Abbreviated Company Accounts - DIRECT SECURITY ALARMS 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
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
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:

Leasehold Property - over the term of the lease
Plant, Furniture & Equipment - 20% reducing balance method
Motor Vehicles - 25% reducing balance method

Intangible assets amortisation policy
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 10 years straight line basis

Other accounting policies
Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

Hire purchase agreements

Assets held under hire purchase agreements are capitalised and disclosed under tangible fixed assets at their fair value. The capital element of the future payments is treated as a liability and the interest is charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis.
Finance lease agreements

Where the company enters into a lease which entails taking substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of an asset, the lease is treated as a finance lease. The asset is recorded in the balance sheet as a tangible fixed asset and is depreciated in accordance with the above depreciation policies. Future instalments under such leases, net of finance charges, are included within creditors. Rentals payable are apportioned between the finance element, which is charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis, and the capital element which reduces the outstanding obligation for future instalments.

Financial instruments


Financial instruments are classified and accounted for, according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as either 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.