Terms & Conditions

1. Contracting Parties & Overview

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the provision of managed web design, online booking infrastructure, Local AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation), hosting, and maintenance services by Illumin IT Ltd ("ZappSites", "we", "us") to the client business named in the accompanying order form or proposal ("Client", "you").

2. Package Scope & Exclusions

ZappSites provides managed digital services according to the specific package tier selected by the Client (e.g. Website Only, Website + Booking, or Connected Growth Package):

• Included Scope: Mobile-responsive website design, trade/industry specific structure, copywriting structuring based on client input, enquiry / booking form setup, SSL certification, managed cloud hosting, automated backups, and routine text/image updates within agreed support allocations.
• Explicit Exclusions: Custom bespoke software engineering beyond agreed specifications, e-commerce stores exceeding defined limits, third-party software subscription licensing fees, professional photoshoot costs, and extensive re-branding projects (which are quoted separately).
• Additional Change Requests: Significant layout structural alterations, additional custom pages beyond package limits, or advanced API integrations are estimated and agreed upon in writing prior to work commencing.

3. Minimum Term, Fees & Renewal

To provide high-calibre websites without large upfront capital expenditure, ZappSites operates primarily on a transparent pay-monthly subscription structure:

• Minimum Contract Term: The Client agrees to the initial minimum commitment period specified in their agreed service order from the date of service activation.
• Recurring Billing: Monthly subscription fees are billed in advance via automated direct debit or approved recurring card payment.
• Rolling Renewal: Following completion of the minimum term, the agreement continues automatically on a rolling monthly basis until terminated by either party giving written notice.

4. Fees, VAT & Third-Party Charges

All financial obligations are structured with complete commercial transparency:

• ZappSites Core Fees: Cover design, build, hosting, routine maintenance, and account management as stated on your agreed order schedule.
• VAT Position: Fees are quoted in British Pounds (£). Where VAT is applicable, it will be clearly itemised on all invoices.
• Third-Party Platform Fees: Certain specialist tools (e.g. OpenTable table fees, Fresha SMS credits, Twilio numbers, or dedicated CRM subscriptions) are billed directly by the third-party provider and are not included in ZappSites core monthly fees.
• Payment Transaction Fees: Payment gateway processing charges (e.g. Stripe transaction fees of 1.5% + 20p for UK cards) are deducted by the payment processor directly from customer deposits or invoice receipts.

5. Client Content & Approval Responsibilities

Timely launch and regulatory accuracy require collaborative cooperation:

• Content Accuracy: The Client is solely responsible for ensuring that all business details, service scopes, pricing menus, trade accreditations (e.g. Gas Safe, NICEIC, BPCA), and company registration information supplied to ZappSites are accurate and up to date.
• Asset Rights & Consents: The Client warrants that they own or have obtained all necessary licenses, permissions, and customer privacy consents for all photographs, logos, brand assets, and customer reviews provided to ZappSites.
• Approval Sign-Off: Prior to public launch, the Client must review staging links and provide written sign-off confirming that visible information correctly represents their business.

6. Domain & Website Ownership

Our commercial structure is designed to be fair, ethical, and collaborative:

• Domain Name Ownership: The Client retains 100% full ownership of their registered domain name at all times. If ZappSites assists with domain registration or DNS management, the domain remains registered in the Client’s legal name.
• Client Assets & Content: All trade logos, client photographs, text copy, and customer databases remain the exclusive intellectual property of the Client.
• Platform Code & Templates: Proprietary framework components, custom scripts, booking engines, and server configuration templates developed by ZappSites remain the intellectual property of ZappSites and are licensed to the Client for the duration of the active subscription.
• Transfer / Export Arrangements: Upon completion of the minimum contract term and settlement of all outstanding invoices, the Client may request static HTML/CSS exports or DNS delegation to migrate to another provider without penalty.

7. Local AEO & Search Visibility Disclaimers

ZappSites implements industry-leading Local AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation), schema structured markup, Google Business Profile alignment, and fast mobile core web vitals. However:

8. Ongoing Support & Maintenance Scope

All active subscription packages include managed technical care:

• Support Hours: Routine customer support is available Monday to Friday during standard UK business hours.
• Target Response Times: Routine update requests (e.g. price tweaks, staff bio additions, new gallery images) are handled within 1 to 2 business days.
• Emergency Incident Support: Critical website outages or security incidents are monitored 24/7 with immediate triage protocols.

9. Suspension, Cancellation & Termination

Either party may terminate the agreement in accordance with agreed provisions:

• Termination by Client: After completing the minimum term, the Client may cancel service by providing written notice to .
• Suspension for Non-Payment: If monthly subscription fees remain unpaid following 14 days of formal written notice, ZappSites reserves the right to temporarily pause website hosting until arrears are resolved.
• Immediate Termination: Either party may terminate immediately in the event of material breach of terms or insolvency.

10. Limitation of Liability & Governing Law

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

• Neither party shall be liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, loss of business revenue, or loss of anticipated profits.
• ZappSites' aggregate total liability under this agreement shall be strictly limited to the total fees paid by the Client to ZappSites in the three (3) months preceding the incident giving rise to the claim.
• These Terms and any dispute arising from them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.