Terms of Business
These Terms of Business set out the basis on which Sussex Marketing Strategies Limited provides services to its clients. They apply to all work undertaken unless otherwise agreed in writing.
By approving a proposal, accepting a quotation, or instructing us to begin work, you confirm acceptance of these Terms.
1. Definitions
“Agency”, “we”, “us” refers to Sussex Marketing Strategies Limited.
“Client” refers to the person or organisation purchasing services.
“Services” means the work described in the proposal, quotation or retainer agreement.
2. Basis of Agreement
All services are supplied subject to these Terms. By approving a quote, paying a deposit or instructing us to begin work, the Client is deemed to have accepted them.
3. Charges & Payment
Projects
Website or development projects require a 50% deposit before work begins. The remaining balance becomes payable on go-live or handover.
Retainers & recurring services
Retainer services (including SEO, PPC, social media management, hosting, maintenance, and marketing strategy) are invoiced in advance and payable monthly unless agreed otherwise.
Payment terms
Invoices are due within 30 days of issue. We reserve the right to charge interest and recovery costs on overdue invoices in line with UK statutory provisions.
4. Late or Non-Payment
If payment is overdue, we may pause or suspend services, remove access to work in progress, or withhold deliverables until the account is brought up to date.
We will normally try to resolve matters amicably before taking any such action.
5. Scope of Work
Services are limited to what is described in the relevant proposal, quote, or agreement.
Anything outside that scope will be quoted separately and requires approval before work proceeds.
5.1 Abandoned projects
Where a project is inactive for more than 30 days due to lack of Client response or materials, we reserve the right to re-quote or reschedule the remaining work.
5.2 Instructions & Authorisation
Requests for additional work must be confirmed in writing. We are not obliged to act on verbal or informal instructions.
6. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to provide timely content, feedback, approvals and access credentials as required and acknowledges that failure to do so may affect delivery times and costs.
6.1 Delays caused by the client
Any timelines or delivery dates are dependent on the Client providing required content, approvals and access in a timely manner. Delays in receiving these may result in revised schedules and additional costs.
6.2 Approval and Acceptance
The Client is responsible for reviewing and approving all materials prior to publication. Approval confirms acceptance of accuracy, compliance and suitability.
6.3 Client Materials & Rights
The Client warrants that they own or have permission to use all text, images, logos and other materials supplied to us. We are not responsible for verifying ownership or usage rights and accept no liability for claims arising from materials provided by the Client.
7. Search Engines & Marketing Performance
We do not and cannot guarantee search rankings, traffic levels, sales or enquiry volumes.
Results depend on many external factors including competitor activity and platform algorithms.
8. Intellectual Property
Until full payment has been received, all work remains the property of the Agency.
Upon final payment, ownership of the deliverables transfers to the Client, excluding third-party software, themes, plugins, stock assets or licensed materials which remain subject to their own terms.
9. Third-Party Costs & Licences
Where third-party products or subscriptions are required, these are chargeable to the Client. We may include a handling or management margin.
10. Confidentiality
We will treat as confidential all non-public information obtained in connection with the Services and will use such information solely for the purpose of delivering the agreed work.
This obligation does not apply to information that is publicly available, already lawfully known to us, or required to be disclosed by law.
11. Data & Access
Where access to websites, platforms or systems is provided, we will take reasonable and proportionate steps to safeguard credentials and restrict access to authorised personnel only.
The Client acknowledges that no online system can be guaranteed completely secure and remains responsible for the security, backup and integrity of their own infrastructure unless we have expressly agreed in writing to provide those services.
Should a security concern arise, we will cooperate in good faith to help investigate and resolve the issue.
12. Liability
Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where it would be unlawful to do so.
Our total liability arising from the Services shall be limited to the fees paid by the Client in the 12 months preceding the claim.
We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profit, revenue or opportunity.
13. Third-Party Platforms & Services
Many aspects of digital services rely on software, infrastructure and platforms provided by third parties, including but not limited to hosting providers, domain registrars, content management systems, plugins, advertising networks and search engines.
While we will take reasonable care in selecting and working with such services, we do not control them and cannot guarantee their performance, availability, security or ongoing compatibility.
We are not liable for loss or disruption arising from failures, changes, outages, suspensions or errors within third-party systems.
14. Insurance
We maintain appropriate insurance, including professional indemnity insurance, for the services we provide.
15. Termination
Projects
Either party may terminate in writing. Deposits are non-refundable and work completed up to the termination date will be chargeable.
Retainers
Retainers require 30 days’ written notice unless otherwise agreed.
15.1 Access after termination
Upon termination, any further assistance, training or transfer of services beyond agreed deliverables may be chargeable.
16. Suspension or Withdrawal of Service
We may suspend services where continuing would be unlawful, unethical, or where invoices remain unpaid.
17. Portfolio & Marketing
Unless agreed otherwise, we may reference the Client and the work completed in our portfolio, case studies and marketing materials.
18. Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
19. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
