Terms of Service

Last Updated: January 22, 2025

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of services provided by Denis Oakley & Co (“Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), including our website at www.denis-oakley.com, consulting services, innovation programs, and related offerings.

2. Services

2.1 Description

We provide innovation consulting and program management services to engineering organizations, including but not limited to:

• Problem validation programs
• Innovation mentoring
• Technical team transformation
• Market validation services

2.2 Service Delivery

Services are delivered according to separately executed service agreements. These Terms supplement any such agreements.

3. Confidentiality

3.1 Definition

“Confidential Information” includes any proprietary information, technical data, trade secrets, or know-how disclosed during our engagement.

3.2 Protection

We maintain strict confidentiality of all client information and require:

• Written permission for case study usage
• Signed NDAs before detailed discussions
• Secure handling of all client data

4. Intellectual Property

4.1 Ownership

• Client retains ownership of all pre-existing IP
• Client owns IP developed specifically for their projects
• We retain ownership of our methodologies and frameworks
• We retain rights to general knowledge and techniques developed

4.2 Usage Rights

We maintain the right to:

• Use anonymized project outcomes for teaching
• Reference general engagement facts (with permission)
• Apply learned insights to other engagements

5. Payment Terms

5.1 Fees and Payment

• Fees are specified in individual service agreements
• All fees are in British Pounds Sterling (GBP)
• Full payment is required in advance
• Payment must be received before program commencement
• Team numbers must be finalized before payment
• No refunds for reduction in team numbers after payment

5.2 Payment Schedule

• Client to confirm final number of participating teams
• Invoice issued based on confirmed team numbers
• Full payment required before program start
• Program dates confirmed upon receipt of payment

5.3 Expenses

• Travel expenses require prior client approval
• Expense documentation provided monthly
• Expenses billed at cost without markup

6. Cancellation and Rescheduling

6.1 Programs

• 30 days notice required for program cancellation
• Rescheduling subject to availability
• Cancellation fees may apply as per service agreement

6.2 Meetings

• 24 hours notice required for meeting cancellation
• Repeated cancellations may affect program timing
• Emergency cancellations handled case-by-case

7. Warranties and Limitations

7.1 Service Warranty

We warrant that services will be performed:

• In a professional manner
• According to industry standards
• With reasonable skill and care

7.2 Limitations

We do not guarantee:

• Specific business outcomes
• Third-party actions or decisions
• Market conditions or changes

8. Liability

8.1 Limitation of Liability

Our liability is limited to:

• Direct damages only
• Fees paid for specific service in question
• Exclusion of consequential damages

8.2 Insurance

We maintain professional liability insurance appropriate to our services.

9. Website Usage

9.1 Access

Website access is provided for information purposes and service booking.

9.2 Cookies

We use essential cookies for website functionality.

10. General Provisions

10.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by English law.

10.2 Jurisdiction

Courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction.

10.3 Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms with notice.

11. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms:

• Email: denis@denis-oakley.com
• Post: Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf CH41 1LD, United Kingdom

12. Acceptance

Use of our services constitutes acceptance of these Terms.