COMMUNITY INTEREST ANNUAL REPORTFLAMEWORKS C.I.C.Company Number: 03965829 (England and Wales)Year Ending: 30 April 2021Company Activities and ImpactThe Financial Year for Flameworks May 2020 to April 2021 was without doubt one of the most unusual in recent times. It was dominated by Covid-19 and the associated fall-out. The priority was to protect and guide the facility through the pandemic and make sure it survived for the 26 studio holders. There was a total lockdown at the beginning of this reporting period – followed by a loosening of regulations and then this was followed by a further lockdown at the end of 2020 into the start of 2021.Action was taken very early in the pandemic to limit financial damage and impact. Management took early action to reduce our overheads. We collaborated with our Landlords (Plymouth City Council) and agreed a 3 month rent holiday. We were successful in obtaining an initial SBRR Support Grant, as were many (but not all) individual studio holders. Staff costs were reduced by taking full advantage of the furlough scheme on offer and consequently our Project Co-ordinator was put on furlough for much of the duration of the financial year. A successful bid was made to Arts Council England (ACE) for emergency support funding which effectively secured Flameworks’ existence in the longer term. This was one of a few successful applications.As a result of that successful ACE grant application we were able to offer a substantial and voluntary rental holiday. People were excused from paying rent at all for several months (or could choose to pay a contribution if they wished) Many of our studio holders continued to pay full rent which demonstrated the strong relationship between the organisation and stakeholders. Those voluntary contributions further added to our financial security at that time.Toward the end of the Summer as lockdown regulations were relaxed one of the key events which Flameworks normally takes part in Plymouth Art Weekender (PAW 2020) was flagged up as an event that would be taking place. We decided to go ahead and take part and conformed with all the advance planning (eg risk assessments, social distance planning etc) As we got nearer to the event, further safety processes were introduced which meant that the reality of delivering would prove to be too onerous. We reluctantly decided to withdraw from taking part, in conjunction with and agreement of PAW2020 organisers and our PCC Arts Unit contact.During the partial shutdown we undertook a complete and thorough overhaul of our lighting (which was replaced with LED) and a full electrical health check was carried out and remedial work was completed.A brand new kiln was purchased for our ceramics studio areaNew illuminated signage for Flameworks was designed and constructed in-house.Where regulations and restrictions allowed – teaching was allowed on site – thus enabling some of our studio holders to earn much-needed income during difficult times.Directors' remunerationNo remuneration was receivedTransfer of assetsNo transfer of assets other than for full considerationThis report was approved by the board of directors onJanuary 25th 2022And signed on behalf of the board by:Name: Noah TaylorStatus: Director

Consultation with stakeholdersDuring the accounting period much consultative work was carried out remotely as lockdown and remote working became the norm. Management and Directors met regularly online. Contact was kept with our PCC Arts Officer who was also working extensively around the demands of the opening of The Box in Plymouth in the early Autumn 2021. As a result our new Service Level Agreement was delayed in terms of a full review. We are hopeful, however, that we will establish a lease with at least five years security of tenure.Because of events a General Meeting was carried over into financial year 21/22. Stakeholders and studio holders were kept informed of the latest regulations and changes as and when they aroseMajor progress was made – despite the lockdowns – with a new partner – Leadworks. Initially there was to be an exhibition in Dec 2020 – but eventually – because of the national situation that was considerably delayed (but took place in 2021)Our Studio Manager also now takes part in a regular online forum (set up as a result of the pandemic) with other studios around the UK – which enables Flameworks to share and research working practices, problems and solutions in similar facilities.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration