LOOPFEST IN THE COMMUNITY CIC

Executive Summary

LOOPFEST IN THE COMMUNITY CIC operates as a micro-sized, community-driven arts festival organizer within the UK performing arts sector. While its current financial footprint is modest, typical of early-stage CICs, it demonstrates strong community engagement and social impact aligned with sector trends prioritizing accessibility and local partnerships. Its niche positioning as a multi-venue festival in Shrewsbury offers growth potential but also reflects challenges in financial scale and resource availability compared to larger established arts organizations.

LOOPFEST IN THE COMMUNITY CIC - Analysis Report

Company Number: 14384146

Analysis Date: 2025-07-20 14:28 UTC

1. Industry Classification

LOOPFEST IN THE COMMUNITY CIC operates within the arts and culture sector, specifically classified under SIC codes 90010 (Performing arts), 90020 (Support activities to performing arts), 90030 (Artistic creation), and 90040 (Operation of arts facilities). This sector typically involves the production, promotion, and facilitation of live performances, artistic creation, and cultural events. Key characteristics include reliance on community engagement, funding often from grants or sponsorships, and a focus on social impact alongside financial sustainability. Such entities frequently operate as non-profits or community interest companies (CICs), reflecting a mission-driven rather than profit-maximizing orientation.

2. Relative Performance

As a recently incorporated CIC (since September 2022), LOOPFEST IN THE COMMUNITY reported a turnover of £2,501 for the financial year ending September 2024, with a small operating loss of £216. The company shows no fixed or current assets and zero cash reserves as per the latest accounts. This financial profile is typical for early-stage community arts organizations that rely heavily on grant funding or donations, evidenced by the £24,000 in other operating income likely representing such support. Compared to industry benchmarks, established arts festivals and facilities often manage multi-million pound turnovers, with significant assets and positive cash flows. However, LOOPFEST's scale and financials align with the micro to small segment of the sector, where initial event production and community engagement activities are prioritized over immediate profitability.

3. Sector Trends Impact

The live arts and festival sector in the UK has been undergoing gradual recovery and adaptation following the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions. Trends affecting LOOPFEST include:

• Increasing emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, as evidenced by the company’s efforts to make venues wheelchair accessible and expand community access.
• Growing community and stakeholder engagement as essential for funding and legitimacy, reflected in LOOPFEST’s extensive consultation and education partnerships.
• A shift towards multi-venue, decentralized event formats to maximize community reach and reduce reliance on singular venues.
• Dependence on public and private funding streams, including local government, arts councils, and sponsorships, which can be uncertain and competitive.
• Rising costs in event production, especially for technical and safety requirements, which challenge financial sustainability for small-scale operators.

4. Competitive Positioning

LOOPFEST IN THE COMMUNITY CIC holds a niche position as a community-focused, multi-venue music and arts festival based in Shrewsbury. Its strengths include strong local partnerships (e.g., with educational institutions and accessibility groups), a clear social mission embedded in its CIC status, and the ability to mobilize significant community participation (over 8,000 attendees and 250 performances). The directors’ background in film, commercial, and managing roles supports diverse creative and operational capabilities.

Weaknesses relative to larger sector players include limited financial resources, absence of tangible assets or cash reserves, and a small turnover base. This restricts scalability and buffers against market volatility. Unlike larger festivals with established brand recognition and commercial sponsorships, LOOPFEST must continue building its reputation and operational infrastructure. However, its community integration and adaptive programming provide competitive advantages within the micro and small festival subsector.

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