By placing an order with HC Media Group, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms & conditions below.
Definitions: “Client” means the company or individual requesting services from HC Media Group Ltd (11277587) and any associated brands, including Making Websites Better. “Minimum Term” for all Ongoing Services means 6 months from the date of commencement of the relevant Ongoing Service unless otherwise stated.
1 GENERAL
1.1 Quotations will remain valid for the period of 14 days from the date of the quotation.
1.2 This contract is subject to these Terms and Conditions. HC Media Group reserve the right to vary the Terms and Conditions from time to time.
2 PRICES
2.1 In relation to any ongoing service’s:-
2.1.1 HC Media Group is Entitled to increase its prices at least once in any 12 month period.
2.1.2 HC Media Group will notify the Client of any price increase in relation to clause
2.1.1 in writing at least 7 days before any increase is applied.
3 TERMS OF PAYMENT
3.1 In relation to any Ongoing Services provided by HC Media Group, the Client will pay at the time of Order which will be followed up by an invoice, a non-refundable amount equal to 100% of the amount to be billed. Thereafter the Client will be invoiced on a recurring basis in advance.
3.2 The Client will pay HC Media Group by one or more of the below, agreeing that the work will begin upon cleared funds being received:
3.3 Cheques made payable to HC Media Group Ltd
3.4 An arranged standing order, or electronic transfer direct to HC Media’s bank account at Barclays, Credit Card payment via a 3rd party, the details will be included in the invoice
3.5 Failure to make payment by the 14th day after HC Media Group issues a client with an Invoice may result in suspension and or disconnection of any Ongoing Services without any liability to HC Media Group.
3.6 Where a payment plan is put into place, such as ‘Payment for Website over 3 consecutive months’ and the full payment has not been received within that time frame, there will be a 10% Late Payment monthly recurring fee on the outstanding payments.
3.7 Whereas HC Media cannot complete work due for any reason that is out of there own control, full payment is still required.
4 WEBSITE DESIGN
4.1 HC Media Group shall provide Web Design Services. HC Media Group agrees to build and/or develop the relevant website in accordance with the specification. HC Media Group will supply 2 Design Templates where the client will be required to choose one as their preferred design. There will then be a further 3 corrections permitted of which will be agreed or requested by the client, any additional changes thereafter will attract a further charge. In the event of a dispute arising as to whether the Website satisfies the specification, HC Media Group’s decision shall be final and binding.
4.2 The website, graphics and any programming code remain the property of HC Media Group until all outstanding accounts are paid in full.
4.3 HC Media Group cannot take responsibility for any copyright infringements caused by materials submitted by the client. We reserve the right to refuse any material of a copyrighted nature unless adequate proof is given of permission to use such material.
4.4 Any additions to the brief will be carried out at the discretion of HC Media Group and where no charge is made by HC Media Group for such additions, HC Media Group accept no responsibility to ensure such additions are error free and reserve the right to charge an according to amount for any correction to these or further additions.
4.5 The client agrees to make available as soon as is reasonably possible to HC Media Group all materials required to complete the site to the agreed standard and within the set deadline.
4.6 HC Media Group will not be liable for costs incurred, compensation or loss of earnings due to the failure to meet agreed deadlines and/or if the brief was not explicit enough with what is required.
4.7 HC Media Group will quote for the work in regard to the amount of time that our staff will be spending on the project at that current time. If, for some reason the work stops due to unforeseen circumstances, and work has been completed this is still chargeable.
4.8 HC Media Group quote of works is for the project to be completed within 6 months. If the project is not completed within 6 months, there will be an additional fee of 15% of the overall fee to cover increased costs of the overall project.
4.9 HC Media Group will host the development of the website on its own servers. The cost within the original proposal covers the hosting of the development site for a period of 6 months. If the website should need to be hosted on the development server after this period, a charge of £80+vat per month will be imposed until the site goes live.
4.10 We and our suppliers reserve the right to remove any material which they deem inappropriate from your web site without notice (specifically, but not restricted to, Warez and illegal MP3 content).
4.11 Client Breakages: HC Media Group will not be held responsible for any loss of data, functionality, or defects to the website resulting from automatic or manual changes made by the Client within the content management system. This includes, but is not limited to, WordPress core updates, plugin updates, or the installation of new third-party software.
4.12 Browser Support: HC Media Group develops websites for compatibility with browsers that are currently supported by their manufacturer. HC Media Group cannot be held liable for defects or display issues occurring in obsolete or unsupported browser versions.
