Development Costs – Intangible Fixed Assets
Development expenditure relating to internal labour has been capitalised as an intangible fixed asset where the project meets the recognition criteria in FRS 102 Section 18 Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill. Capitalisation occurs only when the company can demonstrate that:
the technical feasibility of completing the development has been established
the company intends to complete and use or sell the resulting asset
the asset is expected to generate probable future economic benefits
adequate technical, financial and other resources are available to complete the development
the expenditure attributable to the asset can be measured reliably
Capitalised labour costs are amortised on a straight‑line basis over their estimated useful economic life of three years. The useful life is reviewed annually and adjusted if necessary. The carrying amount is assessed at each reporting date for indicators of impairment.
Prototype and Testing Costs – Tangible Fixed Assets
Expenditure incurred on the construction of physical prototypes has been capitalised as tangible fixed assets in accordance with FRS 102 Section 17 Property, Plant and Equipment. These assets are recognised when it is probable that they will provide future economic benefits and the cost can be measured reliably.
Prototype assets are depreciated on a straight‑line basis over their estimated useful economic life of three years, reflecting the period over which the assets are expected to be used in the development and testing process. The useful life and residual value are reviewed annually. Assets are assessed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable.