Terms and Conditions

These terms shall apply to all work undertaken on behalf of Clients by Fletcher International Export Consultancy (FIEC) unless varied by written agreement.

1. Recommendations – All forecasts, estimates and recommendations are made in good faith and based on the information available to FIEC at the time. The preparation, achievement and successful implementation of such forecasts, estimates and recommendations are normally dependant at least in part on the client’s staff or on outside information provided by them or other factors outside the control of FIEC. No statement is therefore deemed to be a representation, undertaking or warranty or contractual term and FIEC will not be liable if such statement proves inaccurate.

2. Work Undertaken – Each assignment is restricted to the work defined in the FIEC proposal and/or in the terms of reference prepared by or agreed with the Client. Any variations to the scope of work or to the time scales involved will be agreed in writing. FIEC will use its best endeavours to adhere to any timetables or schedules agreed with the Client.

3. Confidentiality – FIEC will not disclose any information about the client’s affairs without prior authority from the Client unless instructed to do so by a court of law. Similarly, any reports or advice given to the Client are for the use of the Client only and must not be disclosed to a third party without prior written agreement. FIEC will take all reasonable precaution against such disclosure by any subcontractors.

4. Early termination – As per contract and/or to be agreed.

5. Quality of Performance – FIEC will make its best endeavours to ensure that it works to a professional standard but shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage, or for any liability to third parties, incurred by the Client as a result of any act or omission, whether negligent or otherwise.

6. Fees – Will be as per written quotation. 

7. Fee Increase – Fee rates will be held for the duration of the assignment, unless this exceeds six calendar months. Where a single assignment exceeds six months’ duration, after each six months fee rates for that assignment may be increased as agreed but not less than the official rate of inflation ruling at the time of the increase.

8. Expenses – Travel, hotel and expenses, such as communications incurred by FIEC, are not included in the fees and will be recharged to the Client at cost.

9. Invoicing – Invoices will be presented monthly throughout the duration of the assignment. Payment is due in sterling on presentation and in any case no later than 30 days from the invoice date. Any overseas payments made by ‘Telegraphic Transfer’ the charge must be made by the client and not shared. FIEC reserves the right without further notice to charge interest at the rate of 5% per month or part month above the Bank of England base rate prevailing at the time on balances outstanding after 30 days. Any dispute in respect of an invoice must be raised with FIEC within seven days of invoice date.

10. VAT – FIEC is registered for VAT. Whereas such VAT is applicable, it is payable by the Client on all fees and expenses.

11. Office Facilities – Where applicable, if FIEC is working on the assignment at the Clients premises, or elsewhere with prior agreement, facilities shall be provided free-of-charge by the Client with the usual office facilities (including occasional clerical assistance) during the Client’s normal working hours, to assist in the work on the assignment.

12. Property and Title – No property or title to the results or product of the assignment shall pass from FIEC to the Client until the Client has made complete payment to FIEC of all sums due in respect of the assignment.

13. Dependence – Entitlement to payment by the Client to FIEC of any sums due in respect of the assignment shall not be dependent upon receipt by the Client of any payment, grant, loan or other subsidy from whatever source.

14. Assignment – FIEC shall not assign any contract between it and the Client without the prior written consent of the Client but shall be free at any time to subcontract any parts or parts thereof.

15. Force Majeure – In the event that FIEC is prevented from carrying out its obligations as a result of any cause such as but not limited to, Acts of God, War, Strikes, Lock outs, Floods and Failure of Third parties, FIEC shall be relieved of its obligations and liabilities for as long as such fulfilment is prevented.