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2025-03-31-annual-return

Company registration number: NI072553 Charity registration number: 103457

Belfast Platform for the Arts

(A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Hopper & Co Chartered Accountant & Registered Auditor 6 Doagh Road Ballyclare Co Antrim BT39 9BG

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Contents

Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' Report 2 to 4
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities 5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9 to 15

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees : Ekaterina Solomatina (Resigned 14 April 2024) Amy Gibney Devlin (Resigned 1 January 2025) Hannah Rose Gilbert-McMurray (Resigned 22 July 2024) Emily Mary Louise Laverty (appointed 22 April 2024) Rachel Kavanagh (appointed 22 April 2024 and Resigned 17 April 2025) Katie McFadden (appointed 22 April 2024 and Resigned 22 July 2024) Erin Lligh Bennett (appointed 21 November 2024 and Resigned 17 April 2025) Tarth Lauren McGonigle (appointed 22 April 2024 and Resigned 21 November 2024) Ryan Benjamin Allen (appointed 22 April 2024) Aine Crawford (appointed 12 June 2025) Anna Vidamour (appointed 6 July 2025) Lindsay Mead (appointed 17 June 2025 and Resigned 30 December 2025) Shauna Violet Mulligan (appointed 18 May 2025 and Resigned 30 December 2025) Charity Registration Number 103457 Company Registration Number NI072553 The charity is incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 6 Doagh Road Ballyclare Co Antrim BT39 9BG Independent Examiner Hopper & Co Chartered Accountant & Registered Auditor 6 Doagh Road Ballyclare Co Antrim BT39 9BG Bankers HSBC Royal Avenue 25-29 Royal Avenue Belfast Co Antrim BT1 1FB

Page 1

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Trustees' Report

The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Legal and administrative information is contained on the company information page preceeding this report.

Objectives and activities

Objects and aims

Belfast Platform for the Arts ( known as Platform ) is a voluntary organisation established as a registered charity in May 2009 by a group of concerned individuals who desired to advance the education of the public in the promotion and appreciation of the Arts in Belfast.

We seek to acheive this by holding regular exhibitions and run a programme of events designed to meet these objectives. We intend to create a safe space for the local community.

We are an artist led studio group and comtemporary art gallery currently based in Bryson House, 28 Bedford Street, Belfast. Our role is to actively promote creative expression, presentation and access to contemporary art practice through our Exhibition, Outreach and Studio Programmes. We are managed by a Board of Directors drawn from a wide range of organisations connected with the Arts, all of whom have practical working knowledge of the Arts, and who are well quailfied and experienced in their fields of expertise. The majority are practicing artists with a commitment to develop their skills within a variety of fields. We intend to work more closely with our fellow organisations and the community within East Belfast.

Public benefit

We assist emerging artists in necessitous circumstances to become self-supporting by the provision of studio space and facilities, advice and training, allowing them to develop their talents. We also manage an arena for public art exhibitions, demonstrations and lectures and as a centre for other art related activities which encourages appreciation for and participation in community based arts activities designed to enable members of the general public to explore their creativity. These activities serve to educate and inform the general public in the appreciation of the arts.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2008 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Achievements and performance

Platform Arts has continued to participate in and manage a multitude of exhibitions, workshops and events. Last year we were able to showcase over 10 exhibitions and supported over 40 artists. We hosted many workshops and launched a monthly event called Late Night Art East in September. This event has seven different organisations showcase a new exhibition or workshop, and saw an estimated 150/200 people attend. There was free food and beverages, a DJ, and an optional guided tour hosted by Platform Arts which brought around 50 people alone. We now have the majority of organisations in East Belfast involved in an event which takes place on the second Thursday of the month. We hosted an open call for illustrators to produce a brochure and create the overall look of the event. The chosen illustrator was awarded a fee. This then led to a group show, exhibiting all the illustrators who applied. The event was supported by Belfast 2024.

Platform had some renovations which included our walls being newly plastered and painted. This allowed the space to have a more professional and neutral aesthetic for exhibiting artists. The team of co-directors took time to paint, clean and tidy the gallery which has benefitted everyone from studio holders to the public.

