20 projects through the A&BNI Investment Programme and we are pleased lo note 700/0 of those were first time partnerships and 35°A were for activities taking place outside Belfasl. The value that the business sector sees in employing creative partnerships to address their business g081s is evidenced by the number of applications we see coming through the Investment Programme. Their rerxjgnition of the importance of a vibrant arts and cultural sector in making this an attractive place to do business is vital. We held ourArts & BUneSS Nl Awards 2024 at Lyric Theatre Belfast to celebrate the very best in arts and business collaborations. Hosted by Joe Lindsay and with awards pieces commissioned from Ned Jackson-smyth, our event shone a spotlight on the important work being undertaken through cross-sector relab"onships across Northem Ireland and was an opportunity to congratulate inspiraiional organisations and partnerships and lo enjoy an uplifting evening of music, poetry and dance from our talented local artists.
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Mark Robinson of Thinking Practice led a Board & Staff stralegic annIng session to lay the foundations for development of our next 3-year strategic plan (2024-20271 The 9overnance session with the A&BNI Board and stsff looked al our purpose, mission, vision and strategic aims. We were also delighted lo secure a place on a fully funded Scaling Impact & Financial Resilience workshop offered and funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and delivered by Resonance, a leading UK social impact investment company based in London. The workshop was aimed at reviewing the organisation's current impact. business model and finanaal standing, as well as exploring new opportunities to build resilience going forward_ This full-day workshop, attended by the board and staff, informed our strategy and financial growth plan We worked with Sean Fitzsimons on the development and implementation of our Equality.. Diversity & Inclusion IEDI) Policy lo raise our awareness and ensure that A&BNI is accessible and welcoming to all This work has also informed our approach to the process we use for recruitment of addrtional members onto our board. I would like to thank our funders. in particular the Arts Council of Nl, our sponsors, ourA&BNI staff team who bnng a we31th of knowledge, enlhusiasm and passion to all that they do. my colleagues on the A&BNI board f(Y their support and commitment. and our arts and business members without 0$e support none of this would be possible A summary of all our activrties across the 2023124 year is detsiled in the follovnng report. To see our full range of work and support seNices visit our websrte at W.artSarKlbuSInessni.Org.uk Damlan McParland, Chalr Dated..
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 Marth 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to tPE accounts and ¢omply with the charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 afKI "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practi applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK arKI Republic of Ireland {FRS 102). (as am8nded for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). ObjIl¥e$ and activities Mlssion: Arts & Business Nl 15 a creative membership neOrk brrnging together cultural and commercial busnesses, helping them grow stronger together through the power of partnership We advocate for the value of arts. invest in innovation, and ensure that the Nl arts and cultural sector has the confidence, capacity. and skills lo achieve creats.ve freedom through financial independence. Vision: A valued and thriwng arts and creative serxor achieving their ambikn'ons and hjlfilling their potential_ The purpose of the charity: The Sustainability of the Arts_ Values: Arnbition We are ambitious and inspire ambition in others_ Creallvity We passionately champion and celebrate creatiwty. Collaborative We are a welcoming trusted, well-connected pariner who will foster collaboration. Inclusive We ensu inclusivity and belonging by listening. learning and being guided by experts Strategic outcomes: Have changed the altilude and confidence of the sector towards diversified income leading to greater capacity and skills A&BNI continue to lead on the value of the arts_ creativity and the value of corporate-cultural partnership to businesses and communities. Cultivate our creative neorkS to lead to meaningful and mulually beneficial connections that will drive business performance and strengthen the arts. Have ensured that A&8NI is OrganisatnallY adaptable and sustainable by being visionary. bold and brave. The tnjstees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deoding vthat activities the ¢harity should undertake.
