Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions

• 1.1 Certified Business / Partner: A business that has signed up, completed the compliance check, passed according to WP standards, and received official certification and recognition on Watermelon Partners' platforms. Certified businesses are considered official partners of WP.
• 1.2 Compliance Check: A thorough investigation conducted by a compliance officer using WP’s internal ethical standards and available information. This process may involve visual inspections and a review of company records.
• 1.3 WP Logo Vinyl: The official Watermelon Partners logo window sticker issued only to certified partners. It must be visibly displayed at the business premises to signal to customers that the business has passed a WP compliance check.
• 1.4 Direct Debit: A financial agreement that allows a certified partner to pay the remaining balance owed via fixed monthly payments until fully settled.

2. Introduction

• 2.1 Watermelon Partners Ltd (trading as “Watermelon Partners”, “WP”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a compliance organisation and independent certifying body that ensures businesses comply with our specific ethical standards.
• 2.2 Our certification confirms that a business, brand, company, product, or service does not contribute to or have any affiliation with funding wars or conflicts.
• 2.3 Our registered office is 124-128 City Road, London, England, EC1V 2NX.
• 2.4 Our company registration number is 16326995.
• 2.5 Our contact email is: info@watermelonpartners.co.uk

3. Certification Process & Compliance Checks

1. 3.1 Businesses applying for certification must submit an application via www.watermelonpartners.co.uk and make the full initial payment based on business size (see Section 6) before the compliance check process can begin..
2. 3.2 By signing up, the business agrees to a full compliance check, which may include a visual inspection and the review of business documentation, including company information, supplier details, product and service lists, purchase and sales records, and banking information.
3. 3.3 This information is necessary for WP to complete the compliance process. Failure to cooperate or provide the required information may result in cancellation of the partnership and revocation of certification without refund.
4. 3.4 WP’s compliance check is based on its internal checklist and ethical standards.
5. 3.5 If a business fails the compliance check, WP will offer written guidance. A recheck will be required at an additional fee of £50.
6. 3.6 If the business passes the check, it may pay the remaining balance either in full or via Direct Debit.
7. 3.7 Upon receipt of the final payment, WP will issue:
• Official Watermelon Partners certification
• The WP logo vinyl (delivered within approximately 30 days)
• Recognition on the WP website and social media platforms
8. 3.8 Certified businesses must clearly display the WP certification and logo vinyl at their premises, preferably in a front-facing window.
9. 3.9 Certified businesses are expected to promote their partnership on their website and social media platforms.
10. 3.10 Certification is valid only while businesses maintain full compliance. WP reserves the right to conduct random audits and revoke certification if standards are not upheld.

4. Business Obligations

• 4.1 By obtaining certification, businesses agree to:
• Display the WP logo vinyl at their premises
• Promote their certification and partnership through digital channels
• Act in alignment with WP’s ethical standards
• Cooperate with audits and ongoing compliance checks
• 4.2 Misuse of WP branding or making false claims of certification is strictly prohibited.

5. Use of Website & Services

5.1 Users must not use WP’s website or services for unlawful, unethical, or misleading purposes.

5.2 WP reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate access to any business or individual found misusing our services.

6. Fees & Payments

• 6.1 Certification fees (total, including compliance check and certification) are as follows:
• Small businesses: £200 (£100 initial, £100 on passing)
• Mid-size businesses: £400 (£200 initial, £200 on passing)
• Large businesses: £600 (£300 initial, £300 on passing)
• 6.2 The initial payment must be made via BACS transfer to WP’s official bank account.
• 6.3 Remaining balances may be paid in full or via Direct Debit.
• 6.4 A recheck fee (if required) is £50.
• 6.5 Administrative fees for requests such as certificate amendments or reissuance are £30.

7. Refunds & Cancellations

7.1 All payments made to Watermelon Partners are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7.2 If a business voluntarily withdraws from the certification process, or fails to comply with WP requirements, any completed checks or administrative costs will not be reimbursed.

8. Data Protection & Confidentiality

• 8.1 WP is committed to handling all business information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and GDPR Policy
• 8.2 Any data collected during the compliance process will be stored securely and used only for verification and certification purposes.
• 8.3 WP will not share confidential business information with third parties, except where required by law or with explicit consent.

9. Dispute Resolution

9.1 Any disputes concerning certification, compliance outcomes, or service delivery shall be addressed in accordance with WP’s official Dispute Resolution Policy.

10. Suspension of Services

• 10.1 WP reserves the right to suspend services or certification in the event of:
• Missed Direct Debit payments
• Delays in providing required documentation
• Suspicion of unethical practices or misrepresentation
• Failure to cooperate with random audits
• 10.2 Suspension may lead to full revocation of certification if the issue is not resolved within a reasonable timeframe.

11. Limitation of Liability

11.1 WP provides certification based on information provided by businesses and verified through its internal standards.

11.2 WP is not liable for misrepresentations by applicants or for the actions of certified businesses.

11.3 WP accepts no responsibility for any loss, direct or indirect, arising from certification or its revocation.

12. Indemnity

12.1 Certified businesses agree to indemnify and hold harmless Watermelon Partners Ltd from any claims, damages, liabilities, or losses resulting from their actions, including misuse of the WP logo, unethical practices, or breach of these Terms and Conditions.

13. Intellectual Property

13.1 All trademarks, logos, and materials used by Watermelon Partners are the intellectual property of Watermelon Partners Ltd.

13.2 Certified partners may use WP branding only in accordance with our certification guidelines.

14. Termination & Revocation

• 14.1 WP may suspend or revoke certification if a business:
• Fails a random compliance audit
• Is found to have breached ethical or legal standards
• Fails to maintain ongoing compliance
• Misuses WP branding or falsely represents its certification status

15. Changes to Terms

15.1 WP reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time.

15.2 Continued use of our services after changes are published constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16. Governing Law

16.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.