1. SERVICE. All services are provided by Angela Hope, operating as the Tech Sidekick. The Tech Sidekick provides specialist business technical support, no services are outsourced. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these terms.

2. TERM. The services are to be provided on a one-off or ongoing basis, agreed in advance. If on an ongoing basis, either party may terminate this agreement upon 48 hours' written notice. In the event of termination, The Tech Sidekick will be paid for any services performed prior to termination.

3. FEES AND PAYMENT TERMS. Fees are charged either on a fixed fee or time-related basis, which will be agreed before work starts.

If we agree a fixed fee the following will apply:-

a) You will provide any information which I request promptly and in a clear and comprehensive manner, prior to work commencing
b) You will pay in full, or I will invoice you for three equal payments (deposit plus two further payments). Payment 1 as a deposit, before the work starts. Payment 2 in 1 month, and payment 3, 2 months from the start date.
c) Any additional reasonable and pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses will be charged at my standard hourly rate.

If we agree to work on a time-related basis, then the following applies:

a) Fees will be calculated by reference to the time spent and my standard hourly rate. The rates will be agreed with you before the work starts.
b) Invoices will usually be issued monthly on the last working day of the month and payment is due within 14 days from the invoice date. Each invoice will be accompanied by a brief summary of the work done.
c) Any additional reasonable and pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses will be charged at my standard hourly rate.
d) It is always open to you to agree to an upper limit on fees and if you do, I will advise you in good time if I am nearing that limit.
e) Further work will not be undertaken if any fee remains outstanding beyond the 14 day period or such other settlement period that we agree on.

4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. I retain all copyright in any document prepared in the course of carrying out any services and is for your own personal or business use only.

5. COMMUNICATIONS. Communication with clients will be via email or WhatsApp unless otherwise agreed in advance. Electronic communications are not totally secure and I cannot be held responsible for damage or loss caused by viruses. My usual business hours are: Monday 9am-4pm, Tuesday 9am-4pm, Wednesday 1pm-4pm, Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-12pm. During school holidays hours available hours may be reduced. Outside of these times responses to any communications may not be read or responded to.

6. DATA PROTECTION. I am committed to protecting your data. My privacy policy is available a thetechsidekick.co.uk/privacy-policy.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY AND RETENTION OF INFORMATION. Communications between us are confidential. I will take all reasonable steps not to disclose personal information about you and your business save for in circumstances as required by law or by me to perform the internal operations of my business, such as disclosure to an accountant. Documents and information in relation to your matters will not be held longer than required by insurance provider obligations.

8. CANCELLATION. I am committed to providing you with a high-quality service that is both efficient and effective. However, should there be any cause for complaint in relation to any aspect of my service, please contact Angela Hope by email angela@thetechsidekick.co.uk. I agree to look into your complaint carefully and promptly and take reasonable steps to resolve it. Refunds will be provided in accordance with your statutory rights.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. While I strive to provide accurate and reliable technical support services, I cannot guarantee that the solutions provided will resolve your technical issues. It is important to note that technical issues can be complex and vary based on individual circumstances. My assistance is based on the information you provide. Each person and business is different and results may vary.

10. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. No person other than the person provided with a copy of these Terms of Business shall be deemed to have the benefit of the services, or have any rights to enforce or rely on any of the terms.

11. APPLICABLE LAW. These Terms of Business are my standard terms and conditions of business and should at all times be construed in accordance with the laws of England & Wales. The courts of England & Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any claim, or dispute arising out of this engagement or any matter arising from it.