Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

1.1 These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern access to and use of the Hardhat Tradie LTD platform, including our website, web applications, mobile applications, APIs, and any related services (together, the "Platform").

1.2 By accessing, registering for, or using the Platform, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

1.3 Hardhat Tradie LTD ("we", "us", "our") operates solely as an online marketplace and software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that connects individuals and businesses within the UK construction industry. We are not an employer, employment agency, contractor, subcontractor, recruiter, principal, broker, agent, or party to any agreement entered into between users.

2. Nature of the Platform

2.1 The Platform enables users to create profiles, publish information, search for opportunities, and communicate with other users for purposes including employment, subcontracting, student programs, work experience, and business opportunities.

2.2 Any agreement, engagement, contract, or arrangement entered into between users is made entirely at their own discretion and risk, and exists strictly between the relevant parties.

2.3 We do not:

• verify, vet, certify, guarantee, or endorse any user;
• confirm qualifications, licences, insurance, or legal compliance;
• supervise, control, manage, or direct any work;
• negotiate, draft, enforce, or administer contracts between users.

2.4 We accept no responsibility or liability for the quality, legality, safety, suitability, or outcome of any work, service, or agreement arranged through the Platform.

3. Eligibility, Age Requirements & Accounts

3.1 You must be at least 16 years old to register for or use the Platform.

3.2 By registering, you confirm that you are at least 16 years of age.

3.3 If you are aged 16 or 17, you represent and warrant that:

• you are using the Platform solely for lawful, work-related purposes;
• you have obtained the consent of a parent or legal guardian to use the Platform and to agree to these Terms; and
• you have the legal authority to share any personal information you provide.

3.4 If we reasonably believe that a user aged 16 or 17 does not have the required parental or guardian consent, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the account.

3.5 You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and keep your account details up to date.

3.6 You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity carried out through your account.

3.7 You must notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorised access or misuse of your account.

3.8 We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to refuse registration, suspend, restrict, or terminate any account for breach of these Terms or misuse of the Platform.

4. Fees and Payments

4.1 Certain features or services may be subject to fees, subscriptions, or charges as displayed at the point of purchase.

4.2 Unless expressly stated otherwise in writing, all fees are non-refundable.

4.3 We may amend pricing, billing structures, or subscription plans with reasonable notice. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of revised fees.

4.4 Payments are processed by third-party payment providers. We are not responsible for errors, delays, failures, or charges imposed by those providers.

5. User Responsibilities and Conduct

5.1 You agree to use the Platform in compliance with all applicable UK laws and regulations.

5.2 You must not:

• use the Platform for unlawful, misleading, fraudulent, or harmful purposes;
• misrepresent your identity, experience, qualifications, licences, or insurance;
• upload false, defamatory, obscene, abusive, or infringing content;
• interfere with Platform security, systems, servers, or services;
• attempt unauthorised access to accounts, data, or systems;
• scrape, harvest, or reuse Platform data without written permission.

5.3 If you are under 18, you must ensure that your use of the Platform (including sharing contact details or entering into agreements) is lawful and undertaken with appropriate parental or guardian consent.

5.4 Breach of this section may result in immediate suspension or termination of access and, where appropriate, legal action.

6. Platform Availability & No Guarantee

6.1 The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis.

6.2 We do not guarantee uninterrupted availability, accuracy, or that use of the Platform will result in employment, work, contracts, student programs, or business opportunities.

6.3 We make no warranties regarding:

• user profiles or content;
• communications between users; or
• outcomes of introductions made through the Platform.

7. Limitation of Liability

7.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hardhat Tradie LTD excludes all liability for any loss, damage, injury, cost, or expense arising from your use of the Platform or dealings with other users.

7.2 This includes, without limitation:

• loss of income, business, contracts, profits, or data;
• disputes between users;
• third-party acts or omissions.

7.3 Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence where such limitation is unlawful.

7.4 You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Hardhat Tradie LTD from all claims arising from your use of the Platform or breach of these Terms.

8. Disputes Between Users

8.1 Any disputes between users are solely the responsibility of the parties involved.

8.2 We do not mediate, arbitrate, investigate, or resolve disputes and accept no liability for outcomes.

8.3 You agree not to bring claims against Hardhat Tradie LTD arising solely from interactions between users.

8.4 Where a user is aged 16 or 17, responsibility for disputes rests with the user and, where applicable, their consenting parent or legal guardian.

9. Content & Intellectual Property

9.1 All intellectual property rights in the Platform are owned by or licensed to Hardhat Tradie LTD.

9.2 By submitting content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use it for operating and promoting the Platform.

9.3 You warrant that you have the right to submit such content and that it does not infringe third-party rights.

9.4 We may remove content that breaches these Terms or is otherwise inappropriate.

10. Data Protection & Privacy

10.1 We process personal data in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Full details are set out in our Privacy Policy.

10.2 Users are responsible for their own compliance with data protection laws when sharing personal data with others through the Platform.

10.3 Sharing personal information or contact details with other users is done entirely at your own risk.

10.4 If you are aged 16 or 17, you confirm that you have parental or guardian consent to provide and share personal data via the Platform.

11. Security

11.1 We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect the Platform, but no system is completely secure.

11.2 You are responsible for securing your own devices, accounts, and credentials.

11.3 Any suspected security incidents must be reported to us promptly.

12. Termination

12.1 We may suspend or terminate access at any time for legal, security, or operational reasons.

12.2 Termination does not affect accrued rights or obligations.

12.3 Termination does not entitle you to a refund unless expressly agreed in writing.

13. Changes to These Terms

13.1 We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

14. Force Majeure

14.1 We are not liable for failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, cyber incidents, or third-party service failures.

15. Third-Party Links

15.1 Links to third-party services are provided for convenience only. We accept no responsibility for their content or operation.

16. Notices

16.1 Notices may be provided electronically and are deemed received when sent.

17. Severability

17.1 If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder remains in full force.

18. Entire Agreement

18.1 These Terms and our Privacy Policy constitute the entire agreement between you and Hardhat Tradie LTD.

19. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

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

19.2 The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.