Provisions are made where an event has taken place that gives the Company a legal or constructive obligation that probably requires settlement by a transfer of economic benefit, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Provisions are charged as an expense to the profit and loss account in the year that the Company becomes aware of the obligation, and are measured at the best estimate at balance sheet date of the expenditure required to settle the obligation, taking into account relevant risks and uncertainties.

When payments are eventually made, they are charged to the provision carried in the balance sheet.

Investment property is property held either to earn rental income, or for capital appreciation (including future re-development) or for both, but not for sale in the ordinary course of business.

Investment property is initially measured at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Investment property is subsequently valued at its fair value at each reporting date, by directors. The difference between the fair value of an investment property at the reporting date and its carrying value prior to the valuation is recognised in the Abridged Income Statement as a fair value gain or loss. Any gain or loss on disposal of an investment property (calculated as the difference between the net proceeds from disposal and the carrying amount of the item) is recognised in the Abridged Income Statement.