Significant accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with FRS 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (as applied to small entities by Section 1A of the standard)
Turnover
Turnover comprises the invoiced value of goods and services supplied by the company, net of Value Added Tax and trade discounts.
Dividends
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.
Tangible fixed assets
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
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.
Stocks
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.
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.