I am honoured to present the Annual Report for Resonate Together for the year ended 30th April 2024.
This year has been a significant period of growth and development for Resonate Together as we continue to build strong foundations for the Carsebridge Cultural Campus, ensuring it becomes a sustainable, vibrant site of community activity for Alloa and beyond.
Our team at Resonate Together has demonstrated unwavering dedication and determination through what has been a transformative and challenging year. Their willingness to learn, train and step outside their comfort zones to secure the future of the Carsebridge site as a home for Resonate Together has been truly inspiring. I extend my deepest thanks to each member of our staff and volunteer team for their exceptional efforts.
I would also like to thank Lynsey Breen and Advance Construction (Scotland) Ltd for their partnership and dedicated support of our community aims for the Carsebridge site - for without their collaboration, the buildings would not have been saved and the transformation of this site for our community would not have started. Thank you.
We owe much of this year's success to the collaboration and support of our funders, including the Forth Valley and Lomond CLLD Team, the Scottish Land Fund Team, Greenspace Scotland's Remembering Together Team, Stirling Voluntary Enterprise, Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, Clackmannanshire Council and their Economic Development Team and Creative Scotland. Their belief in our vision and commitment to our community has enabled us to move closer to realizing our collective ambitions for the site, as a community owned and led regeneration driver for Clackmannashire communities.
In addition to these key supporters, we have been fortunate to work with an array of community organisations whose energy, passion, and innovation have enriched our journey. Sauchie Active 8, Menstrie Primary School, Muckhart Parish Church, Ochil Youths Community Improvement, Alva Scout Group, Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, Tullibody Community Development Trust, Community Enterprise, and STEP have each played a vital role in helping us shape the Carsebridge Cultural Campus into a place that reflects the aspirations of local people.
We have also benefited from the wisdom and generosity of individuals across Scotland who stepped forward to share their knowledge and experience during this uncharted phase of our journey. Special thanks go to Jim Bennett, Grant Baxter, Vicky Murphy, Neil Ramsay, Susan Mills, Keith Johnstone, Alex Stobbart, Alison Davidson, Sarah Daly, Carla Almedia, Anthea Coulter, Jamie McCaw, Karen Dick, Claire Miller and Laura Melville for their invaluable contributions.
This year, we also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Angela Watt, our CEO, whose determination, leadership and vision have driven the success of Resonate Together; and to Cameron Watt for his devoted commitment to giving this project the strongest possible start. Their dedication ensures that our goals remain firmly in focus.
As Resonate Together continues to establish the Carsebridge Cultural Campus as one of Alloa's anchor organisations and flagships sites, we are proud of the mutual partnerships we have cultivated across the county. These growing connections reflect a shared belief in the potential of this site as a sustainable, community-led resource that will have a bright and impactful future for all.
Finally, I would like to thank the many individuals, both locally and further afield, who have donated their time, resources and energy to help Resonate Together bring the Carsebridge site into active use. Their support is a testament to the power of community spirit and collective action, and it inspires us as we move forward.
This has been an incredibly busy year, but the progress we have made together gives us confidence in what lies ahead. The Carsebridge Cultural Campus is becoming a home for creativity, connection, and opportunity for our community of Alloa and beyond, and I am excited for what Resonate Together will achieve in the years to come.
With gratitude
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's constitution, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
This report outlines the charity's activities, achievements and objectives for the year while reflecting on the meaningful progress made in serving our community in Alloa and Clackmannanshire.
Background
Founded in 2010, Resonate Together remains a cornerstone of community wellbeing, creativity, and innovation. Operating from the Carsebridge Cultural Campus, the charity has grown to embody the spirit of collaboration and sustainability, with an ever-evolving approach that listens, adapts, and responds to the needs of the local and wider community.
As a registered charity and social enterprise, our mission remains focused on fostering community resilience, social inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability, aligning our vision with the aspirations of the people we serve.
Resonate Together is a strong, sustainable social enterprise and charity rooted in Alloa, aiming to empower the community by fostering engagement, recovery and well-being through culture, arts, education and innovation.
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that promotes personal and collective growth, encourages active participation, and supports skills development, leadership, and entrepreneurship. By championing creativity and collaboration, we strive to build a resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a shared, sustainable future.
Resonate Together continues to operate under its four strategic objectives:
1. Community Resilience: Empowering individuals, families and groups within Alloa to create a thriving, connected community.
