1. Accounting policies
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section 1A (Small Entities) of Financial Reporting Standard 102Turnover policy
Turnover
Revenue comprises sales of goods or services provided to customers net of value added tax and other sales
taxes, less an appropriate deduction for actual and expected returns and discounts. Revenue is recognised
when performance obligations are satisfied and the control of goods or services is transferred to the buyer.
Where the performance obligation is satisfied over time, revenue is recognised in accordance with its
progress towards complete satisfaction of that performance obligation.
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the promised consideration is
adjusted for the effects of the time value of money, which is recognised as interest income.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the
goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured
reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the
costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
Revenue from contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of
completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably. The
stage of completion is calculated by comparing costs incurred, mainly in relation to contractual hourly staff
rates and materials, as a proportion of total costs. Where the outcome cannot be estimated reliably, revenue
is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that are recoverable.Tangible fixed assets and depreciation policy
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of
depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their
useful lives on the following bases:
Plant and machinery - 15% reducing balance
Computer equipment - 33.3% straight line
Motor vehicles - 25% reducing balance
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds
and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.Other accounting policies
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible
assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any
such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the
impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset,
the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use,
the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the
estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying
amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An
impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued
amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to
apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating
unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount
does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been
recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is
recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which
case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost
comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been
incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.
Stocks held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at the lower of cost and replacement
cost, adjusted where applicable for any loss of service potential.
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks
over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or
loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with
banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank
overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12
‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to
the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when
there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net
basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at
transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective
interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is
measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets
classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Classification of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual
arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the
assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference
shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement
constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future
payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are
not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of
business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year
or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at
transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs.
Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion
of the company.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in
profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are
attributable to the hedged risk.
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as
reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or
deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s
liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the
reporting end date.
Deferred tax
Deferred taxation is provided at appropriate rates on all timing differences using the liability method only to the
extent that, in the opinion of the there is a reasonable probability that a liability or asset will crystallise in the
foreseeable future.
Employee benefits
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs
are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are
received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably
committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss
on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is
more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.