Directors' report - statutory and corporate governance information
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors are required by UK company law to prepare financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group as at the end of the year and of the profit for the year. The Directors have responsibility for ensuring that proper accounting records are kept which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. They have a general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. Suitable accounting policies, which follow generally accepted accounting practice and are explained in the notes to the financial statements, have been applied consistently and applicable accounting standards have been followed. In addition, these financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and reasonable and prudent judgments and estimates have been used in their preparation.