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT IINCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Actlvlty Overvlew in 2023-24: Strengthenlng governance on cultural boards: We see governance as a pr&acb've, elhical, leadership commitment: and this drtves our resolub'on to support board members throughout their time in office. We provided bespoke board sessons, supported Trustees via confidential governance consultations, and worked with them as a strategic associate, drawing on our cross- sector knowledge. resources and nelwork. We ran a number of our Fundamentals of Arts Board membersh sessions during the year These halKday workshops help lo strengthen arts b03rds and equip arts and cultural leaders to know best practice for board members and the realities of arts chanty governan. The workshop looks at the compliance requirements of being on a Board, covenng roles and responsibilities plus managerial, legal and finanual duties. A&BNI is an active member of the Developing Govemance Group that produces the Code of Good Govemance, which is endorsed both by Charity Commission of Nl (CCNII and Arts Council of Nl {ACNII and manages a shared online resource of lemplales and infomiation at diycommitteeguide org We held a Cultural Govemance Conference for our arts members During this high-level half-day conference. we showcased inspirats.onal speakers from the UK and Ireland who champion change and charity leadership. The conference included conversations about risk taking, fundraising. diversity. cyber security and more from experts in their fields We also provided a choice of breakout sessions designed to provide inspiration and practical tools that attèndees could lake away for their organisalion and board lo Implement We believe that if cultural organisatsons are to fulfill their true potential the whole organisation must be functioning and effective. To help strengthen governan and support sustainabilily. A&BNI mobilise our business networks to support arts organisalions through sharing skills and adVe and taking part in our board matching programmes. We were delighted that A&L Goodbody agreed to become a sponsoring partner for our Leaders on Arts Boards programmes and facilitated the training for our Young Leaders on Arts Boards group. giving not Just their time and expertise lo the programme but also the use of their premises Our cohort of 19 Young Leaders and Business Leaders on Arts Boards undertook a series of training sessions throughout October and November and then embarked on the matching process to place them on the boafds of arts organisations where their skills and enthusiasm will be most effective. "The Young Leaders on Arts Boards programme has been fundamental to my SucsS in a leadership role, its widened my horizons, introduced me to new people, eXperienS and development opportunities. I ve albvays had a passion for arts and culture and being paired with Maiden Voyage Dance ivas a perfect fit. My experience oljoining a boarcj has beerj incdiblY positive, [M my very fi1 meeting I was kvelcomed. and my opinions ivere valued.. I really fell like I bvas as part of the o@anisafion. Being a board member is a really great way lo share your skills and give something back to the causes you care about." Kathryn Mccann. People & Cullufe at Whitespace programme participant matched wth Ihe Board of Maiden Voyage Dance Skills development and 5UPPOrt for income dlverslficatlon for the Arts: Our programme of activily for the Arts was carefully created to be relevant lo all sizes and types of members. and to respond lo critical needs faced by the sector. We offered our membership a range of training. resources and events that encouraged them lo cnlically investigale key ideas and models of arts fundraising, cultural leadership. organisational development and change management. As well as providing confidential support we were also able to signpost mernbers to extensive reSoUrS and loolkits available through our website. We delivered more than 60 one-lo-one advice surgeries covering a broad range of important topics including incorne generalion, govemance: fundraising strategy Trusts & Foundations, sponsorship and developing creative training sales pitches. We launched a new peer led. networking. support and inf0m1atn group for our members. Through 'Fundraising Connections, we share upcoming fundinglgrant opportunities. fundraising events. training and other resources on different aspects of fundraising_ This Is a new quarterly event to build confidence in fundraising, Individual giving and more.