4.13 Future Security: HC Media Group warrants that websites will be developed to be as secure as reasonably possible at the time of delivery. However, HC Media Group cannot offer indemnity against future security threats, hacks, or vulnerabilities that emerge after the project has been completed and delivered.
5 SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION
5.1 When detailed in the Order, HC Media Group shall provide SEO Services. HCMedia Group will use its reasonable endeavours to improve the ranking of the Clients website in the search engines. However, HC Media Group does not in any way guarantee the results of such endeavours. For the avoidance of doubt, the client
accepts that HC Media Group cannot guarantee any particular or specific position or
ranking on any search engine or the increase of any business to the Client in respect of any services provided.
5.2 HC Media Group shall have no liability to the Client for any changes to the position of the Website in the Search Engines Results in response to a search.
5.3 SEO Services may not be suspended during the Contract term unless agreed with HC Media Group
6 PAY PER CLICK
6.1 When detailed on the Order, HC Media Group shall provide a PPC Management Service on Google.
6.2 Where applicable, The Client understands and accepts its responsibility to ensure all monies due and owed to Google are paid directly to it, unless otherwise agreed in writing with HC Media Group.
6.3 HC Media Group does not in any way guarantee the results or effects of the PPCManagement Service. For the avoidance of doubt, the client accepts that HC Media Group cannot guarantee any particular or specific position or rank on any search engine or the increase of any business to the Client in respect of any services Provided.
7 WEB HOSTING
7.1 Where specified in the Order, HC Media Group shall provide Hosting Services.
7.2 The Client shall be solely responsible for the accuracy, legality, currency and compliance of the Website Information and User Generated Content and will be solely liable for false, misleading, inaccurate, or infringing information contained or referred to therein.
7.3 The Client acknowledges and accepts that HC Media Group may be required by law to monitor the Website Content and traffic, and if necessary give evidence of the same together with use of the logon ID to support or defend any dispute or actionable cause or matter which arises in relation to the same.
7.4 HC Media Group does not warrant that the Hosting Service or Server will be continuously available at all possible times (24 x 7 x 365 days), but will use its reasonable endeavours to keep downtime to a minimum; and the Client agrees that HC Media shall have no liability to the Client for the consequences in the event of any such downtime.
7.5 HC Media Group may need to at times, temporarily suspend the Hosting Service for repair, maintenance or improvement and will give the Client as much notice as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances before doing so. HC Media Group will also restore the Hosting Service as soon as reasonably possible.
7.6 The Client accepts the Hosting Service and Server “as is” with any faults or failings and without any representation, warranty or guarantee whatsoever, express or implied, including without limitation any implied warranty of accuracy, completeness, quality, continuity of service, connectivity and fitness for a particular purpose.
7.7 Charges in relation to the Hosting Services may vary in accordance with the bandings. The Client accepts and agrees that if its bandwidth usage rises to a higher banding agreed, the Client shall pay the relevant charges for the higher banding for the month in which the bandwidth usage rises to the higher band.
7.8 In the event that the Client’s bandwidth exceeds its usual/standard bandwidth for 3 consecutive months, the Client accepts and agrees that its usual/standard bandwidth banding shall thereafter be increased to the relevant higher banding.
7.9 HC Media Group cannot guarantee the speed and robustness of the Services when the Client’s bandwidth usage increases to a higher band without reasonable notice to HC Media Group.
7.10 If a Client’s bandwidth usage exceeds 100GB in any single month, HC Media Group may require the Client to purchase a bespoke hosting package within 3 months, and the Client agrees to be responsible for the associated costs of such bespoke package.
7.11 Where either party gives notice to transfer the Hosting Service from HC Media Group to a third party, HC Media Group shall charge a transfer fee, and will not affect such transfer unless or until such fee and any/all sums owing to HC Media Group are paid in full.
8 OTHER SERVICES
8.1 HC Media Group is a reseller partner for Domain Name registration, Website Hosting, mailboxes and other services for companies including, without limitation, 1and1.
8.2 HC Media Group does not accept any liability to the Client for any financial loss resulting or arising from:-
8.2.1 a Domain Name not being renewed; and/or
8.2.2 any registered mailbox, PPC or other such services not being available.
9 DELIVERY AND COMPLETION DATES
9.1 HC Media Group undertakes to use its reasonable endeavours to provide completed Services to the Client within the time frame stipulated in the Order, or if no time frame is specified, within a reasonable the period from the date on which HC Media Group receives a signed Order from the Client.
9.2 The dates and timeframes for carrying out the Services and delivery of any resultant Website are approximate only. The Client hereby acknowledges and agrees that time is not of the essence for delivery or performance.