We had the pleasure to launch a new website with an updated and more maneuverable archive, which includes the 15 year history of the Platform. Our website is now updated with our upcoming exhibitions, workshops, events, open calls, newsletters and more.

Page 2

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Trustees' Report

Financial review

Principal funding sources

The main incoming resources are donations from members for the use of studio accomodation together with grants and public donations as and when received. In addition the Platform beneifts from the use of the Belfast premises on a rent free basis, the notional rent value of £35,000 p.a. is shown as both an incoming and outgoing resource.

Structure, governance and management

Nature of governing document

Belfast Platform for the Arts is a company limited by guarantee which is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees, who are also Executive Committee members, are nominated and elected annually by full members at the AGM and also by the Executive Committee during the year to fill casual vacancies should the need arise.

Existing Committee members are eligible for re-election. Office Bearers are elected by the Committee from among their number at the first full Committee meeting after the AGM.

Arrangements for setting key management personnel remuneration

Management of the charity is undertaken by the Trustees. No remuneration for services is paid to any Trustee.

Financial instruments

Objectives and policies

The charity's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including credit risk, cash flow risk and liquidity risk. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the charity’s policies approved by the board of trustees, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives to manage these risks. The charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Cash flow risk

The charity’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in donation and event based income. The use of studio accomodation is closely monitored and regular events are held to maintain income. Interest bearing assets and liabilities are held at fixed rate to ensure certainty of cash flows.

Credit risk

The charity’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, trade and other receivables, and investments. The charity’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables. An allowance for impairment is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction in the recoverability of the cash flows.

The charity has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and customers.

Page 3

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Trustees' Report

Liquidity risk

In order to maintain liquidity to ensure that sufficient funds are available for ongoing operations and future developments, the charity maintains an adequate level of cash reserves.

Small companies provision statement

This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.

The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 27 March 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... Emily Mary Louise Laverty Director and Trustee

......................................... Aine Crawford Director and Trustee

Page 4

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of Belfast Platform for the Arts for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland". The report and accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company 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 charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Approved by the trustees of the charity on 27 March 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... Emily Mary Louise Laverty Director and Trustee

......................................... Aine Crawford Director and Trustee

Page 5

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Belfast Platform for the Arts ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of Belfast Platform for the Arts (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts . You consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 65(2) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (the 2008 Act) and that an independent examination is required.

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Belfast Platform for the Arts are not required to be audited and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 65(3) of the 2008 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the 2008 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Belfast Platform for the Arts as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 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

  4. the accounts 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)].

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

...................................... Michael Hopper FCA Chartered Accountant & Registered Auditor Chartered Accountants Ireland

6 Doagh Road Ballyclare Co Antrim BT39 9BG

27 March 2026

Page 6

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

Unrestricted Total
funds 2025
Note £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 47,630 47,630
Total income 47,630 47,630
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 4 (46,469) (46,469)
Total expenditure (46,469) (46,469)
Net income 1,161 1,161
Net movement in funds 1,161 1,161
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 5,879 5,879
Total funds carried forward 11 7,040 7,040
Unrestricted Total
funds 2024
Note £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 3 48,768 48,768
Total income 48,768 48,768
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 4 (43,889) (43,889)
Total expenditure (43,889) (43,889)
Net income 4,879 4,879
Net movement in funds 4,879 4,879
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 1,000 1,000
Total funds carried forward 11 5,879 5,879

All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2024 and 2025 is shown in note 11.

The notes on pages 9 to 15 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7

Belfast Platform for the Arts

(Registration number: NI072553) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Note £ £
Current assets
Debtors 8 1,125 1,125
Cash at bank and in hand 9 8,201 6,975
9,326 8,100
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 10 (2,286) (2,221)
Net assets 7,040 5,879
Funds of the charity:
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds 7,040 5,879
Total funds 11 7,040 5,879

For the financial year ending 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements on pages 7 to 15 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 27 March 2026 and signed on their behalf by:

.........................................

Emily Mary Louise Laverty Director and Trustee

......................................... Aine Crawford Director and Trustee

The notes on pages 9 to 15 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1 Charity status

The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in Northern Ireland, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.

The address of its registered office is: 6 Doagh Road Ballyclare Co Antrim BT39 9BG

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 27 March 2026.

