Mel Dixon

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The importance of Terms & Conditions

Ive Contracted An Agreement by jk5854 The importance of Terms & ConditionsFor freelancers and contractors, being able to supply a client with a simple T’s and C’s document is a sure-fire way of maintaining an aura of professionalism. So, what else are they good for? And how should you go about drawing them up? Insurance specialists Blyth Valley have the answers…

Limiting your risk, not your business

Written Terms and Conditions should be an essential part of your business tool kit. Not only are they good risk management practice, they protect your interests in the event of a dispute with a client by clarifying the business relationship between you and your client.

Terms and Conditions form the basis of the contract between you and your clients. In combination with your quotation or specification, your terms outline, for all parties involved, the basis upon which you are doing business. Written Terms and Conditions can help your business in three ways:

  1. They help to settle disputes and so reduce the possibility of a claim being made against you.
  2. They keep the cost down of your Professional Indemnity insurance. Blyth Valley arranges extensive cover at competitive rates because we only look to insure businesses that carry out good risk management which include issuing written Terms and Condition. Poor risk management leads to claims, and more expensive Professional Indemnity cover.
  3. They enhance your professional image. A tender which includes written Terms and Conditions shows that you take your business seriously.

Terms and Conditions don’t have to be lengthy or complex. One page on the back of a quote or purchase order can often suffice and, as long as you can prove that you’ve presented the customer/supplier with your terms, you don’t necessarily need them to return a signed copy.

Your Terms and Conditions should be drawn up by a legal professional who is briefed about your business and your procedures. Your company solicitor may be able to help you, but ideally you should consult a solicitor who is a specialist in your area of business expertise.


We recommend: Insurance from Blyth Valley

Blyth Valley specialise in insurance for small to medium-sized businesses and independent consultants. By offering profession-specific policies and giving customers their own personal insurance advisers, Blyth Valley are one of the top Professional Indemnity insurers on the market.

More Info: Blyth Valley’s Professional Indemnity plan

More advice from Blyth Valley (PDF downloads)

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Blyth Valley Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) under firm reference no. 307180. You may check this on the FSA’s register by visiting the FSA’s website or by contacting the FSA on 0845 6061234.


Image by jk5854 ~ cc

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