Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102 – The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of land and buildings and certain financial instruments measured at fair value in accordance with the accounting policies.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the company.

Turnover comprises the invoiced value of goods and services supplied by the company, net of Value Added Tax and trade discounts.

Research and development expenditure is charged to the income statement in the period in which it is incurred.

Tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, are stated at cost or valuation less depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:

Investment properties are included in the balance sheet at their open market value at the balance sheet date. The resulting aggregate surplus or deficit is transferred to a revaluation reserve. Depreciation is provided only on those investment properties which are leasehold and where the unexpired lease term is less than 20 years.

Although this accounting policy is in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015), it is a departure from the general requirement of the Companies Act 2006 for all tangible assets to be depreciated. In the opinion of the directors compliance with the standard is necessary for the financial statements to give a true and fair view. Depreciation or amortisation is only one of many factors reflected in the annual valuation and the amount of this which might otherwise have been charged cannot be separately identified or quantified.

Provisions are recognised when the company has a present obligation as a result of a past event which it is more probable than not will result in an outflow of economic benefits that can be reasonably estimated.