Last Updated: 12 November 2025

Welcome to HelloBicester

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the HelloBicester websites (hellobicester.co.uk and hellobicester.com) and our email newsletter service. By accessing our website or subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our services.

Note: hellobicester.com redirects to our primary website at hellobicester.co.uk. Both domains are operated by HelloBicester and subject to these Terms.

1. About HelloBicester

HelloBicester is a community newsletter service based in Bicester, United Kingdom. We provide:

• Weekly email newsletters featuring local Bicester stories, events, and businesses
• A website with archived content and community resources
• An online business directory featuring local Bicester businesses
• Information about community events and activities
• Digital skills workshops and community resources (where available)

HelloBicester operates under UK law and is subject to the jurisdiction of England and Wales as a Sole trader.

2. Acceptance of Terms

2.1 Agreement

By using HelloBicester services, you confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years old
• You have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements
• You will comply with these Terms and all applicable laws

2.2 Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective:

• Immediately upon posting on our website for minor changes
• 30 days after email notification for material changes

Your continued use of HelloBicester after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2.3 Additional Terms

Specific services (such as VIP memberships) may have additional terms. Those additional terms will be presented to you before you use those services.

3. User Accounts and Subscriptions

3.1 Newsletter Subscription

When you subscribe to HelloBicester:

• You must provide a valid email address
• You consent to receive our weekly newsletter
• You may receive occasional service updates and announcements
• You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email

3.2 Account Security

If we offer user accounts in the future:

• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access
• You are responsible for all activities under your account

3.3 Prohibited Conduct

When using HelloBicester, you must not:

• Provide false or misleading information
• Use multiple email addresses to evade restrictions
• Attempt to interfere with the proper functioning of our services
• Use our services for any illegal purpose
• Violate any applicable local, national, or international law

4. Newsletter Content

4.1 What We Provide

HelloBicester newsletters include:

• Stories about Bicester residents and community members
• Information about local events and activities
• Features on local businesses and services
• Community announcements and resources

4.2 Content Accuracy

We make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, but:

• We do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all information
• Event details (dates, times, locations) may change after publication
• Business information may become outdated
• You should verify important information independently

4.3 Third-Party Content

Our newsletter may include:

• Information about third-party events (we are not the organizers)
• Features on local businesses (we are not responsible for their services)
• Links to external websites (we do not control their content)

We are not responsible for third-party content, products, or services mentioned in our newsletter.

5. Website Use

5.1 Permitted Use

You may use our website to:

• Read published content and articles
• Browse our business directory
• View event listings
• Share content via provided social sharing tools
• Subscribe to our newsletter

5.2 Restrictions

You may not:

• Copy, reproduce, or republish substantial portions of our content without permission
• Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access our website
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with other users’ access to the website
• Remove or modify any copyright or proprietary notices

5.3 Links to External Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We:

• Do not endorse or control external websites
• Are not responsible for their content or privacy practices
• Recommend you review their terms and privacy policies

6. Intellectual Property Rights

6.1 Our Content

All content on HelloBicester (text, images, logos, design) is owned by HelloBicester or our licensors and protected by:

• UK copyright law
• International copyright treaties
• Trademark law

6.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to:

• Access and view our content for personal, non-commercial use
• Share individual articles via social media or email
• Quote brief excerpts with proper attribution

6.3 Prohibited Uses

You may not:

• Republish our newsletter content on other websites or publications
• Use our content for commercial purposes without written permission
• Modify, adapt, or create derivative works from our content
• Remove copyright notices or attributions

6.4 User Submissions

If you submit content to HelloBicester (story tips, photos, feedback):

• You retain ownership of your content
• You grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use it in our publications
• You confirm you have the right to submit this content
• You agree we may edit submissions for clarity and length

7. Business Directory Listings

7.1 Directory Purpose

Our business directory features local Bicester businesses and services.

