Terms of service

1. Scope

These terms of service (the “Terms”) apply to the security, protection, consultancy, training, K9, recruitment and placement services provided by ARES RESPONSE GROUP LTD, trading as A.R.E.S, a company registered in England and Wales under number 17579606, whose registered office is at 128 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom (“A.R.E.S”).

They apply to anyone who requests or orders a service (the “Client”), whether a private individual acting for personal purposes (a “Consumer Client”) or a business. Any specific terms set out in the accepted proposal take precedence over these Terms.

2. Requests and proposals

A request sent through the website, WhatsApp, Signal or email is free and creates no obligation. It is not an order, a booking or a confirmation of availability.

A.R.E.S assesses each request (destination, risk level, legal framework, resources available) and, where appropriate, sends a written proposal setting out the service, the security plan, dates, price, payment terms and cancellation terms. A.R.E.S may decline a request, in particular where the service cannot be delivered lawfully or safely.

A proposal remains valid for the period stated in it.

3. Formation of the contract

The contract is formed when the Client accepts the proposal in writing (including by electronic signature) and, where the proposal requires it, when the deposit is received. Acceptance means acceptance of these Terms.

4. Price and payment

No prices are published on the website: each price is set in the proposal. Only the price confirmed in the accepted proposal is binding.

• Prices are stated in the currency of the proposal, exclusive of tax and, where required by law, inclusive of tax.
• Unless stated otherwise, assignment costs (travel, accommodation, visas, specific equipment) are itemised in the proposal.
• Payment terms (deposit, schedule, payment methods) are set out in the proposal. Failing that: 100% payable before the assignment starts for urgent assignments (starting within 7 days), short assignments or assignments abroad; otherwise a 50% deposit on order and the balance at the end of the assignment, payable within 15 days of the invoice.
• Late payment by a business Client gives rise to statutory interest and fixed-sum compensation under the applicable law. A.R.E.S may suspend the service in the event of non-payment after notifying the Client.

5. Delivery of services

A.R.E.S delivers its services with reasonable care and skill, through operatives and partners selected for their qualifications. No security arrangement can remove all risk, and A.R.E.S does not guarantee a particular outcome.

The Client undertakes to provide accurate and complete information, to report any change of circumstances promptly and to follow the safety instructions given by the team on the ground.

To protect people’s safety, the team leader may adapt, interrupt or refuse an action, in particular in case of danger, an unlawful request or conduct that endangers operatives or third parties.

A.R.E.S may use qualified subcontractors and partners whom it selects and for whom it remains responsible to the Client under these Terms.

Armed protection is only ever considered case by case and only where the applicable legal framework allows it.

6. Changes and cancellation

Any change to the service must be agreed in writing and may result in a price adjustment.

If the Client cancels, the terms set out in the proposal apply. Failing that: more than 7 days before the assignment starts, the deposit is refunded less any costs already incurred (travel, visas, accommodation); between 7 days and 48 hours before, 50% of the price remains payable; less than 48 hours before, 100% of the price remains payable. Non-refundable costs already incurred remain payable.

A.R.E.S may cancel or postpone a service for safety reasons, legal impossibility or force majeure. Sums paid for the part not delivered are then refunded, without further compensation.

7. Right to cancel (Consumer Clients)

Where the contract is concluded at a distance or off-premises, a Consumer Client has 14 days from the conclusion of the contract to cancel without giving any reason, by sending a clear statement to [email protected].

If a Consumer Client expressly asks for the service to start within that period, they must pay for the part of the service already provided, and they lose the right to cancel once the service has been fully performed.

Sums due are refunded within 14 days of cancellation, using the same payment method.

8. Confidentiality

A.R.E.S and its operatives treat all information about the Client, their family, travel and activities as strictly confidential. A.R.E.S never names a Client without written consent. A specific non-disclosure agreement can be signed at the Client’s request. This obligation continues after the contract ends.

9. Liability

A.R.E.S is liable for direct loss caused by a proven breach of its obligations. For business Clients, its liability is limited to the amount paid for the service concerned, and A.R.E.S is not liable for indirect or consequential loss (loss of revenue, business or opportunity).

Nothing in these Terms limits A.R.E.S’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, for fraud, or where the law does not allow such a limitation. Consumer Clients’ statutory rights are not affected.

10. Force majeure

Neither party is liable for a failure caused by an event beyond its reasonable control (natural disaster, conflict, civil unrest, decisions of public authorities, border closures, epidemic). The party affected informs the other promptly and the parties look for a suitable solution.

11. Personal data

Client data is handled in accordance with our privacy policy.

12. Complaints

Complaints can be sent to [email protected]. A.R.E.S will respond as quickly as possible.

13. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction.

Consumer Clients nevertheless keep the protection of the mandatory rules of their country of residence and may bring proceedings in the courts of that country.