TERMS OF SERVICE

Last Updated: 31 January 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the services provided by Ben Ford Media ("we," "us," or "our"), including website development, hosting, and ongoing maintenance (the "Services"). By engaging our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Scope of Services

We provide custom digital infrastructure development, primarily through hand-coded websites using HTML and CSS, as detailed in individual project proposals or statements of work. Services include initial design and development, deployment, and optional ongoing "Active Stewardship" retainers for maintenance and updates.

2. Payments and Fees

Fees for our Services are outlined in your project proposal. Typically, this involves a one-time setup fee and a recurring monthly retainer for hosting and maintenance.

• Setup Fees: A deposit (typically 50%) is required before work commences. The final balance is due upon project completion and before the website goes live.
• Retainer Fees: Monthly retainer fees are billed in advance at the beginning of each month and are required to ensure continuous hosting, security, and support.
• Late Payments: Invoices are due upon receipt. Payments not received within 30 days may result in a suspension of services, including taking the website offline, until the balance is cleared.

3. Intellectual Property

Upon final payment for the project, the client is granted a license to use the finished website. However, Ben Ford Media retains ownership of all underlying code, development frameworks, design methodologies, and tools used to create the website. The client may not duplicate, resell, or transfer the code to another party without our express written consent.

4. Client Responsibilities

To ensure a timely and efficient project, you agree to provide all necessary content (text, images, branding assets) and feedback in a timely manner. Delays in providing content or feedback may result in project timeline extensions.

5. Limitation of Liability

Our liability for any claim related to our Services is limited to the amount paid for the Services in the preceding 12 months. We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits or revenue, that may result from the use or inability to use our Services, including any downtime or data loss not directly caused by our gross negligence.

6. Termination

Either party may terminate an ongoing retainer agreement with 30 days written notice. Upon termination, we will provide the client with a static copy of their website files. The client will be responsible for securing new hosting and managing the site moving forward. No refunds will be issued for setup fees or for retainer fees already paid.

7. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

8. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify clients of any significant changes. Continued use of our Services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:

Ben Ford Media
Email: info@benford-media.co.uk
Address: 6 Monkswell, Cambridge, UK