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Through our arts events programme our members were able to learn from high-profile speakers. Mark Robinson, an author, researcher. facilitator. 51rategist. coach and editor, delivered a numbef of thought-leadership sessions for us These included a creative resilience session full of pracb.cal tools and inspirats.onal advice. Theory of Change was a practical and interacts.ve workshop to help understand the aims, vision and impact of projects and arts organisalions. This session helped attendees learn how they can measure the full impact of the activity they are doing and open up new pathways for growth and development. We ran a CoMprehenve series of events for our arts mernbers around our Trusts & Foundations Symptsium to ensure they got as much as possible from the unique opportunity to srt down and have face to face ¢onversats"ons with representatives from grant givers Our Twsts & Foundations IntroduCtn wely.nar offered attendees the opportunity lo attend a preparation session with the A&BNI Team ahead of our Twsts & Foundations Symposium. Attendees got insight on how to prepare for the Symposium, how to make the most of their on&on-ones with funders on the day. and how to keep on track with submitting applications. Our Art of the Pitch workshop was an opportunity for attendees to gain practical knowledge on what lo put in their pitch, essential presentation skills and to Pfoduce and practice their 'elevalor pitch, in a safe space. receiving practical feedback from a panel. Over the years our annual Trusts & Foundations Symposium has facilitated over 600 one-tO•one ftjnding surgeries. helping to generate substantial amounts of money and support for the Cultural Sector in Northern Ireland. This year attendees heard directly from the Foundations on their funding priorities. gained an insi9ht into the decision- makin9 process and received lop tips for applications. We had fepresentats.ves from 9 Trusts & Foundations in attendance plus 3 volunteer speakers al the plenary and we provided 86 one to one surgeries Later we ran a Boolcamp lo share guidance from expert fundraisers to help organisations follow through and complete a Trusts & Foundabons application. "l Just wanted lo let you know some good news After the meel the funde event at The CreSnt earfier this year. We applied to Community Foundation and received funding We also applied to Children in Need and just found out we received funding for the nexl two Yea11 We are over the moon. We would never have submitted those applicalions if it wasn't for this Arts & Business event. Meeting Ihe funders in Ihis way demystified the process for us and gave us confidence to apply. Sam Porciello. Place to Wonder Our Individual Giving Webinar with UK based fundraising consultant. Dana Se9al. was an introduction to individual giving in the arts, designed to engage and inspire people to consider it as part of their fundraising activity. Available only to A&8NI arts member organisations. the dedicated membersnIY area of our website gives access lo resources including webinars. training films. toolki15 and presentations lo develop knowledge and skills. We continue lo add expert content lo this area providing our members with access to valuable resources whenever that may be required. We have also added a number of inspirational blog5 written by our 9t speakers allowing access at any liffle. Our five-year long Blueprint programme vthich started in January 2022 is the result of 5 years of research and fundraising by Arts & Business Nl The programme supports a nelwork of arts and cultural organisations lo encourage income growth and long-term financial stability. In addrtion to tailored trainirbg and mentoring. the programme includes access to investment grants. Through Blueprint. Arts & Business Nl are providing a catalyst for transformational change. during an incredibly challenging time for arts organisalions Blueprint aims to deliver significant and lasting benefits to the arts sector in Northem Ireland It gsves participants. not only financial Interventions. including up to £30 000 for 17 organisations in year 1, but also the tools and knowlsjge they need lo succeed through tailored training. mentoring and support The programme asks the organisalions involved lo look at all elements of their work. to find Ihe change that will make them more resilient and allows them to develop. The five-year programme is comprised of two phases In Phase 1 (Jan 22-Jun 22} 30 organisations took part in training and mentoring which aimed to lay the foundations for building long temi finanoal strength. As part of the programme participants have had access to one-to-one mentoring. learning resources and a peer- learning network. In Phase 2 12022-20261 in additson to training. mentoring and the peer leaming network, 17 of the original Ofganisations have access to investment grants that wll help them free up capauty, test new income genefaling ideas and invest in, and incentwise: financial growth. Grants of £390K were issued to 17 organisalions in March 2023. Regular meets.ngs allow participants to share their experiences and support eath other in their development.
