Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the Digital Ascendancy website (digital-ascendancy.co.uk) and all services provided by SANTMAR LIMITED (Company No: 08172749), trading as Digital Ascendancy ("we," "us," "our," or the "Company").

By accessing our website, purchasing our services, or engaging with us in any capacity, you agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and any additional terms specific to particular services.

2. Definitions

In these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• "Client," "You," "Your": The individual or entity purchasing or using our services
• "Services": All services offered by Digital Ascendancy, including but not limited to workshops, website development, AI chatbot development, business planning support, digital marketing, and AI training
• "Deliverables": Any work product, materials, or outcomes provided as part of our Services
• "Agreement": The contract formed between you and us, incorporating these Terms and any service-specific agreements
• "Intellectual Property": All copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and other intellectual property rights

3. Company Information

Legal Entity: SANTMAR LIMITED
Trading As: Digital Ascendancy
Company Number: 08172749
Registered in: England and Wales
Registered Office: Office 2913, 321-323 High Road, Chadwell Heath, RM6 6AX
Contact Email: amelia-g@digital-ascendancy.co.uk

4. Services Offered

4.1 Service Categories

We provide the following categories of services:

1. Professional Business Workshop Training: Two-day facilitated sessions with materials and venue
2. Website Development Services: Domain registration, hosting, design, and development
3. AI Chatbot Development: Custom chatbot creation, integration, and maintenance
4. Business Planning Support: Templates, tools, and guidance for business development
5. Digital Marketing Services: SEO, social media, content strategy, and analytics
6. AI Business Productivity Training: Training on AI tools, prompt engineering, and implementation

4.2 Service Delivery

Services are delivered according to the specifications agreed upon at the time of purchase. We reserve the right to:

• Modify service delivery methods to improve quality or efficiency
• Use subcontractors or third parties to deliver services
• Reschedule workshops or training sessions with reasonable notice

5. Ordering and Payment

5.1 Order Process

• All orders are subject to acceptance by us
• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone
• Quotations are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated
• Services commence upon receipt of payment or as agreed in writing

5.2 Pricing and Payment Terms

• All prices are in GBP (£) and exclude VAT unless stated otherwise
• Payment is due upon invoice unless alternative terms are agreed
• For ongoing services (hosting, chatbot maintenance), payment is due monthly in advance
• We accept payment by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other agreed methods

5.3 Late Payment

• Late payments may incur interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate
• We reserve the right to suspend services for overdue accounts
• You remain liable for all costs incurred in recovering debts

6. Cancellations and Refunds

6.1 Workshop and Training Cancellations

Cancellation Period	Refund Amount
More than 14 days before event	100% refund
7-14 days before event	50% refund
Less than 7 days before event	No refund (transfer to future date possible)

6.2 Service Cancellations

• Website Development: Cancellation after work commences will incur charges for work completed
• AI Chatbot Services: 30 days notice required for monthly subscriptions
• Custom Projects: Non-refundable after project commencement unless we fail to deliver

6.3 Our Right to Cancel

We reserve the right to cancel services and provide a full refund if:

• Minimum attendance numbers for workshops are not met
• Circumstances beyond our control prevent service delivery
• You breach these Terms or engage in inappropriate behaviour

7. Intellectual Property Rights

7.1 Our Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in our:

• Website content and design
• Training materials and workshop content
• Methodologies and processes
• Software and code (unless specifically transferred)
• Brand, logos, and marketing materials

remain our property or that of our licensors. You may not use, reproduce, or distribute our intellectual property without written permission.

7.2 Client Intellectual Property

• You retain ownership of content you provide to us
• You grant us a licence to use your content for service delivery
• We may showcase completed projects in our portfolio with your permission

7.3 Deliverables

• Upon full payment, you own the deliverables created specifically for you
• We retain the right to reuse general methodologies, techniques, and know-how
• Third-party components remain subject to their original licensing terms

8. Website Development Specific Terms

8.1 Domain and Hosting

• Domain names are registered in your name where possible
• Hosting services are provided through third-party providers
• You are responsible for renewal fees after the initial period
• We are not liable for third-party hosting downtime

8.2 Content and Maintenance

• You are responsible for providing content in a timely manner
• Delays in content provision may affect project timelines
• You warrant that all content provided does not infringe third-party rights
• Post-launch maintenance is subject to separate agreement

