Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of services provided by The Core Group Support Services Ltd (referred to as "we", "us", "our", or "The Core Group"). By engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these terms.

The Core Group is a registered company in England and Wales, providing commercial cleaning, facilities maintenance, drainage services, waste management, and related services across Birkenhead, Merseyside, and surrounding areas.

2. Definitions

• "Client" means any person or organisation engaging The Core Group's services
• "Services" means all commercial cleaning, maintenance, drainage, waste management, and related services provided by The Core Group
• "Contract" means the agreement between The Core Group and the Client for the provision of Services
• "Site" means the premises where Services are to be performed
• "Quotation" means the written estimate provided by The Core Group for Services

3. Service Agreement

3.1 Quotations

All quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. Quotations are based on information provided by the Client and may be subject to adjustment following site inspection.

3.2 Acceptance

A Contract is formed when the Client accepts our quotation in writing (including email) or when we commence work at the Client's request, whichever occurs first.

3.3 Variations

Any changes to the agreed Services must be confirmed in writing. Additional charges may apply for variations to the original scope of work.

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Invoicing

Invoices are issued monthly in arrears for regular contracts, or upon completion for one-off services. Payment terms are 30 days from the invoice date unless otherwise agreed.

4.2 Late Payment

We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue accounts at 8% above the Bank of England base rate, in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

4.3 Disputed Invoices

Any disputes regarding invoices must be raised within 7 days of receipt. Undisputed portions of invoices remain payable within the agreed terms.

5. Client Obligations

The Client agrees to:

• Provide safe and reasonable access to the Site during agreed service hours
• Ensure the Site is safe for our operatives to work
• Notify us of any hazards, risks, or special requirements at the Site
• Provide adequate facilities including water, electricity, and storage where required
• Inform us of any changes to Site access, security, or operational requirements
• Ensure all necessary permits and permissions are in place

6. Our Obligations

The Core Group agrees to:

• Provide Services with reasonable skill and care
• Employ trained and competent operatives
• Maintain appropriate insurance cover
• Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation
• Use suitable equipment and materials for the Services
• Maintain CHAS and SafeContractor accreditations
• Respond promptly to service queries and issues

7. Health & Safety

The Core Group is committed to maintaining the highest health and safety standards. We comply with all relevant legislation including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated regulations.

Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) are available upon request. The Client must inform us of any site-specific hazards or requirements before work commences.

8. Liability & Insurance

8.1 Insurance Cover

We maintain comprehensive public liability insurance (£10 million) and employers' liability insurance (£10 million). Copies of insurance certificates are available upon request.

8.2 Limitation of Liability

Our liability for any claim arising from the Services is limited to the value of the insurance cover or the contract value for the relevant 12-month period, whichever is lower.

8.3 Exclusions

We are not liable for:

• Damage caused by defects in the Client's property or equipment
• Loss or damage resulting from the Client's failure to follow our recommendations
• Consequential losses including loss of business, revenue, or profits
• Damage to items not disclosed to us prior to commencing work

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.

9. Cancellation & Termination

9.1 Regular Contracts

Either party may terminate a regular service contract by giving 30 days' written notice. Initial contract periods may have different notice requirements as specified in the quotation.

9.2 One-Off Services

Cancellations of one-off services must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled service date. Cancellations with less notice may incur a cancellation fee of up to 50% of the quoted price.

9.3 Immediate Termination

We reserve the right to terminate the Contract immediately if the Client fails to pay invoices, breaches these terms, or if we reasonably believe that continuing the Services would be unsafe or unlawful.

10. Complaints & Disputes

We are committed to providing excellent service. If you have any concerns, please contact us immediately:

• Email: Hello@clearground.co.uk
• Phone: 0330 229 6659

We will investigate all complaints promptly and aim to resolve issues within 14 days. If a dispute cannot be resolved through discussion, both parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing legal action.

11. Data Protection

We process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full details on how we collect, use, and protect your information.

12. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in materials created by The Core Group (including reports, procedures, and documentation) remain our property unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

13. Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, severe weather, pandemic, strikes, equipment failure, or government restrictions.

14. Subcontracting

We reserve the right to subcontract any part of the Services. Where we do so, we remain responsible for the work performed by subcontractors as if it were performed by us.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any quotation and contract documents, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all previous agreements and understandings.

15.2 Amendments

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website and apply to contracts entered into after the date of posting.

15.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

15.4 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by English law. Both parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

15.5 Third Party Rights

No third party has any right to enforce any provision of these Terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.