Terms and conditions
This site is owned and operated by Somerset Chamber of Commerce. By using this website you agree to the following terms of use and privacy policy.
Information and disclaimers
We use reasonable care to ensure that the information appearing on this website is up to date and accurate. While Somerset Chamber of Commerce takes precautions to prevent the occurrence of errors and omissions the user of this website should not take the accuracy of the information for granted but should check directly with Somerset Chamber of Commerce. None of the material contained in this website is to be relied upon as a statement or representation of fact.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce has no control over the use to which the information may be put by the user and accordingly shall not be liable for any loss of profits or contracts or any indirect or consequential loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of such information.
We make no warranty that the contents of this website are free from computer viruses or anything else which has contaminating or destructive properties and shall have no liability in respect thereof.
We value the participation of each member of the business community and want all members to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Accordingly, all members are expected to show respect and courtesy to other delegates/attendees, speakers, exhibitors, organizers and volunteers throughout all Somerset Chamber events and during their membership. Inappropriate behaviour or discrimination of any kind is not acceptable. To raise a complaint, please consult our complaints policy.
Links to external sites
Somerset Chamber of Commerce cannot be held responsible for the content of any external websites to which this site may be linked.
Events
Delegates are required to advise Somerset Chamber staff of any dietary requirements in advance to enable them to be catered for appropriately.
After completing registration and booking on to the event(s) of your choice, you will receive an automated confirmation of booking within 24 hours.
Terms for specific events may restrict the eligibility to attend (eg Somerset Directors’ Forum, Marketing Professionals’ Forum etc). These additional terms are clearly stated towards the end of the relevant event listing. Somerset Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to cancel bookings and issue refunds if eligibility criteria are not met.
When completing and registering to attend an event, Somerset Chamber will record your email address to inform you of future events of a similar nature. We will share your name and company name with other delegates attending the event; we do not share your contact details such as email or telephone number.
By completing, registering and attending an event you are agreeing that any photographs; video; sound recordings taken of you may be used by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and possibly the clients of Somerset Chamber of Commerce for any promotional purposes. Webinars will be recorded to share with delegates and for promotional purposes.
We welcome media organisations as members of the Chamber but please be aware our events are closed, private events for members and attendees unless a specific press call has been issued ahead of a named event.
When no such press call exists, media representatives must respect the privacy of our members and attendees and not conduct interviews at the event. This is to ensure the privacy of both the event and the members who are in attendance. We would remind media attendees they are there to promote their business to fellow business organisations rather than seek interviews from fellow attendees or gain information for stories.
Journalists looking to interview chamber members or attendees should liaise directly with Somerset Chamber’s Communications Manager. Any press or media representatives who do not respect this approach will be politely asked to leave the event. Please contact Annelise Cowie, Communications Manager (annelise.cowie@somerset-chamber.co.uk) for further information regarding media opportunities and partnerships.
If you are attending an online event please be aware of having confidential documents on display within the camera shot. Please note that Somerset Chamber of Commerce will not be responsible for delegates taking screen shots of the event and sharing it on social media.
In the event of a severe weather warning – usually a Met Office amber or red warning – we will email all attendees before 5pm the evening before a breakfast or morning event or by 11am on the day of a late afternoon or evening event to advise on whether the event is still going ahead. In the event of cancellation due to a weather warning, we will offer all attendees the option of a transfer to a rescheduled event on a different date or a full refund.
Payment for all events is due at the time of booking and bookings are not transferable to another event. Your booking is not confirmed unless full payment has been made.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce accept no liability for loss or injury as a result of attending a Somerset Chamber event.
Cancellation
If you are unable to attend an event, then please inform Somerset Chamber of Commerce as soon as possible. A full refund will be given for events when notification of cancellation is given to Somerset Chamber of Commerce before bookings have been closed. The time and date of when bookings will be closed is clearly stated towards the end of each event listing and is different for each event. Once bookings are closed for an event, we confirm final numbers with the venue – usually a week before an event – so no refund will be issued. Any outstanding payments will still be due.
If you have informed the Somerset Chamber that you are unable to attend the event within the required timescale, a full refund will be given using the same payment method that was used to make the original booking.
Cancellations should be by email to events@somerset-chamber.co.uk or by calling 01823 444924.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce membership
Membership Terms and Conditions
- Membership Eligibility
Membership of Somerset Chamber of Commerce is held by a business entity rather than an individual. Membership provides discounted access to events and services for all staff within the member’s business.
Eligibility for certain events may be restricted (for example, Director’s forums or Young Professionals events) at the discretion of Somerset Chamber.
Membership must be purchased separately for each trading brand within a group. Subsidiary or associated companies will not be classed as members and will not be eligible to attend events or receive member benefits unless they hold membership in their own right.
- Membership Term, Representation and Renewal Liability
Membership constitutes a minimum 12-month contractual commitment.
Membership is valid for one year from the date of joining and will automatically renew for a further 12-month period unless written notice of cancellation is received prior to the renewal date.
Upon renewal:
- A new 12-month contractual term begins.
- The full annual membership fee becomes payable.
- The member is financially liable for the full annual fee for that renewal year.
Members acknowledge that throughout the membership term they are represented by Somerset Chamber of Commerce as part of its accredited business community and wider Chamber network. As such, failure to attend events, access services, or actively use membership benefits does not remove liability for payment. Membership fees remain payable in full for the membership period regardless of the level of engagement.
- Billing Contact Requirement
All members must provide accurate billing contact details at the time of joining.
The nominated billing contact will receive:
- Renewal notifications
- Renewal invoices
- Event invoices
- Additional service invoices
- Payment reminders and account correspondence
Members are responsible for ensuring billing contact details remain accurate and up to date. Somerset Chamber of Commerce accepts no liability for missed communications due to incorrect or outdated contact information.
- Membership Payment Terms
Membership is activated only upon receipt of payment in accordance with the selected membership category.
The Chamber has four membership levels:
- Connect membership – For sole traders, start-ups and freelancers
- Grow membership – Enhanced membership for ambitious entrepreneurs, SMEs and growing businesses
- Elevate membership – For larger businesses looking to make strategic connections, raise their profile and influence policy
- Charity membership
- Somerset Chamber Business Partners
For existing members on the previous category membership system – sole traders/category one members who want to move up to Elevate will be charged pro rata for the price difference.
Grow and Elevate Memberships
For Grow, Elevate and Charity membership categories, the full annual membership fee must be paid at the time of joining. Membership can be paid online via the Chamber website or via payment of an invoice generated.
Membership benefits will not commence until full payment has been received.
Connect Membership
Members joining under the Connect category may choose one of the following payment options:
Option 1 – Annual Payment
The full annual membership fee is payable at the time of joining via the Chamber website or payment of an invoice.
Option 2 – Direct Debit (Monthly Instalments)
Connect Members may elect to pay via Direct Debit in monthly instalments.
- A valid Direct Debit mandate must be completed.
- The first monthly instalment must be successfully collected before membership is activated.
- Membership benefits will not commence until the first payment has cleared.
- By electing to pay by instalments, the member acknowledges liability for the full annual membership fee.
If a Direct Debit payment fails or falls into arrears:
- Membership benefits will be suspended immediately.
- The outstanding balance may become immediately due.
- The debt may be referred to a third-party collection agency.
Members will be responsible for any recovery costs incurred.
- Membership Renewals
Membership renews annually.
Members will be notified 90 days, 60 days and again 30 days prior to the renewal date regarding their upcoming renewal.
An invoice will be issued and sent to the nominated billing contact. Renewal invoices must be paid within 30 days of the invoice date.
If notice of cancellation is not received before the renewal date, membership will automatically renew and the full annual fee becomes payable.
Failure to pay the renewal invoice within 30 days, and in the absence of written cancellation notice received prior to the renewal date, will result in:
- Immediate suspension of membership
- Revocation of all membership privileges
- Referral of the outstanding debt to a third-party collection agency
Members will be responsible for all costs associated with the recovery of unpaid fees.
- Code of Conduct
Somerset Chamber aims to create an inclusive and supportive membership community where members lead by example through professional behaviour. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, ethical, and respectful manner when engaging with:
- Somerset Chamber of Commerce
- Chamber staff
- Other members
- Event attendees
- Partner organisations
Members must not engage in conduct that:
- Brings the Chamber into disrepute
- Is unlawful, discriminatory, harassing, or abusive
- Damages the reputation of the Chamber or its members
Somerset Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership at its discretion for breach of this Code of Conduct.
In the event where a member is deemed to have breached the Code of Conduct, this will be addressed through a two stage process:
Stage 1 – Investigation: The member will have a meeting with the Managing Director of Somerset Chamber to address the concerns raised by the Chamber and/or Chamber members
Stage 2 – Termination – In the event of a second occurrence of the Code of Conduct breach, the member will be informed by the Chamber that their membership has been terminated effective immediately at the time of writing
Termination due to breach does not remove the member’s financial liability for any outstanding membership fees. In the where membership is terminated, the member will not be permitted to re-join the Chamber as a member or attend Chamber events for a two year period.
- Termination of Membership
Members may terminate their membership by providing written notice prior to the renewal date, however membership is a full contractual year and cannot be terminated early.