9.2.1 In the event where the contract is scheduled to run for an agreeable period of time i.e. 6 months, at the end of this specified time the contract will revert to a “Rolling Contract” on a monthly basis where the original contract will remain in full force.
9.3 Without prejudice to Clause 13, HC Media Group will not be liable in any circumstances for the consequences of any delay in delivery or performance or failure to deliver or perform save where the same is a result of the gross negligence of HC Media Group.
9.4 No delay shall entitle the Client to reject any delivery or performance or any other Order from the Client, or to repudiate the Contract or the Order.
9.5 As the Client you must respond to any requests for Information or Details required by HC Media Group within 48 hrs to ensure the efficiency of your Campaign as failure will extend the agreed completion date which HC Media Group will not be held accountable. The campaign must start within 30 days of Payment unless otherwise agreed on the contractual agreement. After this period no refund will be available.
In certain circumstances where HC Media Group provides additional service to the original agreement and in addition to the initial contractual charge, this will be noted in writing and no refund is applicable.
10 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENCE
10.1 The Client acknowledges that any Intellectual Property Rights created, developed or subsisting by HC Media in or in connection with the provision of the Services shall be the sole property of HC Media Group.
10.2 Subject to the provisions of Clause below
10.3 The Intellectual Property Rights, together with all rights, title and interest in the same in relation to the Website and the Domain Name registration shall vest exclusively in HC Media Group. As such, HC Media Group shall be free to reproduce, use, disclose, display, the exhibit, transmit, perform, create derivatives works, and distribute such material unless specifically agreed otherwise. Further, HC Media Group shall be free to use any ideas, concepts, know-how or techniques acquired in the construction of the Website for any purpose whatsoever included but not limited to developing, manufacturing and marketing products and any other items incorporating such information unless specifically agreed otherwise.
10.4 All rights, title and interest in and to the Intellectual Property Rights in the Client Content/Data belonging to the Client shall vest exclusively in the Client.
11 TERMINATION
11.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing with HC Media Group, the Client acknowledges and agrees that the duration of the Contract will be for the Minimum Term, and subject thereafter to the notice provisions in this Clause 11.
11.2 Following the expiry of the Minimum Term either party may terminate the
Contract:
11.2.1 in relation to Web Design Services and all Ongoing Services except PPC by giving 3 months’ written notice; and
11.2.2 in relation to PPC services, by giving 1 months’ written notice.
11.2.3 Unless otherwise agreed in writing with HC Media Group, should the Client
wish to terminate the contract for any service supplied by HC Media Group, prior to the Minimum Term ending, shall incur an early termination fee of at lease 1 months contractual fee to ensure HC Media Groups costs are covered.
11.3 In respect of Web Design Services, where the Contract is terminated before the Website is set live HC Media shall be entitled to payment of a reasonable sum for the work undertaken until the date of termination.
11.4 Either party may terminate the Contract immediately and without notice if:
11.4.1 the other enters into a composition with its creditors;
11.4.2 an order is made for the winding up of the other;
11.4.3 an effective resolution is passed for the winding up of the other (other than for the purpose of amalgamation or reconstruction on terms approved by the first party
(such approval not to be unreasonably withheld)); or
11.4.4 the other has a receiver, manager, administrative receiver or administrator appointed in respect of it.
11.5 HC Media Group shall be entitled to terminate the Contract immediately upon service of written notice to the Client if:
11.5.1 any invoice remains outstanding for more than 30 days; or
11.5.2 the Client fails to co-operate with and/or provide HC Media Group with clear instructions, or information requested by HC Media Group for more than 14 days; or
11.5.3 HC Media Group considers (at its sole discretion) reasonable to do so.
11.6 Termination of the Contract shall be without prejudice to any other rights or remedies of either party.
11.7 Upon termination of this Contract for any reason, the Client:
11.7.1 shall cease immediately to be entitled to use the Website unless or until the Client has paid all outstanding Charges up to the date of termination together with any sums due in respect of the Ongoing Services (whether already provided or contracted to be provided during the Minimum Term and/or any relevant notice period); and in any event
11.7.2 shall grant HC Media Group immediate access to the Website (whether hosted by HC Media Group or otherwise), and/or provide any/all such information necessary to facilitate such access for the purpose of disabling any links and/or removing any other SEO techniques and/or coding created by HC Media Group which form part of the SEO Services provided by HC Media Group, and for removing from the Website any other Intellectual Property Rights belonging to HC Media Group. For the avoidance of doubt, this may affect the appearance of the Website and the search engine ranking positions of the Website. HC Media Group shall not be liable for any such changes.
