Last updated: May 2026
1. Hosting Services
Design Somerset provides managed website hosting and related services including:
- server space;
- website storage;
- SSL certificates;
- cloud storage;
- commonly used software licensing;
- security updates;
- server maintenance;
- website backups; and
- related hosting infrastructure required to keep websites and associated services online.
2. Hosting Contract Period
Website hosting is provided on an annual agreement running from 1 July to 30 June each year.
Annual hosting invoices are issued on 1 June and payment is due by 1 July unless otherwise agreed.
3. Suspension of Services
Where accounts remain unpaid, Design Somerset reserves the right to suspend:
- website hosting;
- email services;
- website access;
- backups;
- SSL certificates;
- software licences; and
- related services
until accounts are brought fully up to date.
4. Hosting Costs & Pricing
Like most businesses, our server, software, licensing, cloud storage and infrastructure costs have increased considerably in recent years.
However, Design Somerset aims to keep hosting fees as competitive and stable as possible wherever reasonably practical.
5. Backups
While Design Somerset performs regular backups as part of managed hosting services, no backup system can be guaranteed as completely fail-safe.
Clients remain responsible for maintaining copies of any critical data, content or emails.
Design Somerset shall not be liable for data loss arising from corruption, hacking, accidental deletion, failed restorations or third-party failures.
6. Email Hosting
Where email hosting is provided, services are supplied on a reasonable endeavours basis.
Design Somerset cannot guarantee:
- uninterrupted email delivery;
- spam filtering accuracy;
- compatibility with third-party mail providers;
- inbox placement; or
- immunity from blacklisting or reputation-related delivery issues.
Clients remain responsible for:
- mailbox management;
- password security;
- device security; and
- compliance with acceptable email usage.
7. Domains
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, domains are registered in the Client’s name and remain the property and responsibility of the Client.
Clients are responsible for ensuring domain renewal details and contact information remain accurate.
8. Third-Party Services
Hosting environments may rely on third-party providers including datacentres, DNS providers, software vendors, cloud storage services and external APIs.
Design Somerset shall not be liable for interruptions or failures caused by third-party suppliers outside our reasonable control.
9. Security & Updates
Design Somerset may apply server, plugin, theme or software updates where reasonably necessary for security, compatibility or operational reasons.
While reasonable care is taken, updates may occasionally affect website functionality or appearance.
10. Acceptable Use
Clients must not use hosting services for:
- unlawful activity;
- malware distribution;
- phishing;
- bulk spam;
- copyright infringement; or
- activity likely to damage server reputation or stability.
Design Somerset reserves the right to suspend services immediately where abuse or unlawful activity is suspected.
11. Limitation of Liability
Design Somerset shall not be liable for:
- business interruption;
- loss of income;
- loss of data;
- reputational damage;
- email delivery issues; or
- indirect or consequential losses arising from hosting or server-related issues.
12. Force Majeure
Design Somerset shall not be liable for delays or service interruption caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control including:
- datacentre outages;
- power failures;
- internet outages;
- cyber attacks;
- supplier failures;
- natural events; or
- government restrictions.
13. Governing Law
These Hosting Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
