| These conditions apply to all contracts for the hire of equipment by Lowe Rental and shall apply in place of and prevail over any terms or conditions contained or referred to in any hirer’s order or in correspondence or elsewhere or implied by trade custom, practice or course of dealing unless specifically agreed to in writing by a director of Lowe Rental. |
| 1. |
DEFINITIONS & FORMATION |
| 1.1 |
The following definitions and rules of interpretation apply to this Hire Contract: |
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“Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday in England, when banks in London are open for business. |
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„Charges“ means the total amount payable by the Hirer for the hire of the Equipment as set out in the Quotation or (in the event that no Quotation is provided by the Owner to the Hirer) as agreed in writing between the Owner and the Hirer. |
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“Consumer Prices Index” means the consumer prices index as published by the Office for National Statistics or equivalent body from time to time. |
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“Deposit” means any deposit amount set out in the Hire Contract or the Quotation. |
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„Equipment“ means the equipment listed in the Quotation and any other equipment or goods of any nature whatsoever provided by the Owner to the Hirer in accordance with these conditions. |
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“Force Majeure Event” means any of the following circumstances or events which are beyond the Owner’s reasonable control including but not limited to: an act of God, war, military or terrorist activity, civil unrest, national strike, lock-out or trade dispute or labour disturbance, government intervention, pandemic, epidemic, fire, flood, storm or adverse weather conditions or difficulty or excessive increase in the expense in obtaining workmen, materials or transport |
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„Hire Contract“ means the contract between the Owner and the Hirer in connection with the hire of the Equipment incorporating these conditions, the Quotation and the Order (where applicable). |
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„Hire Period“ means the period during which the Equipment is hired by the Owner to the Hirer under the Hire Contract (and, if the Hire Contract subsists for different periods in relation to different items of Equipment, as the context requires or permits the period during which each item of Equipment is hired by the Owner to the Hirer) and includes any period during which the Equipment is in the possession or under the control of the Hirer otherwise than with the consent of the Owner. |
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„Hirer“ means the person, firm, company, corporation or authority specified as the hirer of the Equipment and includes his/her, its or their successors or personal representatives. |
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„Minimum Hire Period“ means either the minimum fixed term period for which the Equipment is capable of being hired as stated in the Quotation or (in the event that no such period is specified in the Quotation) as agreed between the Hirer and the Owner and stated in the Hire Contract. |
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„Minimum Hire Charge“ means the minimum amount charged by the Owner for the Minimum Hire Period as stated in the Quotation or (in the event that no such period is specified in the Quotation) as agreed between the Hirer and the Owner and stated in the Hire Contract. |
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„Order“ has the meaning given to it in clause 1.2. |
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„Owner“ means Lowe Rental Ltd. (company number NI058627) whose registered address is Unit 1, Lissue Industrial Estate East, 9 Lissue Walk, Lisburn, BT28 2LU. |
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„Quotation“ means the document or web-page provided by the Owner setting out the Charges, a list of the Equipment and any Minimum Hire Period. |
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“Renewal Period” means any extension of the Minimum Hire Period. |
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“Retail Prices Index” means the retail prices index as published by the Office for National Statistics from time to time. |
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„Site“ means where the Equipment is or is to be located during the Hire Period. |
| 1.2 |
Each Quotation constitutes an invitation for the Hirer to place an order with the Owner. A firm offer to form the Hire Contract will have occurred if the Hirer (i) signs and returns the Quotation or agreed terms; (ii) sends a written communication confirming that it wishes to proceed with the order; or (iii) issues a purchase order to the Owner. No Hire Contract is formed until the Owner has (i) returned a counter-signed copy of the Quotation or agreed terms; (ii) issued a rental confirmation or (iii) sent the Client an electronic communication confirming that it has accepted the order (each constituting an „Order„) save that the Owner shall be under no obligation to perform any of its obligations hereunder until the Hirer has paid the Deposit and delivery charges to the Owner (where applicable). |
| 1.3 |
The Hirer is responsible for the accuracy of information on the Order. |
| 2. |
CONSENTS LICENCES AND PERMISSIONS |
| 2.1 |
The Hirer shall obtain and maintain in force at all times all permissions, consents and licences required for the Equipment or for the erection, installation or operation of the Equipment or any part of it under any applicable statute, regulation or bye-law and comply with any conditions imposed therein. |
| 2.2 |
