The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with FRS 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (as applied to small entities by Section 1A of the standard)

Turnover comprises the invoiced value of goods and services supplied by the company, net of Value Added Tax and trade discounts.

Taxation for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

Current or deferred taxation assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Current tax is recognised at the amount of tax payable using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

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:

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 2015), 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.

Fixed asset investments are stated at cost less provision for any permanent diminution in value.