Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 105 – 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.

Deferred tax is provided in full in respect of taxation deferred by timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. The deferred tax balance has not been discounted.

Proposed dividends are only included as liabilities in the statement of financial position when their payment has been approved by the shareholders prior to the statement of financial position date.

Where preference shares are classed as liabilities rather than equity any preference dividends paid are included in interest payable and similar charges within the income statement.

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 properties held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation.
Investment properties should be recognised initially at cost and subsequently investment properties are measured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment properties are included in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

Assets held under finance lease or hire purchase contracts i.e. those contracts where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the company, are included in the appropriate category of tangible fixed assets and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their estimated expected useful lives.
Future obligations under such contracts are included in creditors net of the finance charge allocated to future periods.

Fixed asset investments are stated at cost less provision for any permanent diminution in value.

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.