Terms & Conditions

2.1 By accessing, browsing, or using the Platform in any way — including simply visiting the website — you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. If you do not agree to these Terms in full, you must not use the Platform.

2.2 These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and ABM Software Ltd. By using the Platform you acknowledge that you have not relied on any representation, statement, or promise not expressly set out in these Terms. Where you are acting on behalf of a business, you represent that you have authority to bind that business and that the business also accepts these Terms.

2.3 We may update these Terms at any time. For material changes we will give at least 14 days' notice by posting a notice on the Platform or emailing your registered address. For non-material changes (such as corrections, clarifications, or changes required by law) no prior notice is required and updates take effect immediately on posting. Your continued use of the Platform after any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not accept revised Terms, you must stop using the Platform and close your account.

2.4 These Terms are made available in English only. You accept that the English version is the binding version and no translation creates any additional right or obligation.

3.1 Age: You must be at least 18 years old to create an account or make a purchase. By using the Platform you confirm that you are 18 or older. We reserve the right to close any account where we have reason to believe the account holder does not meet this requirement.

3.2 Legal capacity: You must have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts under the laws of England and Wales. If you are accessing the Platform on behalf of a company or other legal entity, you represent that you have authority to bind that entity.

3.3 Geographic availability: The Platform is intended for Users based in the United Kingdom. We make no representation that the Services are appropriate or available for use in other jurisdictions.

4.1 Local-Honey.co.uk is an online marketplace that connects Customers with independent beekeepers and honey producers across the United Kingdom. We provide software and infrastructure to facilitate the discovery and purchase of local honey and related products.

4.2 We are a platform service provider, not a retailer or seller of products. We do not take title to any goods sold through the Platform.

4.3 The Services are provided "as is" and "as available". We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, virus-free, or available at any particular time. Planned and unplanned maintenance, hosting failures, or third-party outages may cause the Platform to be unavailable. We accept no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from unavailability.

4.4 We reserve the right to suspend, modify, restrict, or permanently withdraw any feature or part of the Services at any time and for any reason, including commercial decisions, legal requirements, or misuse, with or without notice. We are not liable to you or any third party for any such change, suspension, or withdrawal.

4.5 We may use third-party service providers (including payment processors, hosting providers, email platforms, and cloud services) to deliver parts of the Service. We are not responsible for the availability, performance, or conduct of those third-party services. Use of third-party services is subject to their own terms and policies, which you are solely responsible for reviewing.

5.1 Registration: You must create an account to place orders or list products. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to keep it up to date.

5.2 Account security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You must notify us immediately at support@local-honey.co.uk if you suspect unauthorised access.

5.3 One account per person: You may not create multiple accounts, share your account with others, or use another person's account without authorisation.

5.4 Account suspension and termination: We may suspend, restrict, or permanently close your account at any time, immediately and without prior notice, at our sole discretion. Grounds include (but are not limited to): breach of these Terms, fraudulent or deceptive activity, misuse of the Platform or support services, abusive behaviour toward staff or other Users, non-payment of subscription fees, or any conduct we consider harmful to the Platform, other Users, or ABM Software Ltd. We are not obliged to give reasons for suspension or termination, and we accept no liability for any loss arising from the exercise of this right.

5.5 Effect of termination: On termination of your account for any reason, your right to access and use the Services ceases immediately. Any outstanding subscription fees or amounts owed to us remain payable. We may retain your data as required by law or for legitimate business purposes in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Termination does not affect any rights or obligations that arose prior to the termination date, and Sections 9.4, 12, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 21 survive termination indefinitely.

8.1 Application and approval: Beekeepers must apply to join the Platform and are subject to our approval process. We reserve the right to refuse any application without giving reasons.

8.2 Subscription fees: Access to Beekeeper features is subject to payment of a subscription fee as set out on our pricing page. Subscription fees are charged in advance and are non-refundable except as required by law or as stated in our refund policy. We may change subscription fees on reasonable notice.

