1Accounting Policies

Basis of measurement and preparation of accounts
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities effective April 2008.

Turnover policy
Turnover represents amounts chargeable, net of value added tax, in respect of the sale of goods and services to customers.

Tangible assets depreciation policy
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Leasehold property improvements – 10% straight line basis
Fixtures & fittings – 25% straight line basis
Motor vehicles – 25% reducing balance basis

Intangible assets amortisation policy
Positive goodwill is capitalised, classified as an asset on the balance sheet and amortised on a straight line basis over its useful economic life. It is reviewed for impairment at the end of the first full financial year following the acquisition and other periods if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable

Amortisation is provided on intangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Goodwill – Over ten years

Other accounting policies
Deferred tax is recognised, without discounting, in respect of all timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes, which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except as required by the FRSSE. Deferred tax is measured at the rates that are expected to be apply in the periods when the timing differences are expected to reverse, based on the tax rates and law enacted at the balance sheet date.

Assets held under hire purchase agreements are capitalised as tangible fixed assets and are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. The capital element of future finance payments is included within creditors. Finance charges are allocated to accounting periods over the length of the contract and represent a constant proportion of the balance of capital repayments remaining.

Financial instruments are classified and accounted for, according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities. Where shares are issued, any component that creates a financial liability of the company is presented as a liability in the balance sheet. The corresponding dividends relating to the liability component are charged as interest expenses in the profit and loss account.