The Owner shall not, other than in exercise of its rights under the Hire Contract or applicable law, interfere with the Hirer’s quiet possession of the Equipment. |
| 2.3 |
The Owner reserves all intellectual property rights in or relating to the Equipment, including copyright in all drawings, plans, diagrams, operation or installation manuals, specifications, lists of components, illustrations and images of the Equipment or any part of it, all rights in all designs of or relating to the Equipment or any part of it prepared or created by the Owner and all rights in the trade and service marks (registered and unregistered) used by the Owner in connection with the Equipment or any part of it and the Hirer hereby acknowledges that it shall not acquire any such rights and that all such rights are, and shall remain, vested in the Owner. |
| 3. |
DELIVERY |
| 3.1 |
The Owner will use its reasonable endeavours to deliver the Equipment to the Site on the date specified for delivery in the Order or as otherwise agreed in writing between the Owner and the Hirer. Unless otherwise specified in writing, time will not be of the essence in relation to the date for delivery of the Equipment and the Owner accepts no liability for failure to deliver the Equipment on any specified date arising from any cause whatsoever. |
| 3.2 |
The Hirer will provide the Owner with any reasonable assistance required to plan and facilitate the delivery. If the Hirer does not reasonably co-operate with the Owner such that the delivery of the Equipment may be completed within one month of the Order (unless otherwise agreed), the Owner may terminate the Contract and retain the Deposit. Furthermore, the Hirer shall pay to the Owner the amount of any losses that the Owner sustains as a result of the termination of the Hire Contract (including losses arising as a result of the Owner’s inability to hire any equipment purchased for the purpose of fulfilling the Hire Contract). |
| 3.3 |
It shall be the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure that the route and site for delivery and collection of the Equipment is suitable and without impediment. Where the ground is soft, potentially unstable or otherwise unsuitable for delivery the Hirer shall notify the Owner, and the Hirer shall provide appropriate temporary foundations in a suitable position for loading, unloading and for the Equipment to rest on. For the avoidance of doubt, the Owner shall not be liable to the Hirer or any third party for any loss or damage incurred as a result of the Hirer failing to perform its responsibilities under this clause 3.3. |
| 3.4 |
It is the Hirer’s responsibility to ensure the suitability of the Site and access for the Equipment. Unless otherwise specified in writing, the Hirer is responsible for ensuring that any area onto which the Owner is installing flat-pack coldrooms is level and free of obstructions. Any costs arising from the unsuitability of the Site, access route and/or any consequential failed or delayed delivery and/or installation work are chargeable to the Hirer. |
| 3.5 |
In the event the Hire Period exceeds twenty-four (24) months, the Owner shall be entitled to review, and to the extent reasonable, increase the costs of collection of the Equipment from the Site. |
| 4. |
LOADING AND UNLOADING |
| 4.1 |
The Hirer shall be responsible for the loading and unloading of the Equipment at the Site and any personnel supplied by the Owner shall be deemed to be under the Hirer’s control. Unless otherwise agreed, the Owner will remove all packaging from Site. |
| 4.2 |
The Hirer shall be responsible for any lifting gear or special apparatus required for the installation or removal of the Equipment. |
| 4.3 |
A maximum of 90 minutes is allowed for the loading and unloading of the Equipment. Should the vehicle driver be delayed in gaining access to the Site or on Site any longer than this period, whether the reason for the delay is within the control of the Hirer or not, then extra charges will be incurred at the rate of £50 per 15 minute period for each employee or worker of the Owner thus delayed. |
| 4.4 |
Any work involving positioning of the Equipment is the responsibility of the Hirer. |
| 4.5 |
The Hirer shall deliver up the Equipment at the end of the Hire Period or on earlier termination of the Hire Contract for collection by the Owner and allow the Owner or any of its representatives access to the Site or any premises where the Equipment is located for the purpose of removing the Equipment. |
| 5. |
CONNECTION OF MAINS SERVICES |
| 5.1 |
Connection and disconnection of services on the Site is the responsibility of the Hirer and must be performed by a competent engineer in accordance with the service requirements outlined by the Owner. |
| 5.2 |
Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Owner, it is the responsibility of the Hirer to arrange for a competent engineer to commission the Equipment on the Site. |
| 5.3 |
If delivery or commissioning (if agreed) of the Equipment is not possible due to the Hirer’s failure to comply with clause 5.1 or 5.2, the Hirer will be liable for any additional costs the Owner incurs. |
| 6. |
MAINTENANCE, CARE AND ALTERATIONS |
| 6.1 |
The Hirer shall use the Equipment in a skilful and proper manner and in accordance with any operating instructions issued with the Equipment and shall ensure that the Equipment is operated and used by properly skilled and trained personnel. The Hirer shall be responsible for maintaining the Equipment in the same condition as on the date of its delivery and for returning the Equipment at the expiry of the Hire Period in a good and clean condition (fair wear and tear excepted). |
| 6.2 |
If at any time during the Hire Period the Equipment (or any part of it) is lost or damaged the Hirer shall immediately notify the Owner and the Hirer shall be responsible for the full cost of replacement or repair. In the case of damage, the Owner shall (in its absolute discretion) determine whether the damage shall be made good by repair or the Equipment be replaced. The Owner may elect to invoice replacement charges for lost Equipment during or at the end of the Contract Period. The Hirer shall be responsible for the replacement of all consumable items such as dishwasher salts, water softeners, calcium treatment units, slicer blades and light bulbs. |
