Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102 – 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 represents amounts receivable for commissions and services provided during the year.
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 it is probable will be recovered.

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:

Interests in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the company. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible 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.

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.