1. General
These Terms & Conditions apply to all website design, development and related digital services supplied by Design Somerset (“we”, “us”, “our”) to the Client (“you”, “your”).
By instructing Design Somerset to commence work, the Client agrees to these Terms & Conditions.
2. Quotations & Acceptance
All quotations are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated.
A project will be deemed accepted when:
- written confirmation is received from the Client;
- a deposit or first payment is made; or
- the Client instructs Design Somerset to commence work.
Any quotation is based upon the agreed scope of work at the time of issue. If project requirements change or additional work is requested, further time may be required and additional charges may apply.
3. Quotations, Time Estimates & Payment
Most projects undertaken by Design Somerset are carried out on a time and materials basis at an hourly rate of £60 per hour.
Where possible, an estimated lower and upper time range will be provided before work begins. These estimates are intended as a guide based on the information available at the time and may vary if project requirements change, additional functionality is requested, or unforeseen technical work becomes necessary.
Design Somerset will always aim to communicate openly and transparently throughout a project, particularly if work is likely to exceed the original estimated time range.
Time spent working on projects is recorded and timesheet information can be made available to clients on request.
For smaller amendments, updates or support work on existing websites, a minimum charge of 30 minutes may apply.
A deposit may be requested before work commences, particularly for new clients, larger projects, bespoke development work or where third-party costs or software licences are involved. Deposits are non-refundable once work has commenced.
Ongoing or larger projects may be invoiced in stages.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, invoices are payable within 14 days of issue.
Design Somerset reserves the right to pause or suspend work where invoices remain unpaid beyond agreed payment terms. The Client agrees to reimburse any reasonable recovery or legal costs incurred in recovering overdue amounts.
4. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
- supply all required content, images, branding and information in a timely manner;
- ensure they hold appropriate rights or licences for any supplied content;
- review work promptly and provide approvals or feedback;
- maintain copies of important files and content.
Delays in receiving required materials may impact project timescales.
5. Website Content & Copyright
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
- copyright for website design and development work remains with Design Somerset until all invoices are paid in full;
- the Client retains ownership of their own supplied content;
- the Client is responsible for ensuring all supplied content complies with copyright laws and regulations.
Design Somerset reserves the right to display completed work within portfolios, marketing materials and social media unless otherwise agreed.
6. Third-Party Software & Services
Many websites rely on third-party software, plugins, APIs, themes, payment gateways and external services.
Design Somerset cannot guarantee the ongoing compatibility, security, availability or future operation of third-party software or services.
Where issues arise due to:
- software updates;
- discontinued products;
- security vulnerabilities;
- API changes;
- hosting environment changes; or
- third-party supplier failures,
additional charges may apply for investigation, updates or remedial work.
Licence renewals for premium plugins, themes or external services may incur ongoing annual charges.
7. Browser & Device Compatibility
Websites are developed to support current versions of major modern browsers at the time of development.
Compatibility with future browser releases, deprecated technologies, unsupported devices or third-party browser modifications cannot be guaranteed.
8. SEO & Search Engines
Unless specifically agreed as part of a separate SEO service, Design Somerset does not guarantee:
- search engine rankings;
- website traffic levels;
- indexing by search engines; or
- commercial performance.
Search engine algorithms and policies remain outside our control.
9. Website Maintenance & Support
Unless specifically included within a separate maintenance agreement, website hosting does not include:
- content updates;
- design changes;
- plugin configuration;
- SEO work;
- training;
- marketing services; or
- technical support beyond basic hosting administration.
Additional work requested outside agreed support arrangements may be chargeable.
10. Liability
While every effort is made to ensure websites and services operate correctly, Design Somerset shall not be liable for:
- loss of profits;
- loss of business;
- data loss;
- interruption to business operations;
- third-party service failures; or
- indirect or consequential loss.
The Client remains responsible for ensuring their own business continuity arrangements and insurance cover are appropriate.
11. Cyber Security
Although reasonable security measures are implemented, Design Somerset cannot guarantee that websites, servers, software or email services will be completely free from:
- unauthorised access;
- malware;
- hacking attempts;
- cyber attacks; or
- security vulnerabilities.
Clients are encouraged to maintain strong passwords, secure devices and appropriate internal security procedures.
12. Force Majeure
Design Somerset shall not be liable for delays or failure to perform services due to circumstances beyond reasonable control including:
- power failures;
- internet outages;
- datacentre failure;
- supplier failure;
- cyber attacks;
- natural events; or
- government restrictions.
13. Termination
Either party may terminate services in writing.
The Client remains liable for payment of all work completed, costs incurred and agreed contract commitments up to the termination date.
14. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
