1 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015).
Turnover
Turnover represents amounts invoiced during the year, exclusive of Value Added Tax and trade discounts. Turnover is recognised when the seller obtains the right to consideration in exchange for its performance, usually on dispatch of the goods.
Current tax
Current tax is recognised in the profit and loss account, except to the extent that it is attributable to a gain or loss that has been recognised directly in the statement of total recognised gains or losses. In this case, tax is recognised in this statement. Current tax is measured at the amounts of tax expected to be paid or recovered 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.
The carrying values of goodwill is reviewed for impairment in a period if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and are subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
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 | 25% straight line |
| Motor vehicles | 25% straight line |
| Office equipment | 25% straight line |
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
Financial instruments
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for according to the substance of contractual arrangements, as either financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments.
Operating leases
Leases are classified as operating leases where substantially all the benefits of ownerships remain with the lessor. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over the lease term.