| 6.3 |
The Hirer shall not suffer or permit the Equipment to be confiscated, seized or taken out of its possession or control under any distress, execution or other legal process, but if the Equipment is so confiscate, seized, or taken, the Hirer shall notify the Owner and the Hirer shall at its sole expense use its best endeavours to procure an immediate release of the Equipment and shall indemnify the Owner on demand against all losses, costs, charges, damages, and expenses incurred as a result of such confiscation. |
| 6.4 |
No alteration or modification may be carried out to the Equipment without the prior written consent of the Owner. |
| 6.5 |
Nothing may be affixed whether temporarily or permanently to any of the interior or exterior walls of the flatpack coldroom, cabin or portable building housing or forming part of the Equipment and any holes or other damage caused to any interior or exterior walls shall be charged to and payable by the Hirer in accordance with these terms. |
| 6.6 |
In the event of any item of the Equipment malfunctioning the Hirer will inform the Owner at the earliest possible opportunity. The Owner will procure that an engineer visits the Site to examine the malfunctioning item of the Equipment which is not capable of use within one Business Day of notification (unless unachievable due to the location of the Site). If the Equipment is malfunctioning, the Owner shall at its option, repair or replace the Equipment. |
| 6.7 |
If in the opinion of the Owner any malfunction of the Equipment is caused by misuse, neglect or malicious vandalism, or impact damage, the cost of repairs (including a call out charge at the Owner’s rates ruling at the time), will be charged to and payable by the Hirer in accordance with these terms. If in the opinion of the Owner (i) the malfunction of the Equipment is caused by incorrect usage, insufficient gas or electrical supply, inadequate water treatment or any other problem unrelated to the Equipment, regardless of whether the Owner has conducted maintenance visits, or (ii) the Equipment is not malfunctioning, the Owner will charge the Hirer a full call-out charge at the Owner’s rate ruling at the time, including all transport charges. |
| 6.8 |
In times of severe weather, precautions should be taken by the Hirer to avoid frost, flood, wind, hail, rain or storm damage. The Owner recommends that the Equipment be drained down or kept heated (as appropriate) overnight at such times. Any damage caused by frost, flood, wind, hail or storm is the responsibility of the Hirer. |
| 6.9 |
In the event the Owner provides a cabin or portable building with the Equipment, under no circumstances may the Hirer remove any Equipment or part thereof from such cabin or portable building. No cooking equipment connected to a supply of water, electricity or gas, other than equipment supplied by the Owner, may be used within any portable kitchen supplied by the Owner unless prior consent in writing is given by the Owner. |
| 6.10 |
The Hirer shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with any applicable rules or regulations relating to health or safety at work and shall take such steps (including compliance with all safety and usage instructions provided by the Owner) as may be necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the Equipment is at all times safe and without risk to health when it is being set, used, cleaned or maintained. In particular: |
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6.10.1 |
The Hirer shall not use the Equipment for any unlawful purposes. |
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6.10.2 |
The Hirer will not do or permit to be done anything that could invalidate the insurances referred to in Condition 18 (Title, Risk and Insurance). |
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6.10.3 |
If it is necessary or prudent for fire extinguishers to be available at the Site within the cabin or portable building supplied by the Owner, the Hirer shall be responsible for supplying them. |
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6.10.4 |
The Hirer shall be responsible for the periodic electrical testing (including PAT testing) and testing of emergency lights of the Equipment whilst on hire; and |
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6.10.5 |
The Hirer shall be responsible for pressure vessel testing of any Equipment whilst on hire. |
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6.10.6 |
The Hirer shall be responsible for the chlorination of water supply pipework. |
| 6.11 |
Should any fixed or loose item of Equipment not be returned with the Equipment at the expiry of the Hire Period then rental will be charged on that item until it is either returned to the Owner or payment for the item is received by the Owner. The minimum hire charge for such items will be £20 plus £1 per item per day. |
| 6.12 |
The Hirer shall maintain operating records of the Equipment and make copies of such records readily available to the Owner, together with such additional information as the Owner may reasonably require. |
| 6.13 |
If any Equipment is returned to the Owner damaged, the Owner may recover the costs of repair or replacement (at its discretion) from the Hirer through retention of the Deposit, security bond and/or by raising an invoice for same which shall be payable within 14 days. |
| 7. |
INSPECTION |
| 7.1 |
Regardless of any security or regulatory restrictions relating to access to the Equipment, the Hirer shall at all times allow the Owner, its agents or servants or any person authorised by the Owner, to have reasonable access to the Equipment to inspect, test, adjust, repair, remove or replace the same. |
