Financial instruments are recognised when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at the transaction price, being the amount of consideration paid or received.
Financial assets include cash at bank and in hand, trade debtors and other receivables. Financial liabilities include trade creditors, accruals, bank loans, mortgages and other payables.
Subsequent to initial recognition, financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at cost less any repayments received or made, where applicable.
Interest payable on borrowings, including bank loans and mortgages, is recognised as a finance cost in the profit and loss account over the period to which it relates.
Financial assets are reviewed for recoverability at each reporting date. Where there is objective evidence that an asset is impaired, its carrying amount is reduced to its recoverable amount and the impairment loss is recognised in the profit and loss account.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are derecognised when the contractual rights to receive cash flows expire or are settled, or when the company's contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or expire.