Charlty registration number NIC 101603
Company registration number N1609126 (Northern I￿land)
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
De￿ah 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
stat￿nent 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, al￿e 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
reSour￿S 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 nUMb￿S 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 & BU￿neSS 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).
Obj￿Il¥e$ and activities
Mlssion:
Arts & Business Nl 15 a creative membership ne￿Ork 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 ne￿orkS to lead to meaningful and mulually beneficial connections that will drive
business performance and strengthen the arts.
Have ensured that A&8NI is Organisat￿nallY 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 adV￿e 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 Suc￿sS in a leadership role, its
widened my horizons, introduced me to new people, eXperien￿S 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 inc￿diblY positive, [￿M my very fi￿1 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 reSoUr￿S 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 inf0m1at￿n 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 CoMprehen￿ve 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 IntroduCt￿n 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 CreS￿nt 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 Yea￿11
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 members￿nIY 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 9￿￿t
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 al￿adY 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 ach￿ved, 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 SponSo￿h{￿, 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, ensU￿S 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 partne￿h[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 resour￿5, 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 cOn￿M basis unless it is inappropriate to p￿SuMe 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-