| 7.2 |
The Hirer shall procure that all necessary consents from third parties are obtained and kept in force to permit the Owner to have access to the Equipment at all times for the purpose of the Hire Contract. |
| 8. |
HIRE PERIOD |
| 8.1 |
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Minimum Hire Period will commence on whichever is the earlier of (i) delivery or (ii) the day set out in the Order (the “Agreed Delivery Date”). Should the Hirer seek to postpone the delivery date within the four (4) week time period leading up to the Agreed Delivery Date, notwithstanding such postponement, the Hire Period shall be deemed to commence on the Agreed Delivery Date. Any requests for postponement prior to the date four (4) weeks prior to the Agreed Delivery Date shall be considered by the Owner in its sole discretion acting reasonably and may incur additional charges. |
| 8.2 |
On or after the expiry of the Minimum Hire Period, the Owner will arrange collection of the Equipment at the expiry of notice given by the Hirer in accordance with clause 8.3. |
| 8.3 |
Either the Hirer or the Owner may terminate the Hire Contract by giving notice in writing to the other in accordance with the following notice provisions, such notice not to expire before the end of the Minimum Hire Period (or any agreed Renewal Period). Where the Hire Period: |
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8.3.1 |
exceeds twenty four (24) months, the notice period shall be not less than twelve (12) weeks’ notice; |
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8.3.2 |
exceeds twelve (12) months, the notice period shall be not less than eight (8) weeks’ notice; |
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8.3.3 |
exceeds six (6) months, the notice period shall be not less than six (6) weeks’ notice; |
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8.3.4 |
is six (6) months, the notice period shall be not less than five (5) weeks’; |
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8.3.5 |
is three (3) months, the notice period shall be not less than four (4) weeks’; |
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8.3.6 |
is one (1) month, the notice period shall be not less than two (2) weeks’. |
| 8.4 |
Notwithstanding clause 8.3 in the event that the Equipment on hire at any point consists of (i) ten (10) units or more; (ii) any units that require modification or design changes to be made; or (iii) open plan units, the party seeking to terminate the Hire Contract must give not less than ten (10) weeks’ notice. |
| 8.5 |
The Owner may refuse a request by the Hirer to extend the Hire period beyond the Minimum Hire Period, or any subsequent requests for extension of the Hire Period. The Owner is not obliged to give any reasons for such refusal or to act reasonably. |
| 9. |
RENTAL TERMS, PAYMENT TERMS AND DEPOSIT |
| 9.1 |
The Hirer shall pay to the Owner the Charges in accordance with the timeline set out in the Quotation or (in the event that no Quotation is provided by the Owner to the Hirer) as agreed in writing between the Owner and the Hirer. |
| 9.2 |
The Charges are exclusive of VAT and any other applicable taxes and duties or similar charges which shall be payable by the Hirer at the rate and in the manner to time prescribed by law. |
| 9.3 |
In the event that the Parties agree to extend the Minimum Hire Period, the Owner shall notify the Hirer as soon as reasonably practicable (before the expiry of the Minimum Hire Period) the revised Charges payable by the Hirer which shall continue to accrue at the rate agreed by the Owner at the point of extension until the Equipment is returned to or collected by the Owner or a further extension of the Hire Period is agreed. |
| 9.4 |
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, if the Hire Period exceeds one (1) month, the Owner will invoice the Charges in monthly instalments, as at the first day of each succeeding month. |
| 9.5 |
All Charges shall be paid by the Hirer punctually to the Owner and subject to clause 9.8 below no allowance, deduction, discount or set-off shall be permitted. |
| 9.6 |
In the event of late payment the Owner reserves the right to charge interest at the rate of 4% above the base lending rate of The Bank of England (compounded monthly) on any amount outstanding from time to time before as well as after any judgement from the due date for payment until the date of payment in full thereof. |
| 9.7 |
The Owner reserves the right to amend hire rates, reasonably, at any time after the expiry of the Minimum Hire Period, giving seven (7) days‘ notice in writing to the Hirer. |
| 9.8 |
Where required under the Hire Contract or set out in the Quotation, the Hirer shall pay a security bond to the Owner upon entering into the Hire Contract. The amount of such security bond shall be held by the Owner until the safe return of the Equipment in accordance with these conditions. The security bond may be set-off by the Owner against the Charges or applied by the Owner in its reasonable discretion to fund costs payable by the Hirer in connection with lost or damaged or inadequately cleaned Equipment. |
| 9.9 |
If the Quotation includes a Deposit then the Deposit is a deposit against default by the Hirer of payment of any Charges or any loss of or damage caused to the Equipment. The Hirer shall, on the date of the Hire Contract, pay the Deposit in such amount as is detailed on the Quotation. If the Hirer fails without due cause to fulfil any Charges in accordance with the Hire Contract, or causes any loss or damage to the Equipment (in whole or in part), the Owner shall be entitled to apply the Deposit against such default, loss or damage. The Hirer shall pay to the Owner any sums deducted from the Deposit within ten (10) Business Days of a demand for the same. Subject to these terms, the Deposit shall be returned to the Hirer at the end of the Hire Contract. |
| 9.10 |
