Going concern

The group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Business review on pages 2 to 25 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2009. The financial position of the group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Financial review on pages 24 and 25 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2009. In addition, the risk management review on pages 38 to 41 and note 25 on pages 90 to 102 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2009 provide details of the group’s policy on managing its financial and commodity risks.

The group has considerable financial resources, good access to debt markets, a diverse range of businesses and a wide geographic spread. It is therefore well placed to manage business risks successfully despite the current economic uncertainty.

After making enquiries the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.