Company registration number 06821503 (England and Wales)
Charity registration number 1130710 (England and Wales)
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Andrew McKay
Stuart Downs (Died 13 July 2025)
Andrew Deakin
James Darrington
Anthony Wallis
Country of incorporation
United Kingdom
06821503
(England and Wales)
Charity registration
England and Wales
1130710
Registered office
Woodside Garth Row
Underbarrow
Kendal
LA8 8AY
Independent examiner
Ben Moffat FCCA
Ground Floor, Meadowbank House
Meadowbank Business Park
Shap Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 6NY
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 2
Independent examiner's report
3
Statement of financial activities
4
Balance sheet
5
Notes to the financial statements
6 - 10
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 1 -

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.

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 governing document, the Companies Act 2006 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).

Objectives and activities

MusicLinks exists to educate the public in the art of music and to improve access to creative opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to participation. During the year we continued to support disabled people, people with learning disabilities and/or neurodivergence, people living in care settings, people seeking sanctuary and others at risk of social isolation.

During the reporting period MusicLinks delivered 36 inclusive music workshops across Cumbria, engaging around 540 direct participants. Workshops were delivered in partnership with special schools, day services, community organisations and refugee support groups, providing opportunities for approximately 540 participants to develop musical skills, confidence, creativity and social connections.

The charity continued to strengthen relationships with organisations across Cumbria, including Westmorland and Furness Day Services, YouthAbility, Furness Refugee Support, Multicultural Cumbria and other community organisations.

A particular focus was bringing together local participants and artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, including artists with lived experience of displacement and exile.

The year culminated in the successful delivery of the JamTent at Kendal Calling, bringing together over 130 participants, artists, volunteers and support staff. JamTent remains an important public celebration of inclusion, creativity and community.

Across the year MusicLinks worked with approximately 60 guest artists from a wide range of cultural and artistic backgrounds, alongside 18 musicians performing as part of the JamTent programme.

The charity secured support from a range of local and national funders, enabling delivery despite continuing challenges facing the arts and voluntary sectors.

Feedback from participants and partners remained consistently positive, highlighting increased confidence, social connection and creative expression.

Despite continuing challenges arising from the Chief Executive's recovery following serious injuries sustained in a gas explosion, MusicLinks maintained delivery, strengthened partnerships and continued to develop new opportunities for future growth.

A short film showcasing some of the charity's recent work can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/I9fqZEWrV2o.

Expenditure

Expenditure during the year was consistent with the charity's objectives and approved budgets. The majority supported workshop delivery, artist fees, project management, volunteer support, equipment, travel, accommodation and access costs, together with planning and delivery of JamTent and partnership development.

Volunteers

Volunteers continued to play a vital role, supporting participants, administration, practical event management and community engagement. MusicLinks remains extremely grateful for their commitment, together with the support of families, carers and partner organisations.

MUSICLINKS LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 2 -
Achievements and performance

The primary achievement of the year was the successful continuation of an inclusive community music programme responding to the needs of some of Cumbria's most vulnerable and isolated communities whilst continuing to develop opportunities for future growth.

The charity strengthened relationships with existing partners and developed new partnerships with organisations supporting people seeking sanctuary and other marginalised communities. Feedback consistently highlighted improved confidence, social connection and wellbeing through music.

Despite continuing challenges arising from the Chief Executive's recovery, the charity maintained delivery, secured new funding and built a strong platform for future development.

Financial review

The charity's financial model continues to be based primarily on project funding secured from trusts, foundations and other grant-making bodies.

During the reporting period support was secured from Arts Council England, National Lottery Awards for All, Frieda Scott Charitable Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation, Granada Foundation, Grantscape and Furness Refugee Support.

Administrative costs remain low through freelance delivery, volunteer support and home-based administration. Trustees remain committed to strengthening financial resilience, diversifying income and building appropriate unrestricted reserves.

Structure, governance and management

MusicLinks continues to operate as a company limited by guarantee.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Andrew McKay
Stuart Downs (Died 13 July 2025)
Andrew Deakin
James Darrington
Anthony Wallis

Trustees' Statement

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

The trustees' r eport was approved by the Board of Trustees.

James Darrington
Trustee
3 July 2026
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF MUSICLINKS LIMITED
- 3 -

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Musiclinks Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

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 that in any material respect:

1

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.

2

the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3

the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.

Ben Moffat FCCA
for and on behalf of Douglass Grange
Ground Floor, Meadowbank House
Meadowbank Business Park
Shap Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 6NY
Dated: 3 July 2026
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 4 -
Restricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
41,509
25,350
Expenditure on:
Other
7
40,140
27,719
Total expenditure
40,140
27,719
Net income/(expenditure) for the year/
Net movement in funds
1,369
(2,369)
Fund balances at 1 September 2024
5,869
8,238
Fund balances at 31 August 2025
7,238
5,869

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 AUGUST 2025
31 August 2025
- 5 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
7,238
5,869
Net current assets
7,238
5,869
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
9
7,238
5,869
7,238
5,869

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 August 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 3 July 2026
James Darrington
Trustee
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 6 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Musiclinks Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Woodside Garth Row, Underbarrow, Kendal, LA8 8AY.

1.1
Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" 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)". 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 a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, 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.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

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.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 7 -
1.5
Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

Basic financial assets

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

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 p aymen ts 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.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

MUSICLINKS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 8 -
3
Income from donations and legacies
Restricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
250
-
Grants
41,259
25,350
41,509
25,350
Grants
Cumbria Community Foundation
-
1,750
Frieda Scott Foundation
-
3,900
Granada
-
1,000
Grantscope
-
3,210
ACENW
-
2,770
Awards 4 All
-
12,720
Other
41,259
-
41,259
25,350
4
Net movement in funds
2025
2024
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable to the charity's independent examiner:
- for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements
-
420
- for other financial services
-
360
5
Trustees

No trustee received funds from the charity for direct services provided during the year.

6
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025
2024
Number
Number
Total
0
0
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 9 -
7
Other
Restricted
Restricted
funds
funds
general
general
2025
2024
£
£
CEO - Lead musician
3,055
6,620
Office
5,884
1,925
Musicians
12,573
-
Equipment and musical instruments
3,616
909
Vehicle and fuel costs
3,137
1,754
Project and event costs/sundries
11,708
11,596
Admin
167
4,915
40,140
27,719
8
Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax ation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

9
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity compri se the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be use d.

At 1 September 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 August 2025
£
£
£
£
5,869
41,509
(40,140)
7,238
Previous year:
At 1 September 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 August 2024
£
£
£
£
8,238
25,350
(27,719)
5,869
MUSICLINKS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 10 -
10
Analysis of net assets between funds
Restricted
funds
2025
£
At 31 August 2025:
Current assets/(liabilities)
7,238
7,238
Restricted
funds
2024
£
At 31 August 2024:
Current assets/(liabilities)
5,869
5,869
11
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

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