Abbreviated Company Accounts - NESS GALLAGHER SOLICITORS LIMITED

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

The turnover shown in the profit and loss account represents amounts invoiced during the year, exclusive of Value Added Tax.

In respect of long-term contracts and contracts for on-going services, turnover represents the value of work done in the year, including estimates of amounts not invoiced. Turnover in respect of long-term contracts and contracts for on-going services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion.

Tangible assets depreciation policy
Fixed assets

All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost.

Depreciation

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:
Fixtures & Fittings - 25% reducing balance

Intangible assets amortisation policy
Goodwill

Positive purchased goodwill arising on acquisitions is capitalised, classified as an asset on the Balance Sheet and amortised over its useful economic life. Where a reliable estimate of the useful life of goodwill or intangible assets cannot be made, the life is presumed not to exceed five years. Useful economic lives are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and revised if necessary, subject to the constraint that the revised life shall not exceed 20 years from the date of acquisition. The carrying amount at the date of revision is depreciated over the revised estimate of remaining useful economic life.

Amortisation

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:
Goodwill - over 20 years

Other accounting policies
Operating lease agreements

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged against profits on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pension costs

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company. The annual contributions payable are charged to the profit and loss account.

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.

Where the contractual obligations of financial instruments (including share capital) are equivalent to a similar debt instrument, those financial instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses relating to financial liabilities are included in the profit and loss account. Finance costs are calculated so as to produce a constant rate of return on the outstanding liability.

Where the contractual terms of share capital do not have any terms meeting the definition of a financial liability then this is classed as an equity instrument. Dividends and distributions relating to equity instruments are debited direct to equity.

The goodwill was acquired from the firm of Ness Gallagher Solicitors on 19th November 2011. Goodwill will be amortised over a twenty year period. No goodwill will be amortised in the period it was acquired.