Goodwill is the difference between amounts paid on the acquisition of a business and the fair value of the separable net assets. It is amortised to the profit and loss account over its estimated economic life of 10 years.

Other intangible assets are computer software costs which are amortised to the profit and loss account over its estimated economic life of 5 years.

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Stocks and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads. Work-in-progress is reflected in the accounts on a contract by contract basis by recording turnover and related costs as contract activity progresses.

Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate ruling on the date of the transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating profit.