Notes to the Financial Statements

3. Critical judgments and estimates in applying the Company’s accounting policies

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectation of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below:

(i) Useful economic lives of tangible assets

The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are re-assessed annually and amended where necessary. See note 11 for the carrying amount of the Company’s tangible assets and the Accounting Policies for the useful economic lives for each class of assets.

(ii) Defined benefit pension scheme

The Company has an obligation to pay pension benefits to certain employees. The cost of these benefits and the present value of the obligation depend on a number of factors, including; life expectancy, salary increases, pension increases, inflation and the discount rate. The pension assets are measured at fair value at the end of each financial year. Management estimates these factors in determining the net pension obligation in the Balance Sheet. The assumptions reflect historical experience and current trends. See note 31 for the disclosures relating to the defined benefit pension scheme.