Basis of preparationThe financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity rounded to the nearest £.TaxationThe taxation expense represents the aggregate amount of current tax and deferred tax recognised in the reporting period. Tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, tax is recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.Current tax is recognised on taxable profit for the current and past periods. 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.Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences at the reporting date. Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference.Operating leasesLease payments are recognised as an expense over the lease term on a straight-line basis. The aggregate benefit of lease incentives is recognised as a reduction to expense over the lease term, on a straight-line basis.Tangible assetsTangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and are subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in capital and reserves, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in profit or loss. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent of any previously recognised revaluation increase accumulated in capital and reserves in respect of that asset. Where a revaluation decrease exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains accumulated in capital and reserves in respect of that asset, the excess shall be recognised in profit or loss.ImpairmentA review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.Government grantsGovernment grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the company will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.Government grants are recognised using the accrual model and the performance model.Under the accrual model, government grants relating to revenue are recognised on a systematic basis over the periods in which the company recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. Grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the entity with no future related costs are recognised in income in the period in which it became receivable.Grants relating to assets are recognised in income on a systematic basis over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income and not deducted from the carrying amount of the asset.Under the performance model, where the grant does not impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Where the grant does impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income only when the performance-related conditions have been met. Where grants received are prior to satisfying the revenue recognition criteria, they are recognised as a liability.Financial instrumentsA financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the transaction price, unless that arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.Defined contribution plansContributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in finance costs in profit or loss in the period in which it arises.