If at the time of entering into the Hire Contract the Hirer issued a specific purchase order number for the Hire Contract, the Owner will reference that purchase order number on all invoices issued to the Hirer. If following the issue of the Hirer’s initial purchase order number: |
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9.10.1 |
the Hirer’s requirements change such that additional Charges are due in excess of those covered by the initial purchase order number; and |
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9.10.2 |
the Hirer fails for any reason to promptly issue a revised or supplementary purchase order number to cover such additional Charges, |
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then the Hirer hereby authorises the Owner to raise its invoices for such additional Charges citing the original purchase order number provided. Invoices issued pursuant to this clause 9.10 shall be deemed to have been properly rendered and otherwise paid in accordance with the terms of this Hire Contract. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing prevents the Owner from issuing invoices without a purchase order number. |
| 9.11 |
Save as provided at clause 9.12.1 or otherwise set out in writing, the Hire Payments payable for: |
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9.11.1 |
the first Renewal Period following the Minimum Hire Period, shall be 5% more than the Hire Payment paid for the last month of the Minimum Hire Period; |
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9.11.2 |
each subsequent Renewal Period, shall be 5% more than the Hire Payment paid for the last month of the previous Renewal Period. |
| 9.12 |
If the Owner, acting reasonably and in good faith, believes that the prevailing market conditions require it: |
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9.12.1 |
it may within 30 days of any Renewal Period commencing notify the Hirer in writing that a higher increase in the monthly fee is required than is set out in clause 9.11; |
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9.12.2 |
the increase notice will set out the amount of the proposed increase and the reasons why the Owner considers it appropriate; |
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9.12.3 |
if the Hirer does not wish to continue with the Hire Contract at the price stated in the increase notice, it may serve notice to terminate the Hire Contract at the end of the following month providing that such notice must be served within 10 Business Days of the Hirer receiving the increase notice, time being the essence in this regard; |
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9.12.4 |
the higher Rental Payment notified to the Hirer pursuant to this clause 9.12.1 shall not take effect if a termination notice is served. |
| 9.13 |
The Owner may, without need of prior notice, increase the Charges with effect from 1 January each year by an amount equal to the higher of (i) 3.5% or (ii) any percentage increase in the Retail Prices Index or the Consumer Price Index (at the Owner’s election) during the previous year. |
| 10. |
FORCE MAJEURE |
| 10.1 |
If the Owner is prevented, hindered or delayed from or in performing any or all of its obligations under this Agreement by a Force Majeure Event, the Agreement shall be suspended for so long as the Force Majeure Event continues and to the extent that the Owner is so prevented, hindered or delayed. |
| 10.2 |
The Owner shall not be liable to the Hirer for any loss or damage which may be suffered by the Hirer as a direct or indirect result of the delay of Equipment or the performance by the Owner of any of its obligations under this Agreement being prevented, hindered or delayed. |
| 10.3 |
As soon as reasonably practicable after the commencement of a Force Majeure Event, the Owner shall notify the Hirer in writing of the nature and extent of the circumstances giving rise to the Force Majeure Event and the effects of the Force Majeure Event on its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
| 10.4 |
The Owner shall use all reasonable endeavours to mitigate the effects of the Force Majeure Event upon the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; and as soon as reasonably practicable after the cessation of the Force Majeure Event, shall notify the Hirer in writing and shall resume performance of its obligations under this Agreement. |
| 10.5 |
In the event the Force Majeure Event lasts longer than one (1) month, the Owner shall be entitled (but not required) to cancel the Hire Contract without liability or compensation to the Hirer. |
| 11 |
TERMINATION |
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Without prejudice to the Owner’s right to arrears of Charges or other sums due under the Hire Contract the Owner may terminate the hire under the Hire Contract by notice to the Hirer upon the occurrence of any of the following events: |
| 11.1 |
if the Hirer fails to pay the Charges or any other sums agreed to be paid by the Hirer to the Owner under the Hire Contract on the due date; or |
| 11.2 |
if the Hirer breaches any term of the Hire Contract; or |
| 11.3 |
if the Hirer does or allows to be done any act or thing which may prejudice or endanger the Owner’s property or rights in the Equipment; or |
| 11.4 |
if the Hirer dies or otherwise becomes incapable of performing its obligations under the Hire Contract; or |
| 11.5 |
if the Hirer has a bankruptcy order made against him/her; or |
| 11.6 |
if the Hirer is liquidated or wound up or has a petition for winding up presented against it or it pass a resolution for voluntary winding-up (otherwise than for reconstruction or amalgamation to which the Owner shall have given its written consent); or |
| 11.7 |
if the Hirer suspends, or threatens to suspend, payment of its debts or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or admits inability to pay its debts or is deemed unable to pay its debts within the meaning of section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986; or |
| 11.8 |
