Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of Stratford Advisory's website and consulting services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please discontinue use of our services. These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you (the "Client") and Stratford Advisory (the "Company," "we," "us," or "our").

2. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms and Conditions:

• Services refer to all consulting services provided by Stratford Advisory, including strategic planning, operational efficiency reviews, and leadership development programs
• Client means any individual or organization that engages our services or uses our website
• Engagement refers to a formal agreement to provide specific consulting services
• Deliverables means any reports, recommendations, or materials provided as part of our services
• Website includes all pages, content, and functionality hosted at our domain

3. Use of Services

When engaging with Stratford Advisory, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information about your organization and its needs
• Cooperate with our consultants and provide timely access to necessary personnel and information
• Use our services and deliverables solely for your internal business purposes
• Maintain the confidentiality of proprietary methodologies and materials we provide
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in your use of our services

4. Prohibited Uses

You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our proprietary materials without written permission
• Use our services or website in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
• Transmit any harmful code, viruses, or malicious software
• Engage in any conduct that could damage our reputation or business relationships
• Resell or redistribute our services without explicit authorization
• Use automated systems to access our website beyond normal browsing

5. Intellectual Property

All content on our website and all deliverables provided through our services, including text, graphics, methodologies, frameworks, and software, are owned by or licensed to Stratford Advisory and are protected by Canadian and international intellectual property laws.

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use deliverables provided through our services solely for your internal business purposes. This license does not permit you to modify, reproduce, or distribute our materials without written consent.

Any feedback, suggestions, or ideas you provide regarding our services may be used by us without obligation or compensation to you.

6. Payment Terms

Consulting services are provided on a fee-for-service basis:

• Currency: All fees are quoted and payable in Canadian dollars (CAD)
• Payment Schedule: Payment terms will be specified in the engagement letter or proposal. Typically, a deposit is required before work begins, with the balance due upon completion or according to agreed milestones
• Accepted Methods: We accept payment by bank transfer, corporate check, or major credit cards
• Late Payments: Invoices are due within 30 days of the invoice date. Late payments may incur interest charges at a rate of 1.5% per month (18% per annum)
• Price Changes: We reserve the right to adjust our fees with reasonable notice. New rates will not apply to existing engagements unless scope significantly changes
• Taxes: All fees are exclusive of applicable taxes. You are responsible for all sales, use, GST/HST, and other taxes

7. Refund and Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by Client: If you wish to cancel an engagement after work has commenced, you will be responsible for payment of all services performed up to the cancellation date, plus any non-refundable expenses incurred.

Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to terminate an engagement if you breach these terms or if continuing the engagement would create ethical or practical conflicts. In such cases, you will be charged only for work completed.

Refund Policy: Deposits paid for services not yet commenced may be refunded at our discretion. Once work begins, fees are generally non-refundable, though we will work to resolve any concerns about service quality.

8. Service Delivery and Scope

Each consulting engagement is governed by a formal proposal or engagement letter that specifies:

• Scope of services to be provided
• Expected timeline and milestones
• Deliverables and their format
• Fees and payment terms
• Responsibilities of both parties

Any changes to the scope of work must be agreed to in writing by both parties. Additional services beyond the original scope may result in additional fees.

9. Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information. Details about our confidentiality obligations are typically outlined in a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement or confidentiality clause within the engagement letter.

We will not disclose your confidential information except:

• With your written consent
• To our employees or contractors who need access to perform services (who are bound by confidentiality obligations)
• When required by law or court order
• To protect our legal rights or defend against claims

10. Disclaimers and Limitations

Professional Advice: Our services consist of professional consulting advice and recommendations. We do not provide legal, accounting, or other regulated professional services unless explicitly stated and properly qualified to do so.

No Guarantees: While we strive to provide high-quality analysis and recommendations, we cannot guarantee specific business outcomes or results. Success depends on many factors, including your implementation efforts and market conditions beyond our control.

As-Is Basis: Our website and services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.

Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claims arising from our services shall not exceed the fees paid by you for the specific engagement giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.

11. Client Responsibilities

To facilitate effective service delivery, clients agree to:

• Provide timely access to relevant information, personnel, and facilities
• Respond promptly to requests for information or clarification
• Designate appropriate internal contacts with authority to make decisions
• Review deliverables within agreed timeframes and provide feedback
• Maintain insurance appropriate to your business operations
• Implement recommendations in accordance with applicable laws and your specific circumstances

12. Termination

Either party may terminate an engagement with written notice if:

• The other party materially breaches these terms and fails to remedy within 15 days of written notice
• The other party becomes insolvent or subject to bankruptcy proceedings
• Continuation would violate applicable laws or professional standards

Upon termination, you remain obligated to pay for all services performed and expenses incurred up to the termination date. Provisions regarding confidentiality, intellectual property, and limitation of liability survive termination.

13. Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution: We encourage open communication to resolve any concerns. If a dispute arises, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through good faith negotiation.

Mediation: If negotiation does not resolve the dispute within 30 days, either party may request mediation through a mutually agreed mediator.

Arbitration: If mediation is unsuccessful, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Toronto, Ontario, in accordance with the rules of the ADR Institute of Canada.

Governing Law: These terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. The courts of Ontario shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

14. General Provisions

Entire Agreement: These Terms and Conditions, together with any engagement letter or proposal, constitute the entire agreement between you and Stratford Advisory regarding our services.

Severability: If any provision is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full effect.

No Waiver: Our failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

Assignment: You may not assign your rights or obligations under these terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights to any successor or affiliated entity.

Notices: All formal notices must be in writing and sent to the addresses specified in the engagement letter or to [email protected].

15. Amendments

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. For existing engagements, changes will not apply without mutual agreement. Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact: