Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern all services provided by Darren Kandekore, trading as DarrenK, of 124 City Road, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 2NX ("we", "us", "our").

By engaging our services — whether by paying a deposit, signing a proposal, or instructing us to begin work — you ("the client") agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding.

For questions about these terms, contact us at admin@darrenk.uk.

2. Web Design & Development Services

2.1 Payment Structure

• A non-refundable deposit is required before work commences. The deposit amount will be agreed and stated in your project proposal or invoice.
• The balance is due upon project completion and prior to the website going live or assets being transferred to you.
• Deposits are strictly non-refundable. They cover the time, research, planning and initial design work allocated to your project from the outset.

2.2 Client Asset Supply Obligations

• The client is responsible for supplying all required assets in a timely manner. This includes written content (copy), images, logos, brand guidelines, login credentials, and any other materials needed to complete the project.
• If assets are not provided within a reasonable timeframe — causing the project to stall or exceed the agreed timeline through no fault of ours — the outstanding balance may become due regardless of whether the project has been completed.
• We accept no liability for project delays caused by late or incomplete supply of client assets.

2.3 Transfer of Ownership

• Upon receipt of final payment in full, all website files, code, design assets and content created by us for your project become the property of the client.
• Prior to receipt of final payment, all work, files, code and designs remain the intellectual property of Darren Kandekore. We reserve the right to withhold delivery or access until outstanding balances are settled.

2.4 Intellectual Property & Copyright

• The client is solely responsible for ensuring that all content, images, logos, trademarks and other materials supplied to us for inclusion on their website do not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party.
• We accept no liability for any copyright infringement, trademark violation or other intellectual property claim arising from materials supplied by the client.

3. Hosting Services

3.1 Included Hosting

Web design packages include 12 months' free website hosting provided via Host Dada (hostdada.co.uk), our Nominet-accredited hosting partner.

3.2 Hosting Renewal

• The 12-month free hosting period commences on the date the deposit is paid, or the date development begins — whichever is earlier.
• Upon expiry of the free hosting period, hosting will be subject to renewal at the standard Host Dada rate. You will be notified in advance of the renewal date.
• Continued use of hosting services is subject to Host Dada's Terms of Service (available at hostdada.co.uk). By accepting these terms you also agree to be bound by Host Dada's terms of service as applicable to your hosting arrangement.

4. Website Support

4.1 Included Support

Web design packages include 12 months of post-launch support, commencing on the date the website goes live.

4.2 Scope of Support

Support covers:

• Bug fixes relating to work carried out by us
• Minor content tweaks (text and image updates)
• How-to guidance on using your website or its admin panel

Support does not cover:

• Major redesigns or structural changes to the website
• New features or additional pages outside the original project scope
• Third-party plugin or software issues outside our control
• Issues arising from client modifications to the website

4.3 Support Ticket Allowance

• The 12-month support period includes a maximum of 24 support tickets.
• Support tickets should be submitted via the Host Dada support system.
• Unused tickets do not carry over beyond the 12-month period.

5. Theme, Plugin & Software Licences

5.1 Commercial Licences

• Where premium themes or plugins are required for your project, licence costs are included for the first 12 months unless otherwise stated in your proposal.
• After 12 months, licence renewals may be required directly with the relevant vendor. We will advise you of which licences require renewal and at what cost.
• Some licences may need to be purchased directly in the client's name — we will advise accordingly.

5.2 Open Source Software (GNU GPL)

• Some themes and plugins used in WordPress development are distributed under the GNU General Public Licence (GPL). GPL-licenced software is free to use, modify and distribute.
• We make no warranty regarding GPL software. It is provided "as is" without guarantee of fitness for any particular purpose. Any modifications made to GPL software by us remain subject to the terms of the GPL licence.
• The client acknowledges that open-source software may receive security updates, and that keeping installed software updated is their responsibility after the support period expires — or with the assistance of an ongoing support arrangement.

6. SEO & Digital Marketing Services

6.1 No Guarantee of Results

We cannot guarantee specific search engine rankings, traffic levels, leads or revenue from SEO or digital marketing services. Search engine algorithms are controlled by third parties (including Google and Bing) and are subject to change at any time without notice.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Any examples of previous work or results shared with you are provided for illustrative purposes only.

6.2 Asset Supply Obligations

• The client is responsible for supplying all required materials in a timely manner, including brand assets, access credentials, product or service information, and approval of content.
• Delays caused by the client in supplying materials may impact campaign performance. We accept no liability for results impacted by late supply of materials.

6.3 Contract Duration

• All SEO and digital marketing retainer agreements are a minimum 12-month commitment.
• Contracts renew automatically on an annual basis unless written notice of cancellation is provided at least 30 days before the renewal date.

6.4 Authority to Act

By entering into an agreement for SEO, social media or content marketing services, the client grants Darren Kandekore the right to publish content, post updates, and communicate on behalf of their business as reasonably required to deliver the agreed services. We will act in good faith and in accordance with the client's brand guidelines. The client remains responsible for reviewing and approving content prior to publication where approval is requested.

6.5 Limitation of Liability

We cannot be held responsible for financial loss, reputational damage or any other loss arising directly or indirectly from SEO or digital marketing activities, including but not limited to: algorithm changes, competitor activity, negative press coverage, or the performance of advertising campaigns.

7. PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Advertising Services

7.1 Ad Spend

All advertising spend — whether on Google Ads, Microsoft Bing Ads, Meta Ads or any other platform — is paid directly by the client to the relevant advertising vendor. Ad spend is entirely separate from our management fee and is not routed through us.

We do not hold client funds for ad spend purposes.

7.2 Management Fee

Our PPC management fee covers campaign setup, ongoing optimisation, reporting and account management. This fee is charged separately from any advertising spend.

7.3 Vendor Billing

We cannot be held responsible for any billing errors, overcharges or unauthorised charges made directly by advertising vendors (including Google, Microsoft and Meta). Clients are advised to monitor their own advertising accounts and billing statements. Any billing disputes must be raised directly with the relevant vendor.

8. General Terms

8.1 Governing Law

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

8.2 Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through good faith negotiation. If a resolution cannot be reached within 30 days, the parties may refer the matter to mediation before initiating formal court proceedings.

8.3 Amendments

We reserve the right to update these terms from time to time. Where changes are material, existing clients will be notified. Continued engagement with our services following an update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

8.4 Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

8.5 Entire Agreement

These terms, together with any project proposal, statement of work or written agreement between the parties, constitute the entire agreement and supersede any prior discussions, representations or agreements relating to the subject matter.