if the Hirer commences negotiations with all or any class of its creditors with a view to rescheduling any of its debts, or makes a proposal for or enters into any compromise or arrangement with its creditors other than for the sole purpose of a scheme for a solvent amalgamation of the Hirer with one or more other companies or the solvent reconstruction of the Hirer; or |
| 11.9 |
if an application is made to court, or an order is made, for the appointment of an administrator, or if a notice of intention to appoint an administrator is given or if an administrator is appointed, over the Hirer; or |
| 11.10 |
if the holder of a qualifying floating charge over the assets of the Hirer has become entitled to appoint or has appointed an administrative receiver; or |
| 11.11 |
if a person becomes entitled to appoint a receiver over the assets of the Hirer or a receiver is appointed over the assets of the Hirer; or |
| 11.12 |
if a creditor or encumbrancer of the Hirer attaches or takes possession of, or a distress, execution, sequestration or other such process is levied or enforced on or sued against, the whole or any part of the Hirer’s assets and such attachment or process is not discharged within 14 days; or |
| 11.13 |
if the Hirer shall abandon the Equipment whereupon the Owner’s consent to the Hirer’s possession of the Equipment shall be terminated immediately and the Owner may take possession of the Equipment wherever it or any part of it may be. |
| 12. |
CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION |
| 12.1 |
Immediately upon notification of the termination of the Hire Contract pursuant to clause 11 above there shall become immediately due and payable by the Hirer to the Owner: |
| |
12.1.1 |
all and any Charges then due (including all and any arrears); |
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12.1.2 |
all and any Charges which were agreed to be paid by the Hirer at the end of the Hire Period or any extension thereof (less a discount for accelerated payment at the rate of 5% per annum). |
| 12.2 |
The Hirer shall indemnify the Owner against, and shall promptly reimburse the Owner upon receipt of any invoice from the Owner in respect of, all expenses and costs incurred by the Owner in retaking possession of the Equipment and/or enforcing its rights under the Hire Contract. |
| 13. |
CANCELLATION |
| 13.1 |
In the event that the Hirer cancels the Hire Contract (whether by notice to that effect given to the Owner at any time after the Hire Contract has been entered into or by failing to comply with the Hirer’s obligations under the Hire Contract and the Owner electing to treat such failure as a repudiation of the Hire Contract by the Hirer) the Owner shall be entitled to either: |
| |
13.1.1 |
where the Hire Period has commenced, recover the same payments from the Hirer pursuant to clause 12 as if the Owner had terminated the Hire Contract for a reason falling within clause 11; or |
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13.1.2 |
where the Hire Period has not yet commenced, recover any Charges payable as the result of preparatory work on the Equipment and all Charges that would have been payable by the Hirer for the Minimum Hire Period as if the Hire Contract had not been cancelled. |
| 14. |
CLEANING |
| 14.1 |
The Hirer shall fully clean the Equipment each day during the Hire Period. If the Owner (in its absolute discretion) considers that the Equipment requires cleaning at any time during the Hire Period to ensure its efficient operation or its continued efficient operation, the Owner shall be entitled to clean the Equipment and charge the cost of so doing to the Hirer. |
| 14.2 |
At the expiry of the Hire Period and prior to the collection of the Equipment by the Owner the Hirer will deep clean the Equipment so that the Hirer returns the Equipment to the Owner in the same condition (fair wear and tear excepted) and standard of cleanliness as it was when it was delivered by the Owner. If the Equipment is not cleaned to an acceptable standard, as determined by the Owner acting reasonably, the Owner may charge the Hirer for the reasonable costs of cleaning. |
| 15. |
CONDITIONS, WARRANTIES AND EXCLUSIONS |
| 15.1 |
The Equipment shall be deemed to be complete, in good order and condition and to the Hirer’s satisfaction unless notification is received by the Owner within forty-eight (48) hours of the Equipment being delivered to the Site. |
| 15.2 |
The Owner warrants that the Equipment shall substantially conform to its specification (as made available by the Owner to the Hirer), be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose as determined by the Owner but no warranty or representation is given or made that the Equipment is suitable for the purpose required by the Hirer. |
| 15.3 |
In the event of malfunction, failure or poor or partial performance of the Equipment or any part of it and subject to the provisions of clause 15.1 and clause 6 above, the liability of the Owner shall be limited to repairing or replacing the Equipment or relevant part. |
| 15.4 |
Without prejudice to clause 15.5, the Owner’s maximum aggregate liability in connection with the Equipment or the Hire Contract (including any liability for the acts or omissions of its employees, agents and subcontractors), whether such liability arises in contract, tort, negligence, misrepresentation, breach of statutory duty or otherwise howsoever shall in no circumstances exceed the amount equal to the aggregate Charges payable by the Hirer during the Minimum Hire Period. |
| 15.5 |
Nothing in the Hire Contract shall exclude or in any way limit: |
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15.5.1 |
either party’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its own negligence; |
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15.5.2 |
either party’s liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or |
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15.5.3 |
any other liability which cannot be excluded by law. |
