Terms of Business

1. Basis of Charging

  1. We generally charge on the basis of an hourly rate.

  2. Travel is charged at half rate. We may waive charges for travel outside office hours, depending on circumstances.

  3. Disbursements typically include travel expenses, photocopying, courier and communication costs, official searches, and government fees.

  4. Work can also be undertaken on a fixed cost, lump sum, retainer, or project basis. A combination of hourly rate and fixed cost can be applied to different aspects of an assignment.

  5. Fees and disbursements are normally invoiced in Pounds Sterling (GBP); invoicing in US Dollars (USD) can be arranged if required.

2. Payment of Fees & Disbursements

  1. We do not normally request advance payments. However, as a small enterprise, we ask that disbursements are paid on presentation and that fee invoices are settled within 30 days of presentation.

  2. Late payments may incur interest of 5% over the Bank of England base rate.

  3. Payments may be made by cheque (UK bank), BACS, or electronic transfer. Any transfer charges must be borne by the client; if charges are applied to us, we reserve the right to recharge double the amount.

  4. For large projects, we prefer to invoice regularly.

  5. We will confirm in advance with the client the full details (style of the paying party, information required) to be included in the invoice.

3. Travel & Accommodation

  1. All travel expenses are charged at cost.

  2. We typically fly business class for flexibility and comfort, and use modest business-class accommodation with reliable communications.

  3. Foreign currency expenses are invoiced in Sterling equivalent, but invoices can reflect USD  if required.

4. Acceptance of Instructions

  1. We are independent consultants and may accept instructions from any party, except where we are already acting in relation to the same matter. Instructions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

  2. If we cannot deliver a satisfactory service or meet the required timeline, we will decline the instruction.

5. Undertaking Work

  1. Unless instructed otherwise, we may outsource parts of the work using our professional network. Clients may specify preferred contacts if desired.

  2. At the outset, we will confirm the nature of the work, scope of authority, and required deliverables in writing (letter, fax, or email).

  3. We will agree with the client on reporting frequency and method.

  4. We will provide an estimate of time and costs after confirming instructions and will make best efforts to meet these estimates. However, such estimates are not guarantees or warranties.

6. Retention of Documents

  1. We may retain copies of client documents for personal reference. These copies will remain confidential.

7. Place of Contract

  1. All contracts are governed by the Laws of England.