8.3 Beekeeper warranty: By listing products on the Platform, each Beekeeper warrants and represents that: (a) they are legally entitled to produce, sell, and supply the products listed; (b) all products comply with applicable food safety, hygiene, and labelling law; (c) all allergen information is complete and accurate; (d) they hold all licences, registrations, and certifications required by law; and (e) their Listings are accurate and not misleading. These warranties are given on each occasion a Listing is published or updated.

8.4 Beekeeper obligations: Beekeepers must ensure that all Listings comply with applicable food safety, labelling, and advertising standards. Beekeepers must not list products that are unsafe, prohibited, counterfeit, or for which they do not hold the required permissions.

8.5 Compliance: Beekeepers are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all laws applicable to the production and sale of food products in the United Kingdom, including the Food Safety Act 1990, the Food Information Regulations 2014, Food Hygiene Regulations 2006, and any applicable Trading Standards, Environmental Health, or local authority requirements. ABM Software Ltd accepts no liability whatsoever for a Beekeeper's failure to comply.

8.6 Beekeeper indemnity for food safety: Each Beekeeper agrees to indemnify and hold harmless ABM Software Ltd from any claim, fine, investigation, regulatory action, or liability arising from that Beekeeper's products, including any food safety incident, allergy or contamination claim, or failure to comply with food labelling law. This indemnity survives termination of the Beekeeper's account.

8.7 Suspension and removal: We may immediately remove any Listing or suspend a Beekeeper account without notice, without giving reasons, and without liability, if we consider it necessary to protect the Platform, other Users, or ABM Software Ltd. This includes but is not limited to situations where we receive a food safety complaint, a Trading Standards enquiry, or a regulatory notification relating to a Beekeeper's products.

9.1 Accuracy: Product descriptions, images, and prices are provided by individual Beekeepers. We do not independently verify the accuracy of Listings.

9.2 Availability: Product availability is subject to Beekeeper stock levels and may change without notice.

9.3 Pricing: Prices are set by Beekeepers and may vary. Displayed prices include VAT where applicable under UK law.

9.4 Content licence: By uploading or submitting any Content (including product images, descriptions, and other materials) to the Platform, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to use, store, reproduce, display, and distribute that Content for the purposes of operating and promoting the Platform. You retain ownership of your Content. You warrant that you have the right to grant this licence and that your Content does not infringe any third-party rights.

9.5 Content removal: We reserve the right to remove any Content that we consider, in our sole discretion, to be unlawful, harmful, misleading, or in breach of these Terms.

10.1 Responsibility: Each Beekeeper is solely responsible for shipping and delivering their products to Customers.

10.2 Delivery times: Estimated delivery times are provided by Beekeepers and are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by the Beekeeper, their chosen carrier, or circumstances outside their control.

10.3 Shipping costs: Calculated based on product weight and the Beekeeper's postage rates and shown clearly before checkout is completed.

10.4 Free local delivery: Some Beekeepers offer free delivery to specific areas. Eligibility is determined at checkout based on your delivery address. Minimum order values may apply.

10.5 Tracking: Tracking information, if available, is provided by the Beekeeper.

10.6 Risk and title: Risk in products passes to the Customer in accordance with the Beekeeper's applicable terms. We are not responsible for loss or damage to products in transit.

11a.1 Currency and VAT: All prices are displayed in GBP (£) and include VAT where applicable under UK law.

11a.2 Payment processor — Stripe: All payments on the Platform are processed securely by Stripe, our third-party payment services provider. By completing a purchase you also agree to Stripe's Consumer Terms. We do not store, see, or have access to your full payment card details — these are handled entirely by Stripe.

11a.3 Accepted payment methods: We accept the payment methods made available by Stripe at checkout, which may include major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and other methods Stripe supports in the United Kingdom. Available methods may change without notice.

11a.4 Platform commission: We currently charge 0% platform commission on sales. The full product price and postage amount you pay at checkout goes to the Beekeeper, less Stripe's own payment processing fees (which are deducted by Stripe from the Beekeeper's payout — see Section 11b.3). We reserve the right to introduce a platform commission in the future, with at least 30 days' notice to Beekeepers.

