Terms and conditions for a business networking group

A networking group sells introductions it cannot promise, to members who each want exclusivity in their category. The terms have to run fees and renewals, attendance and substitutes, category exclusivity, conduct and expulsion, and the member data that makes the group work, without suggesting that any referral is guaranteed. I draft those terms for a fixed fee of £995, delivered in five working days.

Who this is for

Business networking groups, referral groups, breakfast clubs and local business associations in England and Wales run as businesses or membership organisations, charging membership fees and meeting in person or online. Members join for their businesses, so these are business-member terms.

What matters in networking group terms

Membership, fees and renewal

The terms should state the membership period, the fee and when it is payable, meeting fees if separate, and how membership renews and is cancelled, with the renewal terms clear at joining. Membership is personal to the member and their business, and the terms should say whether it transfers if the member changes employer or sells the business.

Attendance, substitutes and participation

The terms should set attendance expectations, allow a substitute from the member's business, and say what happens when attendance falls below the standard: a warning, then loss of membership without refund. Members who want the benefits of the group have to be in the room, and the terms should say that the group may fill the seat of a member who is not.

Category exclusivity and competing members

Where the group operates one member per trade or profession, the terms should define categories, say that the group decides category disputes, that a member's category may be defined more narrowly as the group grows, and that exclusivity ends with membership. Where categories are not exclusive, the terms should say so plainly, because assumed exclusivity is the commonest complaint. Exclusivity of membership by category is one thing; any arrangement between members about the prices they charge or the customers they will not compete for would engage the Competition Act 1998, and the terms should not create one.

Referrals, conduct and expulsion

Referrals are passed between members at their discretion, and the terms should say that the group does not guarantee referrals, business or results, does not vouch for any member's work, and is not party to contracts between members. A code of conduct should be part of the terms, with a process for complaints between members and a right to suspend or expel a member for breach without refund of fees.

Member data, events and liability

The group holds members' contact details, which are personal data under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and publishes a directory; the terms should say what is published, that members consent to sharing within the group, and that marketing to members by members is subject to the code and to the law on electronic marketing under the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003. Events are subject to venue rules and may be cancelled with a transfer or credit. Liability should be capped at the annual fee, with consequential loss excluded, tested for reasonableness under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. Fees unpaid carry interest and compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

What it costs

Customer or supplier terms and conditions, £995. One set of terms, customer-facing or supplier-facing, drafted for your business. Five working days.

Review of your existing terms, £495. You already have terms and want them checked and brought up to date. Returned marked up with my amendments and an explanation of the changes. Three working days.

Buying online forms the engagement on payment. The scope is what the terms and conditions drafting page describes, you accept the Terms of Service at checkout, and I email you within four working hours to get started. If you would rather ask something first, email me.

What you get

• A full set of bespoke terms drafted for your business, reflecting the legal requirements that apply to your business and sector
• A note in plain English explaining the terms I have drafted for you
• Liability, payment, termination and IP provisions that protect your position and are drafted to withstand scrutiny from the other side
• Guidance on how to incorporate the terms properly
• Your questions and comments answered by email or phone
• One round of amendments to finalise the terms ready for use

What is not included

• Negotiating your terms with individual customers (I am happy to quote for this as an additional service if required)
• Sector-specific regulatory compliance beyond the contract terms themselves
• Website privacy notice and cookie compliance, which I quote separately
• Terms governed by the law of another country
• Tax advice

Questions I am often asked

A member says they have had no referrals in a year and wants a refund. Do they get one?

If the terms say the group does not guarantee referrals and fees are for membership of the group, no. The group provides the room; the referrals come from the members.

Two members now do the same thing. Who keeps the category?

The terms should say that the group decides category disputes and may define categories more narrowly, with the earlier member usually keeping the original category. Say how the decision is made and by whom.

Can we remove a member for poor conduct?

If the terms include a code of conduct and a process for complaints with a right to suspend or expel for breach, yes. Follow the process, give the member a chance to respond, and record the decision.

Related guidance and services

• Terms and conditions drafting, £995, the service this page describes
• Contract review, £495
• Terms and conditions for a sports club membership
• Terms and conditions for a training provider

This page is general guidance for businesses in England and Wales, not advice on your own circumstances. Last reviewed: September 2026. Email geoffrey@caesar.co.uk.