| 15.6 |
Except as expressly set forth in the Hire Contract all conditions, warranties and representations expressed or implied by statute, common law or otherwise with respect to the Equipment are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law and in no event shall the Owner be liable for any negligence or other tortious loss or for any of the following losses or damage (whether such losses or damage were foreseen, foreseeable, known or otherwise and whether or not the Owner is advised of the possibility of loss, liability, damage or expense): |
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15.6.1 |
loss of revenue; |
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15.6.2 |
loss of actual or anticipated profits (including for loss of profits on contracts); |
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15.6.3 |
loss of the use of money; |
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15.6.4 |
loss of anticipated savings; |
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15.6.5 |
loss of sales or business; |
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15.6.6 |
loss of operating time or loss of use; |
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15.6.7 |
loss of opportunity; |
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15.6.8 |
loss of or damage to goodwill; |
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15.6.9 |
loss of or damage to reputation; |
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15.6.10 |
loss of, damage to, or corruption or reconstitution of data; or |
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15.6.11 |
any indirect or consequential loss of damage howsoever caused (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where such loss or damage is of the type specified in clauses 15.7.1 to 15.7.10). |
| 15.7 |
Direct financial and other loss not excluded by this clause is accepted by the Owner up to the limit set out in clause 15.4. |
| 15.8 |
In particular, the Owner accepts no liability for loss of or damage to food or stock due to defects in or breakdown of any Equipment. |
| 16. |
TRANSPORT |
| 16.1 |
Unless otherwise stated in the Quotation provided by the Owner to the Hirer, the Hirer shall pay to the Owner the cost of the transport of the Equipment from the Owner’s premises to the Site and its return to the Owner’s premises. |
| 17. |
SUB-LET AND CHANGES OF SITE |
| 17.1 |
Subject to 17.3 below the Hirer shall not re-hire, sell, mortgage, charge, pledge, part with possession of or otherwise deal with the Equipment or purport to do any such things and shall protect the same against distress, execution or seizure and shall indemnify the Owner against all damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses that may be occasioned by failure to observe and perform this condition except in the case of Government requisition. |
| 17.2 |
The Hire Contract is personal to the Hirer and the Hirer shall not assign his, her or its rights hereunder. |
| 17.3 |
Subject to the written permission of the Owner and the Hirer having specified any sub-hirer to the Owner in writing the Hirer may sub-let the whole (but not part only) of the Equipment to the specified person, firm or company for use at the Site but: |
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17.3.1 |
any such sub-letting shall not affect in any way the Hirer’s liability to the Owner under the terms of the Hire Contract; |
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17.3.2 |
the Hirer shall make it a condition of the sub-letting that in the event that the Hirer makes any default in the payment of rentals due by the Hirer to the Owner the sub-hirer shall thereupon no longer be in possession of the Equipment sub-hired with the consent of the Owner and accordingly such Equipment may be repossessed by the Owner; and |
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17.3.3 |
the Hirer shall indemnify and keep indemnified the Owner against any loss, cost, claim, demand, liability or expense which the Owner may suffer, incur or sustain as a result of or in connection with any such sub-letting. |
| 17.4 |
In particular but without prejudice to the generality of clause 17.3 above the Hirer will remain liable for all damage to the Equipment or any part of it caused by any person, firm or company to which the Hirer gives possession of the Equipment and for any charges raised by the Owner in accordance with these terms and conditions in the event of failure to maintain the Equipment properly. |
| 18. |
TITLE, RISK AND INSURANCE |
| 18.1 |
The Equipment shall at all times remain the property of the Owner, and the Hirer shall have no right, title or interest in or to the Equipment (save the right to possession and use of the Equipment subject to the terms and conditions of the Hire Contract). |
| 18.2 |
The risk of loss, theft, damage or destruction of the Equipment shall pass to the Hirer on delivery to the Site. The Equipment shall remain at the sole risk of the Hirer during the Hire Period until such time as the Equipment is collected by or returned to the Owner. During the Hire Period, the Hirer shall, at its own expense, obtain and maintain the following insurances: |
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18.2.1 |
insurance of the Equipment to a value not less than its full replacement value comprehensively against all usual risks of loss, damage or destruction by fire, theft, accident and any other cause usually insured against; |
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18.2.2 |
insurance for such amounts as a prudent owner or operator of the Equipment would insure for, or such amount as the Owner may from time to time reasonably require, to cover any third party or public liability risks of whatever nature and however arising in connection with the Equipment; and |
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18.2.3 |
