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).

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The company's ongoing activities are dependent upon the continued support of the directors who have undertaken to provide such support for the foreseeable future.

Revenue comprises sales of goods or services provided to customers net of value added tax and other sales taxes, less an appropriate deduction for actual and expected returns and discounts. Revenue is recognised when performance obligations are satisfied and the control of goods or services is transferred to the buyer. Where the performance obligation is satisfied over time, revenue is recognised in accordance with its progress towards complete satisfaction of that performance obligation.

 

When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the promised consideration is adjusted for the effects of the time value of money, which is recognised as interest income.

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.

Investment properties are included in the balance sheet at their open market value at the balance sheet date. The resulting aggregate surplus or deficit is transferred to a revaluation reserve. Depreciation is provided only on those investment properties which are leasehold and where the unexpired lease term is less than 20 years.

Although this accounting policy is in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2016), it is a departure from the general requirement of the Companies Act 2006 for all tangible assets to be depreciated. In the opinion of the directors compliance with the standard is necessary for the financial statements to give a true and fair view. Depreciation or amortisation is only one of many factors reflected in the annual valuation and the amount of this which might otherwise have been charged cannot be separately identified or quantified.

Interest income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably. Interest income is accrued on a time basis and taken to profit and loss account, by reference to the principal outstanding at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset's net carrying amount on initial recognition.

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses for bad and doubtful debts, except where the effect of discounting would be immaterial. In such cases the receivables are stated at cost less impairment losses for bad and doubtful debts.

Cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in creditors: amounts falling due within one year.

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.