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 An important element of Blueprint is sharing leaming and resources from the Blueprint programme and model wilh our wider arts membership and the sector. The principles of Blueprint and many of Ihe speakers from the programme have informed and featured in our wider arts offer. Our Nl Arts Funder Exchange and our Blueprint Funder Stakehdder group la cohort of public and privale funders of Blueprintl is a forum for funde to come together to explore Insights from the Blueprint model and discuss how funder practice and collaborats'on can buikt a stronger funding ecology that supports and builds long lemi financial strength within the sector Forying creative arts and business partnerships: A&BNI is committed to driving business perfomiance through cultural partnerships. The A&BNI Investment Programme. ftjnded by Arts Council of Norlhem Ireland. enables us to seed sustainable parlnerships tween local businesses and arts organisations wth financial and activation support. The Investment Programme encourages businesses to take risks challenges partnerships to broaden and deepen their connections, and through it we draw additional business resour$ Into the arts. The Programme supports and encourages working relationships to develop Into longer temi mutually benefiaal partnerships. In this financial year w8 SUPPOrted 20 projects through the A&8NI Investm8nt Prt)gramme and were pleased to report that of those Iirst time partnerships and 350A were for activities taking place outsKle Belfast. The number of applications coming through this programme confimis the value that the business sector sees in using creative partnerships to address their business goals. Their recognition that a vibrant arts and cultural sector is a key glefnent in making this an allraclive pla to do business. and can positively affect their workforGe, is particularly important in the current economic Glirnate. Wilh many tender processes now requiring evidence 01 business comnyilment fo ESG, we expect demand forsupport fmm this programme to increase. "We We grafified in the kno¥vledge that we had invested in an event that will have a posilive impact in young likes and hopefully instil a love of arts and culture as they continue Èhrough life. Celine Coleman. Aircoach "This temporary reinvention of the building has invwrated and animated not Just the building bul 81so assisted in a rppositioning of the neighbourhood Brlan Gaffney, Savills Case Study: Stendhal Festival & Alchemy Technology Services Stendhal Festival Ltd and Alchemy Technology Services joined forces for Ihe common good of developing creative capacity in the Northwest region, through a love of music and appetite to develop audiences and the der economy via sponsorship and investment in Stendhal Festival 2023 Al the heart of this partnership is Stendhal's new strategic approach to music programming and developing financial capacity and resilience lo enable them to book more international artists for their Main Stage. This will act as a catalyst to drive18ttract further footfall lo the event as well as to inspire and capture the imagination of local artists, prospective artists and audiences. via counterculture and new expenences from olher parts of the world. Objectlves of the partnership for Alchemy Technology SeNices: Employee engagement exercise. Targel." over 700/0 engagement. Play their part in positioning the NW as an attractive place to live and work. Support wider economiclcullural development in the Northwest. Objectives of the partnership for Stendhal Festival: Stendhal Festival Ltd to realise largest evenllorganisational budgel to dale. Increase footfall fvom the Northwest and Derry Attract further significant sponsors for 2024 event as a result of largest ever sponsor in 2023.
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Ross Parkhill of Stendhal reported 'We were able to keep our promises and strategy as envisaged and deliver our best programme lo dale in terms of diversity, and thus we feel our relationship with Alchemy is as strong as it could possibly be after our first partnership. Wilh talk already about enhanong the partnership ne year, I have no doubt this is in large part thanks lo this Investment by A&BNI Going through this process has 3150 given us confidence to look at doing more and more in seeking new sponsor5 and nol being afraid of working with new partners on five figure agreements. Such tangible outcomes for us have most certainly ignited our appetite to push for further relationships and further develop the capauly and outputs of our work. Following on from this project and a signifi.cant uplift in sponsorship and the professional nature of the project (dealing wilh Alchemy marketing deptlteam elc) we are now confident in working with bigger sponsors and ensuring their needs and aspirations are met alongside the many competing demands of pr¢xluung the event., "The feedb8ck from Ihe team has been very posiliye and kve have aladY been getting suggestions 8bout future years such as a dedicated camp site 50 that everyone Gan stay etc I personally thought that the family atmosphere that you have achved, and Ihe caring safe environment was just what I had hoped for. Well done to you and the leam and we look forward