Mike Harrison

Terms of trade - a win-win relationship

My object is to sell you a cost-effective deal you will value, whether it be a single feature article, an extended editing job, a major media project or a period of management or training within your organisation. I have a reputation for delivery within budget, on time and to specification which I guard jealously. Repeat bookings are valuable to me - and potentially to you too - they let me build my understanding of your business.

Once we have agreed what is to be done, a written confirmation of order constitutes our contract. Each contract is tailored to the client's situation, everything is negotiable.

Material I create for you

I sell you only what you require, in the form of a licence for one or more specific uses. You're not paying for rights you do not need because I retain copyright for possible subsequent use. Other arrangements, including a complete buyout (assignment) of all rights are possible. Unlicensed uses normally incur premium retrospective rates. This is to encourage you to negotiate up front - I'm always open to offers.

Agreements usually allow a short period for you to approve the material (acceptance period) during which you can request amendment within the agreed specification. Modification outside the agreed specification can usually be accommodated subject to my diary commitments and additional charges.

Publicity use of material

Much of the material I create for my clients is archived - either in full or in part - on one or more of the web sites for which I am responsible. This benefits you and me by facilitating links for publicity and promotional purposes. Both the original publication and the copyright holder are credited in these archives. If circumstances demand it, we can negotiate an opt-out of this arrangement.

Insurance

Material is created to NUJ, or other appropriate professional standards and every effort is taken to avoid inaccurate or defamatory content. However normally no legal indemnity to this effect is provided. Where clients do not have their own indemnity insurance, this cover can be provided for an additional charge.

Where I send you pictures or other material through the public post, I will insure it to its replacement value (if this is possible). Clients are responsible for safe storage and return of pictures and other visual material.

Credits

Most of my work is attributed to my name. If you need to use it without giving a credit please let me know in advance. There may be an additional charge to cover the loss of publicity opportunity.

Delivery of material

This can suit your set-up. Copy is usually sent by e-mail in the format you specify (most commonly in PC/Mac compatible rich text format). Pictures are usually supplied as transparencies or prints sent through the public post, or by e-mail as scanned digital images. In all cases the relevant record of delivery is taken as proof.

Projects I manage for you

The normal basis is payment for tasks completed not for time served.

If I hire sub-contractors on your account, I may request payment of their costs up-front. From my clients’ point of view, this arrangement often has the advantage of reducing costs by eliminating risk elements from the charge.

Payment

Normally this falls due within 30 days of delivery of the material, or completion of a task. Other arrangements are available by prior negotiation. I reserve my statutory right under UK late payment legislation to claim both interest and compensation for debt recovery if not paid according to our agreement.

Out of pocket and other incidental expenses (e.g. telecoms, travel, photographic materials, car use, etc) are normally recovered from you according to a tariff which is agreed in advance.

I am not registered for VAT but will pass on the VAT element of any costs I incur on your account.

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