Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of [Your Software Name] bookkeeping software and related services ("Service") provided by StrideBooks ("we," "our," or "us") .

By creating an account, accessing, or using our Service, you ("User," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our Service.

2. Company Information

Company Name: StrideBooks
Contact Email: [privacy@stridebooks.com]
Phone: [Your UK Phone Number]

3. Service Description

Our Service provides cloud-based bookkeeping software that enables you to:

• Connect and synchronise bank accounts and financial institutions
• Import and categorise financial transactions
• Generate financial reports and statements
• Manage invoices, expenses, and receipts
• Prepare VAT returns and tax submissions
• Store and organise financial documents

4. Account Registration and Eligibility

4.1 Eligibility

To use our Service, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain and update your account information

4.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorised access
• Using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication

5. Subscription Plans and Payment Terms

5.1 Subscription Plans

We offer various subscription plans with different features and limitations. Plan details, pricing, and features are available on our website and may be updated from time to time.

5.2 Payment Terms

• Billing: Subscriptions are billed monthly or annually in advance
• Payment Methods: We accept major credit/debit cards and Direct Debit
• Currency: All prices are in British Pounds (£) and include VAT where applicable
• Failed Payments: Service may be suspended for non-payment after reasonable notice
• Price Changes: We'll provide 30 days' notice of any price increases

5.3 Free Trial

We may offer free trial periods. During trials:

• No payment is required initially
• Service may be limited compared to paid plans
• Automatic billing begins when the trial ends unless cancelled
• Trial terms may be subject to additional conditions

6. Data and Bank Connections

6.1 Bank Account Connections

Our Service may connect to your bank accounts through:

• Open Banking APIs authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Third-party data aggregation services
• Manual file uploads and data entry

6.2 Data Accuracy

While we strive for accuracy:

• You are responsible for reviewing and verifying all imported data
• We do not guarantee the accuracy of automated transaction categorisation
• You must reconcile accounts and correct any errors
• We are not responsible for errors in source data from banks or financial institutions

6.3 Data Ownership

You retain ownership of your financial data. We provide tools to export your data in standard formats upon request.

7. User Responsibilities and Acceptable Use

7.1 Permitted Use

You may use our Service only for:

• Legitimate business or personal bookkeeping purposes
• Managing your own financial records or those you are authorised to access
• Complying with applicable laws and regulations

7.2 Prohibited Activities

You must not:

• Use the Service for illegal activities or money laundering
• Share your account credentials with unauthorised persons
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems
• Reverse engineer, copy, or redistribute our software
• Upload malicious code or attempt to compromise security
• Use the Service to process data you are not authorised to access
• Violate any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights

7.3 Compliance

You are responsible for:

• Complying with HMRC requirements and tax obligations
• Maintaining accurate financial records
• Meeting VAT registration and reporting requirements
• Ensuring data protection compliance for any personal data you process

8. Service Availability and Support

8.1 Service Levels

We aim to provide:

• 99.9% uptime for our core services (excluding scheduled maintenance)
• Scheduled maintenance with advance notice where possible
• Regular data backups and disaster recovery procedures

8.2 Support

We provide:

• Email support for all users
• Online help documentation and tutorials
• Priority support for premium plan subscribers
• Support during UK business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm)

8.3 Service Modifications

We reserve the right to:

• Modify, update, or discontinue features with reasonable notice
• Implement security measures that may affect service functionality
• Suspend service for maintenance or security reasons

9. Intellectual Property Rights

9.1 Our Rights

We own all rights to:

• The software, technology, and infrastructure
• Our trademarks, logos, and branding
• Documentation, help materials, and user interfaces
• Improvements and enhancements to the Service

9.2 Your Rights

Subject to these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use our Service for your internal business purposes.

9.3 Feedback

Any feedback, suggestions, or ideas you provide about our Service may be used by us without compensation or attribution.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

Our collection, use, and protection of your personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms. By using our Service, you consent to our data practices as described in our Privacy Policy.

11. Limitation of Liability

11.1 Service Disclaimer

Our Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not warrant that:

• The Service will meet your specific requirements
• The Service will be uninterrupted or error-free
• All data will be accurate or complete
• Security measures will prevent all unauthorised access

11.2 Limitation of Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claim shall not exceed:

• The amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or
• £1,000, whichever is greater

11.3 Excluded Damages

We shall not be liable for:

• Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
• Loss of data (except where we have failed to maintain reasonable backups)
• Third-party claims or actions

11.4 Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Any liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the Service in violation of these Terms
• Your breach of applicable laws or regulations
• Infringement of third-party rights
• Your negligent or intentional acts

13. Termination

13.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Cancelling your subscription through your account settings
• Contacting our support team
• Following our account deletion procedures

13.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your account if:

• You breach these Terms
• Your account remains inactive for an extended period
• We discontinue the Service (with reasonable notice)
• Required by law or regulatory authorities

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to the Service will cease
• You may export your data for 30 days after termination
• We will delete your data in accordance with our Privacy Policy
• Outstanding fees remain payable

14. Cancellation and Refunds

14.1 Cancellation

You may cancel your subscription at any time. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period.

14.2 Refund Policy

• Monthly Subscriptions: No refunds for partial months
• Annual Subscriptions: Pro-rated refunds may be available at our discretion
• Free Trials: No charges if cancelled during the trial period
• Exceptional Circumstances: Refunds may be considered for service failures or billing errors

15. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters, pandemics, or government actions
• Internet service provider failures or cyber attacks
• Third-party service disruptions
• Labour disputes or utility failures

16. Updates to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we do:

• We'll post the updated Terms on our website
• We'll update the "Last Updated" date
• For material changes, we'll provide 30 days' notice
• Continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of updated Terms

17. Dispute Resolution

17.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

17.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

17.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution

Before initiating legal proceedings, we encourage resolution through:

• Direct communication with our support team
• Mediation through a recognised UK mediation service
• Industry ombudsman services where applicable

18. Severability

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

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other referenced policies, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the Service.

20. Contact Information