The group's operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include performance risk, operational risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and price risk. The directors recognise their overall responsibility for the group's systems and internal control. The controls are designed to manage as opposed to completely eliminate risk.
The group has in place a risk management programme that seeks to limit the adverse effects on the financial performance of the group by regularly reviewing and monitoring individual contract balances and ensuring adequate funding is in place for any given contract.
Performance risk is minimised through accurately budgeting and costing individual projects at the outset and then monitoring the performance on these projects through to completion. The performance of the group and the individual companies within the group is monitored through monthly management accounts which are reviewed at regular board meetings.
Operational risk is minimised through having robust health and safety and quality assurance policies and procedures in place as well as the development of a positive health and safety culture throughout the group.
Credit risk is minimised by requiring the appropriate credit checks on potential customers, working with reputable customers, agreeing regular payment terms on larger contracts and having strict credit controls. The amount of exposure to any individual customer is also assessed and controlled.
Liquidity risk is minimised through the retention of a healthy level of group reserves and funds in the bank. At present the group is not reliant on any bank facilities.
Price risk relating to price increases is minimised by agreeing fixed prices with individual suppliers, maintaining strong long-standing supplier relationships, and sourcing goods and services from multiple suppliers to ensure competitive pricing.