Termination does not remove liability for:
- Any outstanding membership fees
- Any renewal fees already invoiced
- Any event or additional service charges incurred
- Additional Services
As part of Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s accreditation to the British Chambers of Commerce, members may access additional services either as part of their membership or at discounted rates.
It is the responsibility of the member to ensure that any services or documentation obtained meet the needs of their business and comply with applicable legal requirements.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce accepts no liability for services provided by third-party providers.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce – membership benefit boardroom use
- Eligibility
1.1 Complimentary use of the Somerset Chamber Boardroom is available only to members whose membership tier includes boardroom access: Connect, Grow, or Elevate.
1.2 Bookings are non‑transferable and must be made by an authorised representative of the member organisation.
1.3 The Chamber reserves the right to verify eligibility before confirming any booking.
- Booking Conditions
2.1 A minimum of one (1) week’s notice is required for all boardroom bookings.
2.2 All bookings operate strictly on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
2.3 If the Chamber team needs to use the boardroom, member bookings may not be available during those times. The Chamber will make all reasonable efforts to find an alternative time or solution, but this cannot be guaranteed.
2.4 Members are entitled to use the boardroom for either one day (Connect), two days (Grow) or four days (Elevate) on any day from Monday to Thursday, excluding Fridays and weekends. A “full day” booking is up to seven hours between 9am – 4pm. Allowances must be used as a full-day booking and cannot be split across multiple days or separate sessions outside of the allocated daily allowance. Members are welcome to book the boardroom for a single shorter period in a single day but any unused time within the seven‑hour daily allowance is forfeited. For example, if a member books the boardroom for two (2) hours, one full-day boardroom usage allowance is considered fully used. The daily allowances run annually within each members’ membership period.
2.5 Members may request additional days outside their allowance (subject to availability and additional fees).
- Chamber Priority Use
3.1 The Somerset Chamber team retains absolute priority for use of the boardroom for internal operations, events, meetings, or business-critical activity.
3.2 If a Chamber‑related requirement arises after a member booking has already been made, the Chamber will:
- Notify the member as soon as possible
- Attempt to reschedule or offer an alternative date
- Make reasonable efforts to accommodate the member’s needs
However, changes cannot always be made, and availability cannot be guaranteed.
- Cancellation Policy
4.1 Members must cancel at least 48 hours in advance.
4.2 Late cancellations may result in the allocated usage being deducted from the member’s annual allowance.
4.3 Repeated late cancellations or no‑shows may lead to temporary suspension of booking privileges.
Use of the Room
5.1 The room may only be used for legitimate business purposes (meetings, presentations, interviews, workshops).
5.2 The room must not be used for political campaigning, inappropriate activity, or anything that may damage the Chamber’s reputation. The Chamber retains the right to cancel any booking it deems to be inappropriate.
5.3 Capacity limits must be adhered to. The boardroom seats a maximum of 10 people.
- Facilities and equipment
6.1 Standard facilities (Wi‑Fi, seating, screen/monitor) will be provided.
6.2 Additional equipment must be requested in advance.
6.3 Any damage caused will result in charges.
- Catering and refreshments
7.1 Members may bring refreshments or arrange and pay-for catering themselves. The Chamber can suggest suppliers if necessary but accepts no responsibility or liability for catering bookings. Complimentary tea and coffee is available. Plates and cutlery can also be made available on request.
7.2 All waste must be disposed of appropriately.
- Room Condition
8.1 The boardroom must be left clean, tidy, and in its original layout.
8.2 Cleaning or repair charges will apply in cases of misuse.
- Health, Safety and Security
9.1 All guests must sign in and follow the Chamber’s safety procedures.
9.2 The Chamber is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings.
- Fair Usage Policy
10.1 The Chamber reserves the right to manage and limit bookings to ensure fair access for all members.
10.2 Attempts to exceed or misuse the allocated allowance may result in temporary suspension of access.
- Amendments
11.1 The Chamber may amend these terms and conditions at any time. Members will be notified of any material changes.
- Privacy and Data Protection
Personal information provided to Somerset Chamber of Commerce will be processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and the Chamber’s Privacy Policy.
Member contact details may be used for:
- Administration of membership
- Renewal and billing communications
- Event information
- Chamber updates and relevant business communications
Members may request that certain contact details are not displayed in any public member directory or within member-only areas.
Members agree that Somerset Chamber of Commerce may contact nominated representatives by email or telephone in matters relating to their membership.
- Amendments to Terms and Conditions
Somerset Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to amend or update these Terms and Conditions at any time.
Members will be notified of material changes via official communication channels.
Continued membership following notification of amendments constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms and Conditions.
