Terms and Conditions Of Hire

Camelot Marquees Ltd trading as Southern Furniture Hire
(“the Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”)

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all hire agreements for furniture, equipment, and related services supplied by Camelot Marquees Ltd trading as Southern Furniture Hire. By placing a booking, the Hirer agrees to be bound by these Terms. These Terms apply to both consumers and business customers, with certain provisions applying exclusively to business clients where specified.

1. Definitions

“Company” / “we” / “us” / “our” refers to Camelot Marquees Ltd trading as Southern Furniture Hire.

“Hirer” / “you” refers to the person, business, or organisation hiring equipment.

“Equipment” means all items hired, including but not limited to chairs, tables, dance floors, outdoor furniture, lighting, and accessories.

“Services” means delivery, collection, installation of dance floors, and any related services provided by the Company.

“Event Date” means the date on which the Hirer requires the Equipment.

2. Bookings & Payment Terms

2.1 A booking is only confirmed once the Hirer has:
(a) accepted a written quotation;
(b) paid a 20% non-refundable deposit; and
(c) received written confirmation from the Company.

2.2 The balance of all hire charges must be paid in full no later than 14 days before the Event Date. Payment must clear in our account by this deadline.

2.3 If payment is not received by this date, the Company may treat the booking as cancelled and apply cancellation charges under Section 12.

2.4 Late Payment (Consumers):
Late payments will incur interest at 3% above the Bank of England base rate, calculated daily until paid in full.

2.5 Late Payment (Business Clients):
Statutory late payment interest and compensation may be applied under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

3. Delivery & Collection

3.1 Delivery and collection are charged separately and are quoted based on location, timing, and access. Premium rates apply to weekend and bank holiday deliveries/collections.

3.2 Standard delivery assumes:

ground-floor access;

direct access into the premises;

vehicle parking within 20 metres of the delivery point.

3.3 If the actual conditions differ from those stated, additional charges may apply. The Hirer must inform the Company of any access constraints at the time of booking.

3.4 The Hirer or a responsible representative must be present during delivery and collection to confirm quantities and condition. If no representative is present, the Company’s assessment is final.

3.5 Dance floors are installed by the Company. All other Equipment is delivered only and must be set up by the Hirer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

4. Access & Site Requirements

4.1 The Hirer must ensure the delivery and setup area is safe, accessible, and free from hazards (including animals that may bite or become aggressive).

4.2 Outdoor locations must be level, firm, and suitable for the Equipment being used. The Hirer is responsible for ensuring tables, chairs, and other items are positioned safely.

4.3 The Hirer is responsible for ensuring electrical items (including lighting) are not exposed to rain, moisture, or unsafe conditions.

4.4 If the site is deemed unsafe, unsuitable, or inaccessible, the Company may refuse delivery or installation. No refunds will be issued in such circumstances.

5. Hirer Responsibilities

5.1 The Hirer is responsible for the Equipment from the moment it is delivered until it is collected.

5.2 Equipment must:

be used for its intended purpose;

be kept clean and dry (unless specified as weather-resistant);

be protected from adverse weather;

not be moved to a different location without written permission.

5.3 The Hirer must not attach items to furniture or equipment (e.g., nails, staples, adhesive) unless permitted.

5A. Collection & Return of Equipment

5A.1 The Hirer is responsible for gathering, stacking, and preparing all hired Equipment for collection at the agreed collection time. All items must be returned to the point of delivery, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

5A.2 Equipment must be left clean, dry, and ready for immediate loading. Items such as chairs must be nested/stacked, and tables folded or stacked safely.

5A.3 The Company does not collect or gather Equipment from around the venue. If Equipment is left scattered across multiple rooms, floors, or outdoor areas, the Hirer agrees to pay additional labour charges of:
– £35 per hour per member of staff,
– minimum charge: 1 hour.

5A.4 A cleaning charge may be applied if Equipment is returned wet, dirty, soiled, or requiring additional cleaning.

5A.5 The Hirer remains responsible for protecting Equipment from theft, loss, and adverse weather until it is collected by the Company.

5A.6 Any missing items at collection will be charged at full replacement cost unless returned within 1 week to a location agreed with the Company in writing.

5A.7 The Hirer must ensure clear, safe access for the Company’s collection team. Waiting time, failed-collection fees, or re-collection charges may apply if access is obstructed or delayed.

6. Damage, Loss & Cleaning

6.1 The Hirer is liable for all damage, loss, theft, or destruction of Equipment during the hire period, regardless of fault.

6.2 The Company will assess damage upon return. Charges may include repair costs, full replacement costs, and any associated administrative or lost-hire costs.

6.3 Linen and fabrics stained beyond acceptable cleaning will be charged at full replacement cost.

6.4 The Company does not take a damage deposit. The Hirer agrees to pay all charges for damage or loss within 7 days of receiving an invoice.

7. Weather-Related Responsibilities

7.1 Certain Equipment (including but not limited to chair seat pads, wooden tables, and indoor furniture) must not be left outside in rain or adverse weather. The Hirer is responsible for protecting such items.

7.2 Outdoor furniture designed for weather exposure may be left outside, but still must be used safely.

7.3 If weather leads to cancellation of the Hirer’s event, the full hire charge remains payable. The Hirer is advised to arrange suitable event insurance.

8. Risk, Ownership & Title

8.1 All Equipment remains the property of the Company at all times.

8.2 The Hirer is responsible for the Equipment and all associated risks (including weather, theft, damage, and misuse) for the duration of the hire.

9. Liability & Indemnity

9.1 The Company holds public liability insurance for its own actions. This does not cover damage or loss caused by the Hirer.

9.2 The Company is not liable for:

delays or non-performance caused by circumstances beyond its control;

any indirect or consequential losses;

loss of profit, revenue, or opportunity.

9.3 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury resulting from our negligence, or any other liability that cannot be legally excluded.

9.4 Business Clients:
Business Hirers must ensure they carry insurance that covers the full replacement value of the Equipment during the hire period.

10. Insurance

10.1 The Company carries public liability insurance for its own operations.

10.2 Consumer Hirers are not required to hold insurance but remain fully liable for all loss or damage.

10.3 Business Hirers must hold adequate insurance to cover Equipment at full replacement value.

11. Variations

11.1 The Company may substitute Equipment for similar items if:

the original item is unavailable;

substitution is necessary for safety reasons; or

adverse weather affects suitability.

11.2 No variation of these Terms is valid unless confirmed in writing by the Company.

12. Cancellations & Refunds

12.1 Cancellations must be made in writing.

12.2 The following charges will apply:

Time Before Event Amount Payable
More than 90 days Loss of 20% deposit
90–31 days 50% of total hire charge
30–8 days 75% of total hire charge
7 days or fewer 100% of total hire charge

12.3 Bookings cannot be transferred to a different date. A new booking must be created, and the original booking will be treated as a cancellation.

12.4 Refunds (where applicable) will be issued within 14 days.

13. Force Majeure

13.1 The Company shall not be liable for failure or delay arising from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

extreme weather;

accidents;

vehicle breakdown;

strikes;

supply chain disruption;

illness;

national emergencies.

13.2 In such circumstances, the Company may cancel or suspend the hire. Any refunds will be solely at the Company’s discretion.

14. Governing Law

14.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

14.2 Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.

15. Acceptance

By placing a booking, the Hirer confirms they:

have read and understood these Terms;

agree to be bound by them;

are authorised to enter into the agreement (where booking on behalf of a business or organisation).