The Bristol Ensemble Ltd
Analysis
The Bristol Ensemble Ltd is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Bristol. It was registered in April 1999, 27 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and arts/culture/heritage/science, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 03496857). It says it provides services.
In the financial year ending August 2025, The Bristol Ensemble Ltd reported income of £713k and spending of £719k, spending 101% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from August 2021 to August 2025, income grew from £162k to £713k (+341%), an average of +45% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to August 2022, when income rose by 129%. Over the whole period it spent 100% of the income it received.
Among 17,634 England and Wales charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, The Bristol Ensemble Ltd sits at the 94th percentile: it is larger than about 94% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 92nd percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre (£712k), Manchester Collective (£714k) and Stewarts Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum Trust CIO (£712k).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 77% and donations and legacies 23%. Charitable activities took 97% of spending and raising funds 2.0%. Reserves of £50k would cover about 1 months of spending at that rate. It employed 1 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 23%
- Charitable activities 77%
In the charity's own words
To advance education by the establishment, operation, promotion and support of a chamber orchestra, and smaller groupings of musicians, of the highest professional standard, and by the provision of concerts, recitals and performances of classical music in Bristol, Glocestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and elsewhere.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre | Hampshire | £712k |
| Manchester Collective | Thorp Rd | £714k |
| Stewarts Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum Trust CIO | York | £712k |
| The Burton at Bideford | Bideford | £715k |