Terms of Use

These Terms of Use apply whenever you access, browse, register with, submit information to, purchase from or otherwise use Northern Directory.

They also apply when you add, claim, manage, promote or enquire about a business listing through the website.

1. About us

Northern Directory is operated by:

Data Menu Limited
Company number: 14497044
Registered office:
5A The Gardens
Broadcut
Fareham
Hampshire
PO16 8SS
United Kingdom

Email: corporate@datamenu.co.uk

References in these terms to “we”, “us” and “our” mean Data Menu Limited. References to “you” and “your” mean the visitor, account holder, purchaser, claimant, business or other person using the website.

2. Acceptance of these terms

You should not create an account, submit a listing, claim a business or purchase a service unless you agree to these terms.

If you use the website on behalf of a company, partnership, sole trader, organisation or other entity, you confirm that:

• you have authority to act on its behalf;
• you have authority to accept these terms on its behalf; and
• the entity agrees to be responsible for your use of the website and account.

If you do not have that authority, you must not create, claim or manage a listing on behalf of that entity.

3. Eligibility and age

You must be at least 18 years old to:

• create a business account;
• claim or manage a business listing;
• purchase a subscription or paid service;
• enter into a contract with us; or
• submit information on behalf of a business.

By performing any of those actions, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into the relevant agreement.

4. Business and consumer users

Our paid listing and promotional services are intended primarily for businesses, sole traders, professionals, organisations and persons acting for purposes connected with a trade, business, craft or profession.

Where you purchase or use a service wholly or mainly outside your trade, business, craft or profession, you may be treated as a consumer under applicable law.

Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts or replaces a consumer right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Provisions expressly referring to “business users” apply only where you use the website or service in connection with a trade, business, craft or profession.

5. The directory service

Northern Directory provides an online business directory covering businesses, services and business locations throughout Northern England.

Features may include:

• business search and category pages;
• business profile pages;
• maps and location search;
• public business contact information;
• listing claim and management features;
• paid listing enhancements;
• additional business locations;
• featured or promoted placement;
• enquiry and booking links;
• account and team-management features; and
• analytics or lead information where included in a selected package.

Features, eligibility requirements, package allowances and availability may vary over time.

6. Independent directory

Northern Directory is an independent directory. Unless expressly stated otherwise, we are not associated with, authorised by, endorsed by or acting on behalf of any listed business, regulator, trade body, professional organisation, government department or public authority.

The inclusion, prominence or verification status of a listing does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement, guarantee or professional accreditation.

Further information is provided in our Directory Disclaimer.

7. Business listings

Business listings may be:

• created by us;
• created or submitted by a business;
• created by an authorised representative;
• imported from a legacy directory;
• created using public company or professional information; or
• compiled from more than one lawful source.

A business may appear in the directory before it has claimed, approved or paid for its listing.

The existence of an unclaimed listing does not mean that the business has entered into a contract with us.

8. Information submitted to listings

You must ensure that information you submit, upload, publish or approve is:

• accurate to the best of your knowledge;
• current and not materially misleading;
• relevant to the business or location;
• lawful;
• not defamatory;
• not fraudulent or deceptive;
• not harmful or threatening;
• not discriminatory or hateful;
• not obscene or sexually explicit;
• not an infringement of intellectual property or privacy rights; and
• submitted with all necessary rights, permissions and authority.

You must update or remove information that you know has become materially inaccurate.

You must not submit private personal information for public display unless you have authority to publish it and it is appropriate for a public business directory.

9. Responsibility for listing content

A business or account holder managing a listing is responsible for the information and media it submits or approves.

We may review, format, classify, resize, correct or moderate listing content, but we are not obliged to verify every statement before publication.

Our review or publication of content does not transfer responsibility for that content to us.

10. Claiming a business listing

To claim a listing, you may be required to provide information showing that you are authorised to act for the relevant business.

Verification may include:

• matching a Companies House record;
• selecting or identifying an officer or authorised role;
• confirming a business email address;
• confirming access to a telephone number;
• providing documentation;
• providing evidence of employment, ownership or authority; or
• another reasonable verification method.

Selecting the name of an officer does not, by itself, prove that you are that person or that you have authority to act.

We may accept, reject, pause or request further evidence for a claim.

