The total cost recognised is £6.8 million (2017: £6.2 million) for the Group.

In the USA the total cost charged to the statement of comprehensive income of £3.7 million (2017: £3.6 million) represents the Group's defined contribution.

In the United Kingdom and Europe, the Group operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees with contributions amounting to £1.8 million (2017: £1.5 million).

In Asia, the Group contributes to the defined contribution plans regulated and managed by the governments of the countries in which the Group operates. The Group's contribution to the defined contribution plans is charged to the statement of comprehensive income in the period to which the contributions relate. The total cost charged to the statement of comprehensive income was £1.3 million (2017: £1.1 million).