3 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The
financial statements
have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.
The
financial statements
are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Turnover
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services supplied, net of discounts and Value Added Tax.
Current tax
Current tax is recognised on taxable profit for the current and past periods. Current tax is measured at the amounts of tax expected to pay or recover using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Goodwill
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.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets are initially measured at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses or at a revalued amount. However, Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are only recognised separately from goodwill when they arise from contractual or other legal rights, are separable, the expected future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value can be measured reliably.
Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Tangible assets
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.
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
| Plant and machinery | 33% straight line |
| Land and buildings | 20% straight line |
| Office equipment | 25% reducing balance |
| Fixtures and fittings | 25% reducing balance |
Impairment
A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.
Financial instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all of its financial liabilities.
Defined contribution pension plan
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.