to woKking with you in the future. John Harkin. Alchemy Technology Servlces 'Slendhal Festival Ltd We delighted with this partnership for Stendhal 2023: and fijrther very grateful to A&SNI for the initial introduction. John, Erin and the wider team at Alchemy Technology Servic8s We a dream to work vvilh and really embraced the spirit of Slendhal and our objectives. Arts and Business Nl and the Investment Programme support, along ivith the SponSoh{, proved critical in maintaining the event (and outputs of the organisation) for anotheryear- especially in Èhe face of olher financial pressures including in year funding losses. We are very grnteful for Ihal opportunity and the belief in continuing our efforts to deliver the largest Indigenou immefsive event in the Northwest if nol Nl Ross Parkhill, Slendhal Festival Ltd Advocatlng for creative buslness and arts partnership: The A&BNI events programme is a key tool in encouraging and inspinng private sector support for the Arts. Our Arts & Business Nl business events are designed to engage. educate and most importantly inspire Our event themes are shaped by the business priorities our members share with us at our roundtable events which we hold twice per year We encourage and support our bugness members to step outside their comfort zones to take a risk and try something new We showcase best practice and tell evidence-based stories which demonstrate that partnering with arts organisalions has worked for other businesses. Artistic collaborations offer creative solutions to business challenges". we describe in detail the impact al each stage to reassure our clients that creative partnerships deliver quantifiable business outcomes. All of our business events have a clear purpose and messaging. We plan our business events to be Inherently practical," our guests leave our events with a clear takeaway and a well-defined understanding of next steps Our ca18ndar of business events is designed to ensure that we advocate the business benefils of engaging wilh an arts organisation whether through corporate partnerships, staff volunteering opportunities, or seThing on the board of an arts organisation. As well as our showcase Awards event. we hosted a Celebrating Creative Partnerships event lo look at our award-winning partnerships in more detail and to address 50ffle of the questions that many organisalions have before they lake the plunge into starting a cross-sector relalionship Through our thought leadership events we show the transfomiative power of the arts and feature a range of experts from both the business and arts sectors to ignite Interest in new partnerships. We are regularly asked to connect business and arts organisations after events lo discuss possible future collaborations We see the value these partnerships bring and are dedicated to sharing and showcasing local success stories.
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 We continue lo grow private investment in the creative industnes through developing bespoke arts 3Ctivity to answer business challenges. By meeting with businesses and listening to their concerns and goals we draw on our knowledge of our arts membership lo suggest ways to creakn.vely address those challenges and we make the connections needed to bnng the parties together to develop programmes of acts.vity to deliver outstanding results. For instance, we ran a series of lunchtime learning sessions in Belfast City Centre demonstrating how the soft skills routinely used by arts organisats'ons can be taught and adopted for the benefit of other businesses. One of our key strategic goals is to have a truly en9aged and informed business membership network that is represenlative of the private sector In Norlhem Ireland. Despite the challenging business environment, we continue to bring on new members across a range of business sectors while retaining a large proportion of our existing business members. Through promoting corporate partnerships. ¢hampM)ning creative training and mobilising business employees as audiences and volunteers, we ensure that relationships across our memberships are deeply rooted in business strategies and not merely transactional We have been pleased to note that many partnerships have evolved over the course of the year and are developing into lon9er lerm mutually beneficial relationships Our Creative Networking events were particulady popular giving arts organisalions and businesses the opportunity to sil down and havè short face-to-face Introductory chats about ways they might be able to work together in the future Our marketing strategy. often co-ordinating messaging with our clients: and planning social media and press activity for specific largel audience5 led lo more impactful communications across all platfoms The A&BNI What's On Guide was distributed monthly lo over 400 business contacts who in turn shared Ihe Guide with their colleagues and families, resulting in a readership of 5000 We encouraged attendance at a huge range of our arts members, evenls and activities and catered to all ages and preferences We nurtured our relats"onships with business umbrella networks such as the Chamber of comrner. Institute ol Directors. and Federation of Small Businesses to maintain A&BNI's profile and reputation with the