11a.5 Order confirmation: Your order is confirmed when you complete checkout and receive a confirmation email. A contract is formed at that point directly between you and the relevant Beekeeper(s). We are not a party to that contract.

11a.6 Failed payments: If your payment is declined or fails, your order will not be placed and no charge will be made. You should check your card details or contact your bank before retrying. We are not responsible for any charges your bank may apply as a result of a failed attempt.

11a.7 Cancellation: Contact the Beekeeper directly to request an order cancellation. Whether a cancellation is accepted is at the Beekeeper's discretion, subject to your statutory rights under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

11a.8 Refunds: If you are dissatisfied with your order, please contact the Beekeeper in the first instance. Refunds and returns are handled by the Beekeeper subject to your statutory consumer rights. Where a refund is agreed, it is processed back to your original payment method via Stripe. Stripe's standard refund processing time is 5–10 business days, depending on your card issuer. We cannot compel a Beekeeper to issue a refund; however, significant or repeated complaints may result in our taking action against the Beekeeper's account.

11a.9 Chargebacks and payment disputes: If you initiate a chargeback or payment dispute with your bank or card issuer, please also notify us at support@local-honey.co.uk. We reserve the right to suspend your account pending resolution and to recover any resulting losses, including Stripe dispute fees, from you where the chargeback is found to be unwarranted.

11a.10 Stripe data processing: When you make a payment, your payment and transaction data is processed by Stripe in accordance with Stripe's Privacy Policy. Stripe acts as an independent data controller for payment data. Please review Stripe's Privacy Policy to understand how they handle your information.

11b.1 Stripe Connect account: To receive payments through the Platform, Beekeepers must create and maintain a Stripe Connect account. By creating a Stripe Connect account you agree to the Stripe Connected Account Agreement. You are responsible for providing accurate identity and banking information to Stripe during onboarding. We do not have access to your bank account details.

11b.2 Platform commission: We currently charge 0% commission on sales processed through the Platform. The full order value (product price plus postage) is passed to your Stripe Connect account, subject only to Stripe's own processing fees.

11b.3 Stripe processing fees: Stripe charges its own payment processing fees, which are deducted automatically from each payout before funds reach your account. These fees are set by Stripe and are your responsibility. Current Stripe pricing for the United Kingdom is available at stripe.com/gb/pricing. We have no control over Stripe's fee structure and are not liable for any changes to it.

11b.4 Payout timing: Stripe pays out funds to your connected bank account on Stripe's standard payout schedule, which is typically 2 business days after a charge is captured, subject to Stripe's rolling reserve policy for new accounts. Payout timing is controlled by Stripe and may vary. We are not responsible for delays in payouts caused by Stripe, your bank, or any verification requirements Stripe may impose.

11b.5 Stripe account responsibility: You are solely responsible for maintaining your Stripe Connect account in good standing, completing any identity or verification requirements Stripe requests, and ensuring your bank details are kept up to date. If your Stripe account is suspended or closed by Stripe, we may suspend your ability to receive orders through the Platform until the issue is resolved.

11b.6 Chargebacks and disputes: If a Customer initiates a chargeback on an order placed with you, Stripe will manage the dispute process directly. You will be notified by Stripe and have the opportunity to provide evidence. Chargeback fees levied by Stripe are your responsibility. We will assist where we reasonably can but the dispute is managed between you, the Customer, and Stripe.

11b.7 Taxes: You are solely responsible for determining and paying any tax (including VAT, income tax, or corporation tax) due on income received through the Platform. We do not provide tax advice and do not withhold tax on your behalf. You should seek independent tax advice if required.

12.1 Our IP: All software, design, text, graphics, logos, and other material forming the Platform (excluding User Content) are owned by or licensed to us and protected by copyright, trade mark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without our written permission.

12.2 User Content: Beekeepers retain ownership of the images and descriptions they upload. See Section 9.4 for the licence you grant us when you upload Content.

12.3 Feedback: If you provide suggestions, ideas, or feedback about the Platform, you grant us an irrevocable, royalty-free licence to use those ideas without obligation to you.