2. Social Inclusion: Breaking down barriers to ensure a welcoming environment for all.
3. Wellbeing: Supporting mental, physical, and emotional health through creative and community focused activities.
4. Sustainability: Building a resilient future for our community while preserving and enhancing local heritage.
Our activities and projects this year have reflected these objectives and have been supported by the incredible contributions of funders, stakeholders and community partners for the benefit of our community and members.
Results for the year ended 30th April 2024 are provided in the Statement of Financial Activities.
The assets and liabilities are detailed in the statement of financial position. The Statement of Financial Activities shows a net inflow of funds for the year, reflecting Resonate Together's planned investment in the Carsebridge Cultural Campus and the strategic use of revenue to support key projects and operational activity.
Income
The majority of our income during the year came from vital grant funding that has empowered Resonate Together to deliver impactful charitable activities and infrastructure improvements. Key grants included funding from Scottish Land Fund, Forth Valley and Lomond CLLD, Greenspace Scotland for the Remembering Together project, and Clackmannanshire Council for summer schools and place-based capital improvements.
This funding has supported both the ongoing activities that connect and uplift our community and the essential capital developments that make Carsebridge Cultural Campus a safe, welcoming space for all. Additional income was derived from generous donations by individuals and corporate partners, as well as modest revenue for room hire, events, festivals, and a variety of community clubs delivered with and for our members.
Together, these contributions are helping Resonate Together to transform the Carsebridge site into the active community campus that so many in our community wish it to be - a place where everyone can feel at home, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Expenditure
The charity's largest expenditure during the year was dedicated to capital investments in the Carsebridge Cultural Campus, with a focus on essential building repairs and maintenance. This included the installation of vital safety systems such as a state-of-the-art fire alarm, AI-driven CCTV and intruder alarms. These improvements, funded through Clackmannanshire Council's Place-Based Capital Fund and FVL CLLD Funding, have enhanced the site's security, safety and functionality, ensuring it becomes a welcoming and resilient space for the community.
Staff costs, including salaries and related expenses for the CEO and two additional staff members, represented the next category of expenditure. The CEO's leadership has been pivotal during this period, overseeing operational activities, and driving the social enterprise and charity's vision forward. The contributions of the wider team have been equally invaluable, ensuring that activities and operations continue to thrive.
Additionally, specialist consultants and contractors were engaged to provide expertise in areas such as building consultations and strategic planning for the campus. Their input has been critical in ensuring the campus’ long- term sustainability and its role as a nucleus for community well-being and cultural growth.
Reserves
It is the view of the trustees that the reserves should provide Resonate Together with adequate financial stability and the means for it to meet its charitable objectives for the foreseeable future.
To avoid closure, if income decreases or other funding difficulties were to happen, the Trustees have agreed to build the reserves to a level of 3 months essential operating costs . This would allow the charity to continue to operate, meet its relevant expenses and cover the cost of meeting any short-term commitments, with the intent to secure new funding and to ensure the long-term continuation of the organisation.
Our reserves would be used in the event of emergency situations such as withdrawal of anticipated funding, unexpected repairs required to buildings which weren’t covered by insurance. The reserves would also be used to cover increases in running costs during the year, should income levels be insufficient in a given period (eg mid-year increases that were not anticipated and built in to any funding applications or budgets which we then set our prices of event on), thereby limiting the charity’s ability to cope with unexpected price rises in the short term.
General Reserves are £6,774, equating to approximately 0.5 months of annual expenditure, however, Resonate Together are working on increasing income, fundraising and a funding strategy, and combined with our plans for future activity within the social enterprise on the Carsebridge Site in Alloa, look to improve general reserves position closer to our policy aims above.
Following successful Stage 1 of the SLF application process, Resonate Together were also successful in achieving Stage 2 funding with the grant announcement being made in October 2023. This confirmed funding of £295,822 has been awarded to Resonate Together (£273,250 Capital Funding for purchase of the Carsebridge site and immediate Capital Repair Works, and a further £22,572 Revenue Funding to cover costs of facilities management). The largest single award in Clackmannanshire, driving community ownership and putting their trust in Resonate Together.
Plans to purchase the building are now underway, with further funding applications in the process to carry on with renovations to the building for better community use. This includes the expansion of our community groups, reaching more members in the Alloa and Clackmannanshire communities, bringing together local partner organisations and creating a vibrant cultural campus for the people of Alloa.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee without share capital, a social enterprise.
Resonate Together was founded in 2010 and the company was incorporated in August 2012 and became a registered charity with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) in May 2022.
The Charity is governed by a Board of Trustees in line with our memorandum and articles of association, names of which are listed below. Trustees are also listed with Companies House as Directors of the company. The charity is managed by employed staff and run by them and volunteers on a day-to-day basis.