We may reverse or suspend an accepted claim if:

• the evidence appears false or misleading;
• a competing claim is received;
• your authority ends;
• the business disputes your access;
• the listing relates to a different legal entity;
• the account presents a security risk; or
• we reasonably believe continued access could cause harm.

11. Verification labels and badges

Labels such as “claimed”, “verified owner”, “Companies House checked”, “company matched” or similar wording have the limited meaning explained at the point where they are displayed and in our Directory Disclaimer.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, these labels do not confirm:

• the quality of products or services;
• financial stability;
• professional competence;
• regulatory approval;
• insurance cover;
• compliance with all applicable laws; or
• suitability for a particular customer or transaction.

12. Accounts

You must provide accurate account information and keep your contact details current.

You are responsible for:

• keeping login credentials secure;
• activity performed through your account;
• restricting account access to authorised persons;
• removing users who are no longer authorised;
• selecting appropriate team roles and permissions; and
• notifying us promptly of suspected unauthorised access.

You must not:

• share an individual account with an unauthorised person;
• impersonate another person;
• create an account using false information;
• conceal your identity to make a fraudulent claim; or
• attempt to gain access to another account or business.

13. Team members and permissions

Some packages may allow a business to add team members.

The business account owner is responsible for:

• inviting only authorised persons;
• assigning suitable permissions;
• reviewing team access;
• removing former workers or contractors; and
• actions taken by team members through the business account.

We may rely on instructions submitted by an authorised account owner or team member within the permissions granted to them.

14. Licence to submitted content

You retain any intellectual property rights you own in content you submit.

By submitting content to the directory, you grant Data Menu Limited a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to:

• host;
• store;
• reproduce;
• display;
• format;
• resize;
• crop;
• adapt for technical presentation;
• index;
• distribute through the directory; and
• use in reasonable promotion of the relevant listing or directory.

This licence lasts for as long as the content is published or reasonably needed for backups, disputes, legal compliance and administration.

You confirm that you have the rights and permissions necessary to grant this licence.

15. Photographs, logos and branding

You must not upload a photograph, logo, trade mark or other material unless:

• you own it;
• you have permission to use it; or
• another lawful basis permits its use.

You must not use branding in a way that falsely implies an endorsement, affiliation or authorisation.

We may remove branding where ownership or authority is reasonably disputed.

16. Prohibited uses

You must not use the website or directory to:

• break any applicable law;
• commit or facilitate fraud;
• impersonate another person or business;
• submit false business information;
• claim a listing without authority;
• distribute malware or harmful code;
• interfere with the website or its infrastructure;
• probe or bypass security controls;
• access non-public information without permission;
• overload, disrupt or degrade the service;
• send spam or unsolicited bulk communications;
• harvest private personal information;
• unlawfully discriminate against, threaten or harass another person;
• publish defamatory or unlawful material;
• manipulate rankings, clicks, enquiries, reviews or analytics;
• create duplicate accounts or listings to obtain additional free allowances;
• evade a suspension, restriction or payment obligation; or
• assist another person to do any of the above.

17. Automated access and data extraction

Except for ordinary use by public search engines or where we give prior written permission, you must not:

• scrape or systematically extract directory content;
• use bots, crawlers or automated scripts to collect listings;
• reproduce a material part of the directory;
• build or enrich a competing directory using our content;
• circumvent rate limits or access controls;
• repeatedly query the service in a way that places an unreasonable load on our infrastructure; or
• use directory data to send unlawful or unsolicited marketing.

This restriction does not prevent a business from exporting or using its own information where an applicable feature permits it.

18. Free listings

A free listing or free account may be subject to:

• a maximum number of included locations;
• reduced image or feature allowances;
• standard search placement;
• limits on team members or analytics;
• the display of promotional material; and
• other reasonable feature restrictions.

Free services are provided without a commitment that every feature will remain available indefinitely.

A business must not create duplicate legal entities, accounts or listings for the purpose of obtaining additional free allowances.

19. Paid packages

Paid package details, prices, billing intervals, location allowances and included features are shown on the relevant pricing or checkout page.

The information shown at checkout forms part of your agreement with us.

Paid features may include:

• enhanced listing design;
• additional images;
• higher directory placement;
• additional business locations;
• team-member access;
• analytics;
• enquiry or lead information;
• offers and booking links; and
• support features.