12.4 Permitted use: We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to access and use the Platform for its intended personal, non-commercial purpose. This licence does not include any right to resell, sublicense, or commercially exploit any part of the Platform.

13.1 We comply with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal data. Please read it carefully — it forms part of these Terms.

13.2 By using the Platform, you consent to the processing of your personal data as described in our Privacy Policy.

13.3 Where you place an order, we share necessary personal data (such as your name and delivery address) with the Beekeeper fulfilling your order. Beekeepers are independent data controllers for the personal data they receive.

14.1 Transactional emails: By creating an account, you agree to receive transactional emails related to your account and orders (such as order confirmations, receipts, and order status updates). You cannot opt out of transactional emails while you hold an active account.

14.2 Marketing communications: We may send you marketing communications if you have opted in. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any marketing email or by updating your account preferences.

14.3 Notices from us: Formal notices under these Terms may be sent to your registered email address and are considered received at the time of transmission, provided no delivery failure notification is received.

14.4 Notices to us: Any formal notice to us must be sent in writing to support@local-honey.co.uk.

15.1 The Platform and all Services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranty of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory. Your use of the Platform is entirely at your own risk.

15.2 To the fullest extent permitted by law, ABM Software Ltd expressly disclaims all implied warranties and conditions, including any implied warranty of merchantability, satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, title, or non-infringement.

15.3 We make no warranty and give no assurance that: (a) the Platform will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free; (b) any information or Content on the Platform (including Listings, prices, or descriptions posted by Beekeepers) is accurate, complete, or current; (c) any defects will be corrected; (d) the Platform or its servers are free of viruses or other harmful components; or (e) the results of using the Platform will meet your expectations.

15.4 We do not endorse, verify, or warrant the accuracy of any Content submitted by Beekeepers or other Users. Any reliance you place on such Content is entirely at your own risk.

15.5 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any statutory rights you may have as a consumer under UK law that cannot lawfully be excluded by contract. All other warranties are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

16.1 Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes our liability for: (a) death or personal injury caused by our negligence; (b) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or (c) any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under English law.

16.2 Subject to Section 16.1, ABM Software Ltd shall not be liable to you under any circumstances — whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, misrepresentation, or otherwise — for any of the following, even if we were advised of their possibility:

• Loss of profit, revenue, sales, income, business, goodwill, or opportunity
• Loss or corruption of data or software
• Indirect, special, incidental, punitive, or consequential loss of any kind
• Any loss arising from a Transaction between a Customer and a Beekeeper
• Any loss arising from your reliance on Content, Listings, or information posted by another User
• Any food safety, health, or allergy-related loss or injury arising from products purchased through the Platform
• Any loss arising from the failure, suspension, or unavailability of the Platform or any third-party service
• Any loss arising from unauthorised access to your account where you have failed to keep your credentials secure
• Any loss arising from events outside our reasonable control (see Section 19)

16.3 Monetary cap: Subject to Section 16.1, ABM Software Ltd's total aggregate liability to you — across all claims combined, under any legal theory — shall not exceed the greater of: (a) the total subscription or platform fees actually paid by you to ABM Software Ltd in the 12 months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim; or (b) £100. This cap applies to the aggregate of all claims and cannot be circumvented by bringing multiple claims.

16.4 Time limitation: Any claim against ABM Software Ltd must be brought within 12 months of the date on which you became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) of the facts giving rise to the claim. After this period, all claims are absolutely time-barred regardless of the applicable statutory limitation period. You acknowledge that this shortened limitation period is reasonable given the nature of the Platform and the parties' respective risks.

16.5 The limitations and exclusions in this section reflect a fair and reasonable allocation of risk between you and ABM Software Ltd. They are a fundamental part of these Terms. ABM Software Ltd would not have made the Services available on these terms without them.