7.2 Listing Information

We strive for accuracy, but:

• Business information may become outdated
• We are not responsible for business operations, products, or services
• Listing does not constitute endorsement or recommendation
• We may remove or modify listings at any discretion

7.3 Business Owner Responsibilities

If you are a listed business:

• You must provide accurate information
• You are responsible for updating your information
• You must not misrepresent your services
• You agree to our featured business terms (if applicable)

8. VIP/Pro Membership (If Applicable)

8.1 VIP/Pro Benefits

VIP/Pro members receive:

• Early access to newsletters (Wednesday vs. Friday)
• Guaranteed annual story feature
• Monthly social media promotion
• Priority access to digital skills workshops
• Support for local journalism

8.2 Payment Terms

If we offer paid VIP/Pro memberships:

• Fees are charged in British Pounds (GBP)
• Payment is processed securely through our payment provider
• All prices include VAT where applicable

8.3 Cancellation and Refunds

• You may cancel your VIP/Pro membership at any time
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
• No refunds for partial months/periods unless required by law
• Unused benefits (story features, promotions) do not carry over after cancellation

8.4 Service Changes

We reserve the right to:

• Modify VIP/Pro benefits with 30 days’ notice
• Adjust pricing with 30 days’ notice
• Discontinue VIP/Pro service with 60 days’ notice and pro-rata refund

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

9.1 “As Is” Service

HelloBicester is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Merchantability
• Fitness for a particular purpose
• Non-infringement
• Accuracy or reliability of content

9.2 Service Availability

We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted access to our website or email delivery
• Error-free operation
• That defects will be corrected
• That our servers are free from viruses or harmful components

9.3 Events and Business Information

We are not responsible for:

• Cancelled, rescheduled, or modified events
• Accuracy of business information in our directory
• Quality of products or services from featured businesses
• Any losses resulting from reliance on our content

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 General Limitations

To the maximum extent permitted by UK law, HelloBicester shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
• Loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
• Damages arising from your use or inability to use our services
• Damages resulting from third-party content or services

10.2 UK Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for:

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

Your statutory rights as a consumer under UK law are not affected by these Terms.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless HelloBicester, its operators, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• Your violation of third-party rights
• Content you submit to HelloBicester
• Your use of our services

12. Data Protection and Privacy

12.1 Privacy Policy

Your use of HelloBicester is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data.

12.2 GDPR Compliance

We comply with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. You have rights regarding your personal data as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

12.3 Email Communications

By subscribing, you consent to receive:

• Weekly newsletter emails
• Occasional service announcements
• VIP membership communications (if applicable)

You can unsubscribe at any time.

13. Termination

13.1 Your Right to Terminate

You may stop using HelloBicester at any time by:

• Unsubscribing from our newsletter
• Ceasing to access our website
• Cancelling any paid membership

13.2 Our Right to Terminate

We reserve the right to:

• Suspend or terminate your access for violation of these Terms
• Discontinue HelloBicester services with reasonable notice
• Refuse service to anyone for any lawful reason

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to access HelloBicester ends immediately
• Sections of these Terms that should survive (liability, indemnification, disputes) remain in effect
• We will process your data according to our Privacy Policy

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14.2 Jurisdiction

You agree that any legal action or proceeding arising from these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.

14.3 Informal Resolution

Before filing any legal claim, you agree to first contact us at support@hellobicester.co.uk to attempt to resolve the dispute informally.

14.4 Consumer Rights

If you are a consumer, nothing in these Terms affects your legal rights, including your right to take proceedings in the courts of the country where you live.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and HelloBicester.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

15.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

15.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters
• Acts of government or terrorism
• Internet service failures
• Pandemics or public health emergencies

15.6 No Agency

Nothing in these Terms creates any agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship between you and HelloBicester.

16. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service:
Email: support@hellobicester.co.uk
Website: hellobicester.co.uk

For legal notices, please use the subject line “Legal Notice” in your email.

17. Acknowledgment

By using HelloBicester, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understood these Terms
• You agree to be bound by these Terms
• You have reviewed our Privacy Policy
• You are at least 18 years old or have parental consent

Thank you for being part of the HelloBicester community!