A paid package does not guarantee:

• a particular search position;
• a minimum number of views;
• enquiries or bookings;
• sales or revenue;
• customer suitability; or
• any particular commercial result.

20. Prices and taxes

Prices will be displayed before payment.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, amounts are shown in the stated currency and any applicable tax treatment will be explained at checkout or on the invoice.

You are responsible for providing accurate billing information.

We may correct an obvious pricing or technical error. If an error affects a completed purchase, we will contact you and provide an appropriate remedy.

21. Subscription billing

Monthly and annual subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each billing period unless cancelled before the next renewal date.

By purchasing a recurring subscription, you authorise our payment provider to charge the selected payment method for:

• the initial billing period;
• each subsequent renewal period;
• applicable taxes; and
• approved recurring add-ons or quantities.

Your checkout page will identify:

• the billing frequency;
• the amount payable at purchase;
• whether the service renews automatically; and
• how the subscription may be cancelled.

22. Additional locations

A package may include a defined number of business locations.

Locations above the included allowance may require an additional recurring payment or another applicable add-on.

Each additional location must relate to a legitimate branch, office, store, facility or trading location connected with the relevant business.

Additional-location allowances must not be used to:

• list unrelated businesses;
• create duplicate entries;
• manipulate search results;
• represent virtual or false locations; or
• mislead visitors about where a business operates.

23. Featured and promoted listings

A featured boost or promoted listing may provide enhanced placement for the period described at purchase.

Search and placement may still be affected by:

• visitor location;
• search terms;
• category relevance;
• listing completeness;
• verification status;
• availability;
• moderation and safety considerations; and
• other legitimate ranking factors.

A promoted service does not guarantee the first position for every visitor, search or category.

24. Payment processing

Payments are processed through Stripe or another payment provider identified at checkout.

Your use of payment-provider services may also be subject to that provider’s terms and privacy information.

We may suspend paid features where:

• a payment fails;
• a payment is reversed;
• a subscription becomes overdue;
• a chargeback is initiated;
• fraud is suspected; or
• the payment provider restricts the transaction or account.

25. Cancellation

You may cancel a subscription using the account, billing portal or contact method made available to you.

Unless otherwise stated:

• cancellation stops future renewal charges;
• access continues until the end of the paid billing period;
• cancellation does not automatically reverse a completed payment; and
• unused time is not converted into cash or account credit.

You should cancel before the stated renewal date if you do not want the subscription to renew.

26. Refunds

Payments are non-refundable except where:

• our Refund Policy expressly permits a refund;
• we agree otherwise in writing; or
• applicable law requires a refund or other remedy.

An accidental additional-location purchase may be eligible for review only while it remains unused and the conditions in the Refund Policy are satisfied.

Once information or content has been entered, uploaded, submitted or published for an additional location, the purchase is treated as used for the purposes of that policy.

27. Changes to prices

We may change the price of a package, add-on or service.

A price change will not normally alter a billing period that has already been paid for.

Where a price change affects a recurring subscription, we will provide notice appropriate to the circumstances before the new price is charged.

You may cancel the subscription before the new price takes effect.

28. Search order and ranking

Directory results may be ordered using factors including:

• relevance to the search;
• geographic proximity;
• directory region;
• listing quality and completeness;
• business category;
• verification or claim status;
• paid package or promotional status;
• availability;
• visitor preferences; and
• measures intended to prevent spam or manipulation.

We may adjust ranking methods over time.

No listing has a permanent right to a specific search position.

29. Business enquiries

The website may allow a visitor to contact a listed business or follow a link to an external enquiry, booking or purchasing service.

You must not use an enquiry feature to:

• send spam;
• distribute malware;
• make threats;
• harass another person;
• submit false or deceptive enquiries;
• advertise unrelated products or services; or
• collect information unlawfully.

We may limit or block enquiry access where misuse is suspected.

30. Transactions with businesses

Unless expressly stated otherwise, we are not a party to a contract between a visitor and a listed business.

The relevant visitor and business are responsible for agreeing:

• scope;
• price;
• availability;
• payment arrangements;
• cancellation terms;
• warranties;
• delivery;
• service standards; and
• dispute arrangements.

You should carry out checks appropriate to the value and risk of a transaction before making a booking or payment.