17.1 You agree to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ABM Software Ltd, its officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, fines, penalties, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and the cost of any investigation) arising out of or in connection with:

• Your use of the Platform or Services
• Your breach of any provision of these Terms
• Your Content, Listings, or any information you provide to the Platform
• Any Transaction you are a party to, including any product liability, food safety, or consumer claim arising from your products
• Your breach of any applicable law or regulation, including food safety, labelling, or trading standards law
• Any regulatory investigation, enforcement action, or fine arising from your activities
• Any claim by a Customer, third party, or regulatory authority arising from your acts, omissions, or products
• Any infringement of a third party's intellectual property rights through your Content

17.2 We reserve the right to assume the exclusive defence and control of any matter subject to indemnification by you, at your cost. You agree to cooperate fully with our defence of any such claim and not to settle any claim without our prior written consent.

17.3 This indemnity is in addition to, and does not limit, any other remedy available to ABM Software Ltd. It survives the termination or expiry of your account and these Terms indefinitely.

18.1 Order and product disputes — Beekeeper only: Any complaint, dispute, or claim relating to a product, order, delivery, refund, or the conduct of a Beekeeper is a matter solely between you and that Beekeeper. ABM Software Ltd has no involvement in, and no liability for, any such dispute. You must contact the Beekeeper directly in the first instance using the contact details provided in your order confirmation. ABM Software Ltd will not act as mediator, arbitrator, or adjudicator in any dispute between a Customer and a Beekeeper.

18.2 Platform complaints only: If you have a complaint specifically about the operation of the Platform itself (not about a product or a Beekeeper), you may email support@local-honey.co.uk. We will acknowledge genuine platform-related complaints within 3 working days and aim to resolve them within 14 working days. We are under no obligation to respond to complaints that relate to matters outside our control or responsibility.

18.3 Vexatious and bad-faith complaints: ABM Software Ltd takes misuse of our support and complaints system seriously. If we determine that a complaint or claim is vexatious, dishonest, repetitive without new grounds, or made for the purpose of harassment or commercial pressure, we reserve the right to: (a) close the complaint without further response; (b) suspend or terminate the account of the person making the complaint; and (c) seek recovery of the costs incurred in dealing with the complaint.

18.4 Time limit to raise complaints: Any complaint or claim against ABM Software Ltd must be raised within 12 months of the event giving rise to it. Claims raised after this period will not be considered and are absolutely time-barred.

18.5 Alternative dispute resolution: If you have a complaint about the Platform that we are unable to resolve, you may have the right to refer it to an approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme. Details of ADR schemes are available from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute at www.tradingstandards.uk.

18.6 Litigation: Nothing in this section prevents either party from seeking injunctive or other urgent equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction. Any litigation must be brought in the courts of England and Wales.

21.1 Entire agreement: These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional terms applicable to specific features, constitute the entire agreement between you and ABM Software Ltd relating to your use of the Platform. They supersede all prior agreements, representations, warranties, negotiations, and understandings, whether oral or written. You confirm that you have not relied on any representation or statement not set out in these Terms.

21.2 No partnership or agency: Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, employment, franchise, or agency relationship between you and ABM Software Ltd. You have no authority to bind ABM Software Ltd in any way.

21.3 Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed or modified to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining Terms shall continue in full force and effect.

21.4 No waiver: Our failure or delay in enforcing any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver. A waiver of any breach does not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other provision.

21.5 Assignment: You may not assign, transfer, sublicense, or otherwise deal with any of your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations at any time without notice, for example in connection with a business sale, restructuring, or corporate reorganisation.

21.6 Third-party rights: These Terms do not confer any rights on any third party under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999. The parties may vary or rescind these Terms without the consent of any third party.

21.7 Costs of enforcement: If ABM Software Ltd is required to take any action to enforce these Terms against you — including recovery of monies owed, defence of a claim found to be unwarranted, or investigation of a breach — you agree to reimburse ABM Software Ltd for its reasonable legal and administrative costs incurred in doing so.

21.8 User acknowledgement: By using the Platform you acknowledge that: (a) you have had the opportunity to read these Terms before using the Platform; (b) these Terms are fair and reasonable; (c) you agree to be bound by them; and (d) you have not relied on any oral or written statement outside of these Terms.

21.9 Updates to Terms: We will post updated Terms on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. For material changes we will provide at least 14 days' notice by email or on-platform notification. For non-material changes, updates take effect immediately on posting.