11.8 If the Client fails to provide immediate access to the Website pursuant to Clause
11.7.2 above, the Client shall remain liable for the relevant Charges for the Ongoing
Services on a recurring basis in accordance with the Contract until such time as the
Client complies with Clause 11.7.2 above. The terms of Clauses 10 (Intellectual Property), Clause 12 (Indemnity and Limitation of Liability) and shall survive the termination (howsoever arising) of this Contract.
11.9 Force Majeure:- HC Media Group shall not be liable for failure to perform the
Services if such failure is, as a result, any act beyond its reasonable control
(including, without limitation, fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane or other natural disasters), war, civil unrest, terrorist activities, nationalization, government sanction, disease or viral pandemic, blockage, embargo, labour dispute, strike, lockout or interruption or failure of electricity or telephone service and/or any failure attributable to HC Media Group’s sub-contractors and/or service providers (in HC Media Group’s discretion)
11.10 We reserve the right to charge interest on any overdue amount at the rate of
8% per annum above the base rate of the Bank of England, from the due date until
the date of actual payment. The client shall also be responsible for all reasonable
costs incurred in the recovery of any outstanding balance (including the employment
of a debt collection agency) Fees will be provided on request.
11.11 We reserve the right to charge an additional flat fee of £200 +VAT to cover
administration costs in the event of any overdue invoices. Each invoice becomes
overdue in 2 working days after the Due date.
12 INDEMNITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
12.1 The Client shall indemnify HC Media Group against any loss, damage, cost or
expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) HC Media Group may
suffer or incur as a result of:
12.1.1 any act, omission, neglect or default of the Client, its agents, or employees.
12.1.2 any claim by any third party that the Client’s Information and/or Client
Content/Data infringes the Intellectual Property Rights of a third party or is
fraudulent, offensive, abusive, defamatory, obscene or menacing or causes
annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety or constitutes unsolicited advertising
or promotional material;
12.1.3 work done in accordance with the Client’s instructions in hosting of the
Website on the Server involving the infringement of any Intellectual Property Rights
(including but not limited to framing or linking to third parties’ websites):
12.2 HC Media Group shall not be liable to the Client for any loss or damage
whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with the
Contract, the Server, the connectivity to the Internet, the hosting, the Website, its use
(including but in no way limited to any unlawful or unauthorized access or use by any
third party), application, support or otherwise, except to the extent which it is unlawful
to exclude such liability.
12.3 Nothing in this Contract shall exclude or limit the liability of HC Media Group for
fraudulent misrepresentation or for any death or personal injury caused by HC Media
Group’s negligence.
13 ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING
13.1 None of the rights or obligations of the Client under the Contract may be
assigned or transferred in whole or in part without the prior written consent of HC
Media Group.
13.2 The Website shall be for the sole use of the Client and shall not be capable of
assignment to a third party by the Client without the prior written consent of HC
Media Group.
13.3 HC Media Group shall be entitled to sub-contract any work relating to the
Contract without obtaining the consent of, or giving notice to the Client.
13.4 HC Media Group shall be free to assign its rights in the Contract to any third
party without giving prior notice to the Client.
14 INVALIDITY
14.1 If any provision (or part of a provision) of this Contract is found by any court or
administrative body of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal,
the other provisions shall remain in force.
14.2 If any invalid, unenforceable or illegal provision would be valid, enforceable or
legal if some part of it were deleted, the provision shall apply with whatever
modification is necessary to give effect to the commercial the intention of the parties.
15 THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
15.1 A person who is not a party to this Contract shall have no right under the
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this agreement.
This Clause does not affect any right or remedy of any person which exists or is
available otherwise than pursuant to that Act.
16 LAW AND JURISDICTION
16.1 The Contract shall be governed by and construed in all respects in accordance
with English law and the parties hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
English courts.
17 Marketing Manager Product / Support Services
17.1 Whereas the order defines HC Media Group working as a Marketing Manager
for the client,
17.2 The contract length is a minimum of 3 months, and thereafter a monthly rolling
agreement.
17.3 Cancellation terms are 30 days written notice.
17.4 The work that is completed is the work that is set out in the strategy that is
month one. There is an allowance of 5 hours work outside the strategy.
17.5 Any work that is outside this scope will be charged on an hourly basis.
17.6 The 15-Minute Rule: For Clients on support and maintenance plans For all ad-
hoc support or SLA-related tasks, a minimum of 15 minutes will be deducted from
the client’s remaining time allowance for each individual request. This applies to all
communications, investigations, and technical actions performed by HC Media
Group on behalf of the Client.