31. Maps and location information

Maps, pins, addresses, distances, directions and regional classifications are provided for general guidance.

They may be approximate or supplied by a third-party mapping provider.

You should verify an important address, route, service area or opening location directly with the business.

32. External websites

The directory may link to websites, booking systems, social media pages, payment providers, mapping services and other resources operated by third parties.

We do not control those websites and are not responsible for their:

• availability;
• security;
• content;
• products;
• services;
• privacy practices; or
• contractual terms.

A link does not constitute an endorsement or affiliation.

33. Our intellectual property

Except for content owned by businesses, users or third parties, Data Menu Limited owns or licenses the rights in the website, including:

• website software;
• design and layout;
• branding;
• original text and graphics;
• directory structure;
• taxonomy and classification;
• original compilations;
• account systems; and
• underlying databases and functionality.

You may use the public website for lawful personal or internal business purposes.

You must not reproduce, sell, license, distribute, modify or commercially exploit a substantial part of the website without our prior written permission.

34. Reporting intellectual property concerns

If you believe content infringes your intellectual property rights, please provide:

• your name and contact details;
• identification of the protected work or right;
• the relevant directory URL;
• an explanation of the alleged infringement;
• evidence that you own or are authorised to enforce the right; and
• the action you request.

We may request further information before taking action.

35. Moderation and removal

We may edit, restrict, suspend, reject, unpublish or remove content where we reasonably believe it:

• breaches these terms;
• is inaccurate or misleading;
• infringes another person’s rights;
• presents a safety or legal risk;
• has been submitted without authority;
• relates to a closed or non-existent business;
• duplicates another listing;
• contains malware, spam or harmful links; or
• could damage the integrity of the directory.

We may act without prior notice where immediate action is reasonably necessary for security, safety, legal or fraud prevention purposes.

36. Suspension and termination

We may suspend or terminate an account, listing or service where:

• these terms are materially or repeatedly breached;
• payment remains overdue;
• fraudulent activity is suspected;
• the account creates a security risk;
• a claim is disputed;
• continued service may expose us or another person to legal risk;
• we are required to do so by law; or
• the service is discontinued.

Where reasonably practicable, we will explain the reason and provide an opportunity to correct a remediable breach.

Serious fraud, impersonation, security abuse or unlawful conduct may result in immediate termination.

37. Effect of termination

Following termination:

• access to an account or paid feature may end;
• the listing may remain publicly available in an unclaimed or basic form;
• submitted content may be removed or retained where reasonably necessary;
• unpaid amounts remain due;
• future renewal charges should stop after effective cancellation; and
• provisions intended to survive termination will continue.

Termination of management access does not necessarily require removal of lawful public business information from the directory.

38. Availability of the website

We aim to keep the website available and functional, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access.

Access may be affected by:

• maintenance;
• upgrades;
• security incidents;
• supplier outages;
• network failures;
• excessive traffic;
• legal restrictions; or
• circumstances outside our reasonable control.

We may change, replace, suspend or discontinue a feature where reasonably necessary.

39. No promise of commercial results

We do not guarantee that use of the directory will result in:

• increased search engine visibility;
• a particular search ranking;
• website traffic;
• enquiries;
• bookings;
• customers;
• revenue; or
• another commercial outcome.

Business performance depends on factors outside our control.

40. Liability that is not excluded

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for:

• death or personal injury caused by negligence;
• fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
• breach of a liability that cannot lawfully be excluded; or
• any statutory right or remedy that applicable law does not permit us to exclude.

41. Liability to consumers

If you are a consumer, we are responsible for loss or damage that is a foreseeable result of our breach of these terms or our failure to use reasonable care and skill.

We are not responsible for loss or damage that:

• was not foreseeable;
• was caused by inaccurate information supplied by you or a listed business;
• arose from a contract between you and a listed business;
• arose from misuse of the website;
• could reasonably have been avoided by following our instructions; or
• constitutes a business loss.

We do not exclude responsibility where doing so would be unlawful.

42. Liability to business users

This section applies where you are a business user.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be liable for:

• loss of profit;
• loss of revenue;
• loss of business;
• loss of opportunity;
• loss of anticipated savings;
• loss of goodwill;
• loss or corruption of data;
• indirect loss;
• consequential loss; or
• losses arising from a transaction with a listed business.