private sector We addressed a meeting of the CBI People & Skills Network to share examples of how we work with businesses in relation to attracting and retaining talent. skills developmenl, EDI. wellbeing and cultural brand alignment. The support of volunteers as speakers. mentors. judges. advisors. in board placements. or in writing blogs. ha5 been critical in ensuring that we have been able to share the highest quality of knowledge and skills during the year We engaged 76 volunteers who gave over 400 h(yJrs of their ts'me to us. Peer to peer advocacy remains highly valued as a method of spreading Ihe Arts & Business Nl message A number of businesses also sxovided goods and services to us and our members ffee of charge we were delighted Ihal A&L Goodbody agreed lo become a sponsoring partner for our Leaders on Arts Boards pro9rammes also giving their lime and exFertlse lo facilitating the training for our Young Leaders on Arts Boards group. Vertical Structure provided Cyber Security Training.. Whitenoise supported us wrth branding and design services What our members say: Destination CQ BID has supported 15 Arts and Cullur81 events in 2023 which attracted additional footfall ol 700,000 Vh0 ¥vill have spent around £12m ivhilst in tlje area These festivals and cultural events are key to the success ol Cathedral Quarter and the wider City Supporting them to the extent (hat we do, ensUS Ihat we retain our standing as the cultural and hosprtality ljeart of ihe city...and it makes good business sense." Damien Corr, Destinatlon CQ BID 'Arts & Business Nl.. has op8ned the d(M) to lasting and mutually beneficial partneh[pS beltrveen ourselves and some of the most talented local arts orJc anisations '" PR Manager, Transllnk "This year, hvo of Alchemy s major arts investments ¥vere match funded through awards from A&BNIs Investment Prografftm8. These abvards brougljl signi[an[ added value to our company as an investor, to ouf continued membership of A&BNI and most importantly to hvo nebv community led arts partnerships. The Investment Programme strengthened the business case to sponsor both Stendhal and Le Foyerdes Artistes this financial year by providing the match funding to enable ourpartners lo develop new and innovative elemenls lo theirprogrammes, Ihat olhenvise would not have been possible ' Alchemy Technology Services
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Flnanclal revlew The year end a¢¢ounts retum an unrestricted SUTpIu5 of £15.566 (2023.. £10,073) and a restricted surplus of £125,46012023: £99,000) being an overall surplus of £141.026 (2023.. £109,073). The reserves of Ihe organisation now amount to £649.764 {2023'. £508.738} of which £243.382 (2023: £227,814) are unrestricted and £406,382 (2023.. £280,924) are restricted. As part of the organisation's long-term financial sustainabilty plan, in 2020r2021 the Board and staff developed 3 Year Financial Sustainabilty Plan. This plan wll provide a framevKsrk for stralegies to increase earned income, build on successes to date, and look to other new income opportunities. Structure, governanGe and management The Board comprises a maxifflum of 12 members who meet quarterty and are responsible for the strategTrc direction and policy of the charity. It is board policy for directors to seFve for a period of 3 years, after which they must be revelected at the following AGM. The directrxs, liability is limtted by guarantee. Board members participate in sub-committees. which meet regularty to ensure that operational policies. procedures and systems inctyporats sound management and financial controls in keeping with current best praLttice. The trustees. who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, arKI who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: S Hayles (Resigned 1 April 2024) S Deignan D Mc Parland L P Murphy C Sharpe D M Roberts G Armstrong Emma Drury Stephen Mccrystsll Lisa Doherty Joe Dougan Deborah Collins {Appointed 28 March 2024) {Appointed 28 March 2024} (Appointed 8 December 2023) {Appointed 8 December 2023) (Appointed 8 December 2023) Audltor In accordance with the company's articles. a resolution proposing that Harbinson Mulholland be reappointed as auditor of the company wll be put fotward at a General Meeting. Th8 trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. D Mc Parland Trustee
ARTS & BUSINESS NORTHERN IRELAND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Irustees, who are also the directors of Arts & Business Northem Ireland for the purpose of company law. are responsible for preparing the Trustees. Report and the finanual statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true aTh fair view of the state of affairs of the charity arKJ of the incoming resources and application of resour5, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently: - observe the methods and principles in the Charibes SORP. - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disdosed and explained in the financial statements." and prepare the financial statements on the going cOnM basis unless it is inappropriate to pSuMe that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charty and hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and deteL*on of fraud and other irregularitses. D Mc Parfand Trustee Dated.. 10-