THE BRITISH MUSIC EXPERIENCE
The BME has a mission to advance the education and appreciation of the art, history, and science of music. The museum holds a collection of artefacts brought to life through audio-visual technology against a backdrop of Britain's social and political landscape. The British Music Experience fulfils its charitable objectives by operating a Museum housed in the Cunard Building, Liverpool.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity generated a net income of £70,930 for the year ended 30 April 2025, with unrestricted reserves increasing to £403,851. The trustees confirm that the charity can meet its commitments for at least 12 months, adopting a going concern basis. No formal reserves policy is currently in place, though reserves are earmarked to underpin operations and cash flow.
What the accounts disclose
“One trustee, E Koravos, received remuneration including pension contributions of £38,381 (2024: £36,135) for their role as Chief Executive” — page 14
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 30/04/2025)
Trustees
- HARVEY GOLDSMITH CBEchair
- Jonathan Collins
- KEITH HARRIS OBE
- Kevin McManus
- SIMON PATRICK WEIL
- SIR MARK PHILIP FEATHERSTONE-WITTY OBE
- Stuart Galbraith
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/04/2025 | £958k | £887k |
| 30/04/2024 | £984k | £963k |
| 30/04/2023 | £775k | £865k |
| 30/04/2022 | £723k | £689k |
| 30/04/2021 | £484k | £545k |
Common questions
Is THE BRITISH MUSIC EXPERIENCE financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity generated a net income of £70,930 for the year ended 30 April 2025, with unrestricted reserves increasing to £403,851. The trustees confirm that the charity can meet its commitments for at least 12 months, adopting a going concern basis. No formal reserves policy is currently in place, though reserves are earmarked to underpin operations and cash flow. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE MARCHUS TRUST | 3 | £11k |
| THE SAINTBURY TRUST | 2 | £80k |
| THE HAROLD HYAM WINGATE FOUNDATION | 2 | £17k |
| THE NISBET TRUST | 1 | £335k |
| THE FIDELITY UK FOUNDATION | 1 | £125k |
| THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH MUSIC | 1 | £102k |
| JOHN ELLERMAN FOUNDATION | 1 | £97k |
| THE HEADLEY TRUST | 1 | £94k |
Charities like this
- BRISTOL MUSIC TRUST
- BIRMINGHAM CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP
- THE BRITISH MUSEUM FRIENDS
- BIRMINGHAM MUSEUMS TRUST
- BRIGHTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL LIMITED
- B:MUSIC LTD
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE BRITISH MUSIC EXPERIENCE | £958k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| BRISTOL MUSIC TRUST | £14.4m | — | — | below | — | no doubt |
| BIRMINGHAM CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP | £630k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE BRITISH MUSEUM FRIENDS | £6.9m | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| BIRMINGHAM MUSEUMS TRUST | £12.6m | — | — | above | — | noted |
| BRIGHTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL LIMITED | £217k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |