Abbreviated Company Accounts - HL ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS 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 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 all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the full cost or valuation less estimated residual value of each asset over its estimated useful life. The pricipal rates in use are:

Motor vehicles 20% reducing balance
Equipment, fixtures and fittings 20% reducing balance

Valuation information and policy
Research and development
Research and development expenditure is written off as incurred.

Stock and work in progress
Stock and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Net realisable value is based on selling price less anticipated costs to completion and selling costs. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.

Deferred tax
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 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.

Hire purchase and leasing
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Assets held under finance leases, which are leases where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset have passed to the company, are capitalised in the balance sheet as tangible fixed assets and are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. The capital elements of future obligations under the leases are included as liabilities in the balance sheet. The interest element of the rental obligation is charged to the profit and loss account over the period of the lease and represents a constant proportion of the balance of capital repayments outstanding. 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 outstanding.

Pensions
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are recognised in the profit and loss account in the period in which they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.