Abbreviated Company Accounts - F. & M. STEED LIMITED

1Accounting Policies

Basis of measurement and preparation of accounts
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention modified to include the revaluation of freehold land and buildings and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
Compliance with accounting standards
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), which have been applied consistently (except as otherwise stated).

Turnover policy
Turnover represents amounts receivable for the manufacture of furniture net of VAT and trade discounts.

Tangible assets depreciation policy
Tangible fixed assets other than freehold land are stated at cost or valuation less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Freehold buildings 2% per annum of cost
Plant & machinery 20% per annum of net book value
Fixtures, fittings & equipment 10%, 25% & 33% per annum of cost
Motor vehicles 25% per annum of net book value

Intangible assets amortisation policy
Patents are valued at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is calculated to write off the cost in equal annual instalments over their estimated useful lives.

Other accounting policies
Leasing and hire purchase commitments
Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts and finance leases are capitalised as tangible assets and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Obligations under such agreements are included in creditors net of the finance charge allocated to future periods. The finance element of the rental payment is charged to the profit and loss account so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge on the net obligation outstanding in each period. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Pensions
The company operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. Contributions payable are charged to the profit and loss account in the year they are payable.
Deferred taxation
Deferred taxation is provided in full in respect of taxation deferred by timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. The deferred tax balance has not been discounted.