2 Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

Basis of preparation

Belfast Platform for the Arts meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.

Income and endowments

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.

Page 9

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Donations and legacies

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Grants receivable

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

Donated services and facilities

Where services or facilities are provided to the charity as a donation that would normally be purchased from our suppliers, this benefit is included in the financial statements at it's fair value unless it's fair value cannot be reliably measured, then at the cost to the donor or the resale value of goods that are to be sold.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.

Raising funds

These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Support costs

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £1.00 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Page 10

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Asset class

Furniture and equipment

Depreciation method and rate

33% straight line

Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Financial instruments

Classification

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.

Page 11

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Recognition and measurement

All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds Total
General funds
£ £
Donations and legacies;
Donations from individuals 3,635 3,635
Grants, including capital grants;
Grants from other charities 8,995 8,995
Donated services and facilities 35,000 35,000
Total for 2025 47,630 47,630
Total for 2024 48,768 48,768

4 Expenditure on raising funds

a) Costs of generating donations and legacies

Page 12

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
funds Total
General funds
Note £ £
Donated services and gifts in kind 35,000 35,000
Allocated support costs 11,469 11,469
Total for 2025 46,469 46,469
Total for 2024 43,889 43,889

Page 13

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

5 Net incoming/outgoing resources

Net incoming resources for the year include:

Total costs £ 2025 £

6 Trustees remuneration and expenses

No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.

7 Taxation

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

8 Debtors

2025 2024
£ £
Trade debtors 1,125 1,125
9 Cash and cash equivalents
2025 2024
£ £
Cash on hand 146 146
Cash at bank 8,055 6,829
8,201 6,975
**10 ** Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Other creditors 1,206 1,141
Accruals 1,080 1,080
2,286 2,221

11 Funds

Page 14

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Balance at 1 Balance at 1 Incoming Resources Balance at 31
April 2024 resources expended March 2025
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General 5,879 47,630 (46,469) 7,040
Balance at 1 Incoming Resources Balance at 31
April 2023 resources expended March 2024
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General 1,000 48,768 (43,889) 5,879

12 Analysis of net assets between funds

12 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Total funds at
funds 31 March
General 2025
£ £
Current assets 9,326 9,326
Current liabilities (2,286) (2,286)
Total net assets 7,040 7,040
Unrestricted Total funds at
funds 31 March
General 2024
£ £
Current assets 8,100 8,100
Current liabilities (2,221) (2,221)
Total net assets 5,879 5,879
13 Analysis of net funds
At 1 April Financing cash At 31 March
2024 flows 2025
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 6,975 1,226 8,201
Net debt 6,975 1,226 8,201
At 1 April Financing cash At 31 March
2023 flows 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 2,096 4,879 6,975
Net debt 2,096 4,879 6,975

14 Related party transactions

Page 15

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Statement of Financial Activities by fund for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted Funds
Total Total
Unrestricted Unrestricted
Funds Funds
2025 2024
£ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 47,630 48,768
Total income 47,630 48,768
Expenditure on:
Raising funds (46,469) (43,889)
Total expenditure (46,469) (43,889)
Net income 1,161 4,879
Net movement in funds 1,161 4,879
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 5,879 1,000
Total funds carried forward 7,040 5,879

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 16

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Total Total
2025 2024
£ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies (analysed below) 47,630 48,768
Total income 47,630 48,768
Expenditure on:
Raising funds (analysed below) (46,469) (43,889)
Total expenditure (46,469) (43,889)
Net income 1,161 4,879
Net movement in funds 1,161 4,879
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 5,879 1,000
Total funds carried forward 7,040 5,879

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 17

Belfast Platform for the Arts

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Total Total
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and legacies
Grants - other agencies 8,995 7,400
Donated use of facilities 35,000 35,000
Rental income 3,635 6,368
47,630 48,768
Raising funds
Programme costs (3,218) (1,001)
Rent and rates (35,000) (35,000)
Light, heat and power (1,408) (2,561)
Insurance (38) -
Repairs and maintenance (4,733) (3,087)
Telephone and fax (1,365) (1,194)
Sundry expenses (70) (506)
Independent examiner's fee (574) (540)
Bank charges (63) -
(46,469) (43,889)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 18