The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Section 1A of FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, are stated at historical cost or valuation less depreciation and any provision for impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. 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:

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 the 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.

Finance costs are charged to the Profit and Loss account over the term of the debt using the effective interest method, so the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.

Short-term debtors are measured at the 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.

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. The other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost.

Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the transaction price, including transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, less impairment.

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.