During the year, founder trustee Angela Watt was also a paid member of staff in the role of Chief Executive Officer. Angela has since resigned from the board, however, still remains as CEO. OSCR were informed of this during our charity registration process and are content with the arrangements in place during our first year as a charity.
Charity Trustees
The following are trustees who were in post during the year to 30th April 2024 and those trustees/directors who left and joined up to the date of signing (dates indicated):
Iain Barclay - Appointed 15 January 2024
Michelle Briggs
Margaret Daniels
William McEwan
Ella Pretorious - Appointed 15 January 2024 and Resigned 2 December 2024
Alisha Thomson - Appointed 15 January 2024
Lynsey Uttley - Appointed 15 January 2024
Clark Whyte
John Coe - Resigned 24 April 2024
Alan Cunningham - Resigned 24 April 2024
Helena Jackson - Resigned 15 January 2024
Emily Sheppard - Resigned 15 January 2024
Victoria Struthers - Resigned 15 January 2024
Board Recruitment, appointment and training
Prospective trustees are required to complete an application form and be interviewed before being co-opted to the Board of Trustees if a meeting of the Board agrees. They then formally stand for election at the next AGM.
All new board members are invited to attend induction sessions with the chair of the board and chief executive to help familiarise themselves with the work of the organisation. Ongoing training is provided to board members and resources made available to board members to carry out their respective roles.
Board skills audits are regularly carried out and in particular prior to recruitment of new board members to identify skills gaps or possible areas of further board training and development.
None of the trustees have any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees, who are also the directors of Resonate Together for the purpose 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).
Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, 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 Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 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 Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ exemption.
The trustees' report was approved on (date) by the Board of Trustees.
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2024, which are set out on pages 14 to 30.
The charity’s trustees, who are also the directors of Resonate Together for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investments (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements as required under section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and
to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Resonate Together is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Scotland. The registered office is 71 Cleuch Drive, Alva, Clackmannanshire, FK12 5NY.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's constitution, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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) (second edition - October 2019)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have reviewed the future funding and activities of the charity. The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Donations and similar income
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Grants receivable and invoiced income
Grants receivable and invoiced are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receivable.
Investment income and similar income
Income from investments and similar sources is included in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which it is receivable.
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for expenditure. All costs have been directly attributed to one of the functional categories of resources expended in the Statement of Financial Activities, the charity is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure is shown gross.
Costs of raising funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in activities that raise funds.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Grants
Training courses
Clubs
Adhoc desk/room rental income
Other income
Staff Training Costs
Direct Expenses
HR/Payroll Costs
Bank Charges
Materials for Activities
Bought-In Tutor / Facilitator Costs
Travel Costs
Heat and light
Rent, Rates & Insurance
Fundraising expenses
Subscriptions
Advertising
Telephone & Internet
Repairs and maintenance
Consultancy fees
Consultancy fees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
SVE DIS-Til Project
The fund was received for a project to target the community in three areas to make a difference in; recovery from addition; social isolation & loneliness and suicide prevention.
Greenspace Scotland
The fund is for a project to complete a covid memorial as part of the Remembering Together project.
Scottish Land Fund
This fund was for the Carsebridge Culturual Campus - to purchase, repair and rennovate the property at the Carsebridge site.
Youth Theatre
In collaboration with Actor, Mr Pat O'Connor, Clackmannanshire Council and OYCI - Ochil Youth Community Improvement, to facilitate the provision of a pilot study with the aim to create a Clackmannanshire Youth Theatre.
FVL CLLD
This fund has provided essential technology for staff and supports the development at the Carsebridge Cultural Campus deposit for purchase and to complete repairs to ensure the site is safe, accessible and ready for community use.
Clacks Communities Place Based Capital Fund
This funding is to cover state of the art fire alarms.
Scottish Voluntary Enterprise - CMHMF
This fund has been provided for mental health services.
Summer Wellbeing Programme
This was a summer session that was held for school children.
Creative Scotland
This fund supports Resonate Together to lead the Place Partnership Programme for Clackmannanshire to unite individuals and organisations across sectors.
Clacks Communities Place Based Investment Fund
This fund is for the furtherance of the Carsebridge Cultural Campus to resolve the significant works to the roofs of both buildings and rot treatment as well as internal works to door replacements.
The investment is also very clearly an upstream investment where early intervention and support will offset further degradation of the buildings and the need for increased investment at a future date.
This designated fund represents the net book value of assets purchased which include the intruder alarm and CCTV system.
This will be written down over at the same level as the assets are depreciated.
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).