Subject to section 40, our total aggregate liability to a business user arising out of or in connection with a paid service will not exceed the greater of:

• £100; or
• the total amount paid by that business user to us for the affected service during the 12 months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

This limitation applies to liability in contract, tort, negligence, misrepresentation, breach of statutory duty and otherwise, to the extent legally permitted.

43. Listed businesses and third parties

Subject to liabilities that cannot be excluded, we are not responsible for:

• the acts or omissions of a listed business;
• the quality or safety of its products or services;
• its financial condition;
• its employees, workers or contractors;
• its response to an enquiry;
• its availability;
• its external website;
• its contractual terms; or
• a dispute between that business and another person.

44. Business-user indemnity

If you are a business user, you agree to reimburse us for reasonable losses, liabilities, damages and professional costs arising directly from:

• content you submit without appropriate rights or authority;
• a fraudulent or unauthorised listing claim;
• your material breach of these terms;
• your unlawful use of the website; or
• a third-party claim caused by your submitted content or conduct.

This obligation does not apply to the extent that the relevant loss was caused by our own breach, negligence or unlawful conduct.

45. Events outside our control

We will not be responsible for delay or failure caused by an event outside our reasonable control, including:

• internet or telecommunications failure;
• hosting-provider failure;
• power failure;
• cyberattack;
• natural disaster;
• industrial dispute;
• public health emergency;
• government action;
• war, terrorism or civil unrest; or
• failure of a third-party service.

46. Privacy and cookies

Our collection and use of personal information is explained in our Privacy Policy.

Our use of cookies and similar technologies is explained in our Cookie Policy.

47. Complaints and listing concerns

If you believe a listing or account is inaccurate, misleading, unauthorised or unlawful, please provide:

• the relevant page or listing URL;
• the information being disputed;
• your relationship to the business;
• the action requested; and
• reasonable supporting evidence.

Reports should be sent to:

Use the following subject:

48. Legal notices

Formal legal notices relating to these terms should be sent to:

Data Menu Limited
5A The Gardens
Broadcut
Fareham
Hampshire
PO16 8SS
United Kingdom

A copy should also be emailed to:

Use the following subject:

49. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms to reflect:

• changes to the website;
• new features or packages;
• changes to suppliers;
• security requirements;
• legal or regulatory changes; or
• changes to our business practices.

The current version and last updated date will be displayed on this page.

Where a material change affects an active paid subscription, we may provide an account or email notice before the change takes effect.

Changes will not remove rights or remedies that have already arisen unless legally permitted.

50. Transfer of rights

We may transfer our rights and obligations under these terms to another organisation, including in connection with a sale, restructuring, investment or transfer of the directory.

Where this materially affects a consumer, we will provide appropriate notice.

You may not transfer an account, subscription or listing-management right without our written permission, except through an authorised account or business ownership process.

51. No waiver

If we delay or fail to enforce a provision of these terms, that does not mean we have waived our right to enforce it later.

52. Severability

If a court or competent authority finds part of these terms unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply.

The affected provision will be interpreted or adjusted only to the minimum extent necessary to make it lawful and enforceable where possible.

53. Entire agreement for business users

If you are a business user, these terms, the checkout information, the selected package details and the policies expressly incorporated into them form the entire agreement relating to the relevant directory service.

You acknowledge that you have not relied on a statement not expressly included in that agreement.

Nothing in this section excludes liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.

54. Third-party rights

Unless expressly stated otherwise, a person who is not a party to the agreement between you and us has no right to enforce these terms.

55. Governing law

These terms and any dispute or claim arising from them are governed by the law of England and Wales.

If you are a consumer resident in another part of the United Kingdom, you retain any mandatory protections provided by the law applicable in your place of residence.

56. Courts and jurisdiction

If you are a business user, the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising from these terms or the directory service.

If you are a consumer, you may ordinarily bring proceedings in the courts of the part of the United Kingdom in which you live, and we may bring proceedings against you in the courts of the part of the United Kingdom in which you live.

57. Contact

Questions about these terms should be sent to:

Data Menu Limited
Company number: 14497044
Operator of Northern Directory
Email: corporate@datamenu.co.uk

Use the following subject:

58. Related policies

These terms should be read with:

• Privacy Policy;
• Cookie Policy;
• Refund Policy; and
• Directory Disclaimer.