These have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102 Section 1A, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland'.

The have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

The are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company.

Purchased goodwill arises on business acquisitions and represents the difference between the cost of acquisition and the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired.

Goodwill is initially recorded at cost, and is subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. It is amortised on a straight-line basis over the useful economic life of the asset. Where a reliable estimate of the useful life of goodwill cannot be made, the life is presumed not to exceed five years.

Tangible assets are initially measured at cost, and are subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses or at a revalued amount.

Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised in the statement of financial position as assets and liabilities at the lower of the fair value of the assets and the present value of the minimum lease payments, which is determined at the inception of the lease term. Any initial direct costs of the lease are added to the amount recognised as an asset.

Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the outstanding lease liability using the effective interest method. Finance charges are allocated to each period so as to produce a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the reporting date. Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that would apply in the periods in which timing differences are expected to reverse, based on tax rates and laws enacted at the statement of financial position date.