Terms of business.

Each engagement is defined by a statement of work (SOW) setting out scope, deliverables, timeline, team and fees. These terms apply to every SOW unless the SOW says otherwise. Work starts when the SOW is signed and, for new clients, when the first invoice is paid.

• Project work is invoiced against milestones set out in the SOW. Retainers and bench placements are invoiced weekly or monthly in advance.
• Invoices are due within 14 days. Late payment carries interest at 4% above the Bank of England base rate.
• Expenses are agreed in advance and re-charged at cost.
• Fees exclude VAT, which is charged at the prevailing rate.

You agree to give us timely access to the people, systems, content and decisions we need. Review and sign-off windows are set in the SOW; if a decision is delayed, the timeline moves with it. You are responsible for the accuracy of material you provide and for having the rights to it.

On full payment, you own the deliverables created for you under the SOW. We keep ownership of our pre-existing tools, frameworks, design system foundations and methods, and grant you a perpetual licence to use them within the deliverables. We may describe the work in our portfolio and case studies unless the SOW says otherwise.

We use AI models and agents in delivery. We remain responsible for the quality of everything we deliver, a person reviews all agent output before it reaches you, and we will not use your confidential data to train models. Where a deliverable includes AI-generated material we tell you.

Bench placements are booked by the week with a two-week minimum. A 9point0 lead remains accountable for the work. Either side can end a placement with one week's notice. Bench members remain engaged by 9point0; you agree not to hire them directly within 12 months of a placement without our written agreement and an agreed fee.

Each side keeps the other's confidential information confidential, uses it only for the engagement, and returns or deletes it on request. This survives the end of the engagement.

Our total liability under any SOW is limited to the fees paid under that SOW in the 12 months before the claim. Neither side is liable for indirect or consequential loss. Nothing limits liability for death, personal injury, fraud, or anything that cannot be limited by law.

Either side can end an engagement for material breach not remedied within 14 days of notice. Otherwise, project work ends on delivery, and retainers end with 30 days' notice. Fees for work done to the end date remain payable.

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction. [Legal review recommended before publishing.]