insurance against such other or further risks relating to the Equipment as may be required by law, together which such other insurance as the Owner may from time to time consider reasonably necessary and advise to the Hirer. |
| 18.3 |
The Hirer shall ensure that the interest of the Owner is noted on such insurance policies effected by the Hirer and that the Owner is named as loss payee so that in the event of loss or damage to the Equipment or any claim being made against the Owner for loss or damage to person or property the Owner will have the benefit of an indemnity from an insurance company to the full value of the loss, damage or claim. |
| 18.4 |
The Hirer shall, at least 10 Business Days before the Hire Period commences, provide to the Owner evidence that the Hirer has the insurance policies in force as required by these terms and conditions. |
| 18.5 |
Should the Hirer not provide evidence of the required insurance cover in accordance with clause 18.4, or should the Owner reasonably consider that the insurance obligations under this clause 18 have not been adequately met, the Owner shall be entitled to charge the Hirer a fee (a “Damage Waiver”), which shall be charged to and payable by the Hirer in accordance with these terms. The Damage Waiver is not a substitute for insurance and the Hirer will remain liable for any damage or loss beyond the levels accounted for by the Damage Waiver. |
| 19. |
OWNER’S MARKS |
| 19.1 |
The Hirer will not remove, obscure, alter or deface in any way any of the Owner’s nameplates, signs, engravings or other indications of ownership on any of the Equipment. |
| 19.2 |
The Hirer will procure that none of the Equipment becomes affixed to any land and will indemnify the Owner against any loss, cost claim, demand, liability or expense which the Owner may suffer, incur or sustain as a result of any person, firm or company claiming that any Equipment has become affixed to any property. |
| 20. |
ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND VARIATION |
| 20.1 |
The Hire Contract constitutes the whole agreement between the parties and supersedes all previous agreements between the parties relating to its subject matter. |
| 20.2 |
Each party acknowledges that, in entering into the Hire Contract, it has not relied on, and shall have no right or remedy in respect of, any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made negligently or innocently) other than as expressly set out in the Hire Contract. Each party agrees that its only liability in respect of those representations and warranties that are set out in the Hire Contract (whether made innocently or negligently) shall be for breach of contract. |
| 20.3 |
Nothing in this clause shall limit or exclude any liability for fraud or for fraudulent misrepresentation. |
| 20.4 |
No variation of the Hire Contract shall be effective unless it is in writing and agreed by the parties (or their authorised representatives). |
| 21. |
CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999 |
| 21.1 |
A person who is not a party to the Hire Contract shall not have any rights under or in connection with it by virtue of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 but this does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists, or is available, apart from that Act. |
| 21.2 |
The rights of the parties to terminate, rescind or agree any variation, waiver or settlement to or under the Hire Contract are not subject to the consent of any person that is not a party to this agreement. |
| 22. |
GENERAL |
| 22.1 |
Each party shall use the confidential information of the other party whether disclosed before or after the date of this Hire Contract only for the proper performance of its duties under this Hire Contract and shall not without the disclosing party’s written consent disclose or permit the disclosure of the confidential information except in confidence for the proper performance of its duties under this Hire Contract to those of its employees, officers and professional advisers who need to have access to it. The provisions of this clause shall not apply to confidential information which: (i) the receiving party can prove was known to the receiving party before receipt; (ii) is in or enters the public domain through no wrongful default by or on behalf of the receiving party with effect from the date when that information enters the public domain; (iii) was received from a third party without obligations of confidence owed directly or indirectly to the disclosing party; or (iv) is required to be disclosed in order to comply with applicable law, to the extent of the required disclosure. |
| 22.2 |
Any delay or failure by the Owner to exercise any right or remedy under the terms hereof shall not constitute a waiver of it or them and any of the Owner’s rights or remedies may be enforced separately or concurrently with any other right or remedy now or in the future accruing to the Owner to the effect that such rights are cumulative and not exclusive of each other. |
| 22.3 |
The continuance of the hire under the Hire Contract and of the Hirer’s liability for payment of rentals and all other sums due under it shall not be affected in any way by the loss or theft of or any damage to or defect in the Equipment, whether latent or patent. |
| 22.4 |
Any written communication from the Owner to the Hirer or from the Hirer to the Owner shall be effective for the purposes of the Hire Contract and shall be sufficiently served if sent by letter whether delivered by pre-paid post or as an attachment to email or delivered by hand to the address of the other as referred to in the Quotation, Order or other contract document forming part of the Hire Contract and if sent by post shall be deemed to have been received by the addressee forty-eight (48) hours after the time of posting and at the date of sending or delivery if delivered by hand or sent as an email attachment. |
| 22.5 |
The Hire Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction. |
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Updated March 2026 |