The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the FRS 102 Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2016).

Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates and sales taxes.

Turnover from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

• the company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
• the company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
• the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
• it is probable that the company will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
• the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Rendering of services
Turnover from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
• the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
• it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the contract;
• the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
• the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.

Where a contract has only been partially completed at the Balance Sheet date turnover represents the fair value of the service provided to date based on the stage of completion of the contract activity at the Balance Sheet date.

Where payments are received from customers in advance of services provided, the amounts are recorded as deferred income and included as part of creditors due within one year.

Current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the Balance Sheet date.

Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. Interim equity dividends are recognised when paid. Final equity dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an annual general meeting.

Proposed dividends are only included as liabilities in the financial statements when their payment has been approved by the shareholders prior to the balance sheet date.

Intangible assets (including purchased goodwill and patents) are amortised at rates calculated to write off the assets on a straight line basis over their estimated useful economic lives. Impairment of intangible assets is only reviewed where circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be fully recoverable.

Tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, are stated at historical cost or valuation less depreciation and any provision for impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. 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:

Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the fair value of cash or other resources received or receivable, net of direct issue costs. If payment is deferred and the time value of money is material, the initial measurement is on a present value basis. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the Company.