9. AI Chatbot Services Specific Terms

9.1 Service Levels

• Chatbot availability is subject to third-party AI service uptime
• Response accuracy depends on training data quality
• Monthly conversation limits apply based on selected package
• Excess usage may incur additional charges

9.2 Data and Compliance

• You are responsible for ensuring chatbot use complies with data protection laws
• We are not liable for chatbot responses or customer interactions
• You must review and approve chatbot training before deployment

10. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to:

• Keep confidential all non-public information received from the other party
• Use confidential information only for the purposes of the Agreement
• Not disclose confidential information to third parties without consent

This obligation survives termination of services for a period of 5 years.

11. Data Protection

We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws. By using our services, you:

• Consent to our data processing as described in our Privacy Policy
• Warrant that any data you provide is accurate and lawfully obtained
• Agree to maintain appropriate data protection measures for shared access

12. Limitation of Liability

12.1 Our Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes our liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Any liability that cannot be excluded by law

12.2 Limitations

Subject to the above, our total liability to you shall not exceed:

• For workshop/training services: The fee paid for the specific event
• For project-based services: The total project fee
• For ongoing services: Three months' fees

12.3 Exclusions

We are not liable for:

• Indirect or consequential losses
• Loss of profits, business, or revenue
• Loss of anticipated savings
• Loss of data (you should maintain backups)
• Third-party service failures

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Digital Ascendancy, SANTMAR LIMITED, and our directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms
• Your use of our services
• Content you provide to us
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Your violation of applicable laws

14. Warranties and Disclaimers

14.1 Our Warranties

We warrant that:

• Services will be provided with reasonable skill and care
• We have the right to provide the services
• Deliverables will materially conform to agreed specifications

14.2 Disclaimers

Except as expressly stated:

• Services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
• We do not guarantee specific results or outcomes
• We do not warrant uninterrupted or error-free service
• Business advice is general and not a substitute for professional consultation

15. Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Acts of God, natural disasters, or severe weather
• War, terrorism, or civil unrest
• Government actions or regulations
• Pandemic or epidemic
• Labour disputes or strikes
• Internet, telecommunications, or utility failures

16. Termination

16.1 Termination by Either Party

• Either party may terminate ongoing services with 30 days written notice
• Either party may terminate immediately for material breach after written notice

16.2 Effects of Termination

• Outstanding fees become immediately due
• We will provide work completed to date
• Confidentiality obligations survive termination
• You must cease using our intellectual property

17. Dispute Resolution

17.1 Initial Resolution

If a dispute arises, we encourage you to contact us first to seek resolution. We commit to working with you in good faith to resolve any issues.

17.2 Formal Proceedings

• These Terms are governed by English law
• Courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction
• Each party bears their own legal costs unless awarded otherwise

18. General Provisions

18.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any service-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between us and supersede all prior agreements or understandings.

18.2 Amendments

We may update these Terms from time to time. Significant changes will be notified via email or website notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

18.3 Severability

If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force.

18.4 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

18.5 Assignment

• You may not assign your rights without our written consent
• We may assign our rights to successors or affiliates

18.6 Third-Party Rights

These Terms do not create any third-party beneficiary rights.

19. Acceptable Use Policy

When using our services, you must not:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Infringe intellectual property rights
• Transmit harmful, offensive, or illegal content
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to systems
• Interfere with service operation or other users
• Use services for unlawful or fraudulent purposes
• Resell services without authorisation

20. Accessibility

We are committed to making our services accessible to all users. If you require accommodations or alternative formats, please contact us to discuss your needs.

21. Environmental Commitment

In line with our environmental values:

• We prioritise digital delivery of materials where possible
• Physical materials use recycled/sustainable sources where feasible
• We encourage clients to adopt sustainable digital practices

22. Contact Information

23. Complaints Procedure

If you have a complaint about our services:

1. Contact us initially via email with details of your concern
2. We will acknowledge receipt within 2 business days
3. We aim to resolve complaints within 14 days
4. If unsatisfied, you may pursue formal dispute resolution

24. Consumer Rights

If you are a consumer (not a business), you have additional rights under consumer protection laws, including:

• 14-day cooling-off period for distance sales (with exceptions for digital content)
• Right to services provided with reasonable skill and care
• Statutory remedies if services are not as described