Terms of Service

Effective Date: 3 August 2026

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the websites, applications, software, research, subscription services and other products and services (collectively, the "Services") provided by Protection Research Ltd ("Protection Research", "we", "our" or "us"). These Terms form a legally binding agreement between Protection Research Ltd and the business customer identified when purchasing or accessing the Services ("Customer", "you" or "your").

These Terms should be read together with our:

Privacy Policy;

Cookie Policy;

Acceptable Use Policy;

Data Processing Agreement (where applicable); and

Website Terms of Use. Where those documents are expressly incorporated by reference, they form part of the contractual framework governing your use of the Services. By creating an Account, purchasing a Subscription or otherwise accessing or using the Services, you confirm that: you have read and understood these Terms; you accept these Terms on behalf of yourself and, where applicable, the organisation you represent; you have authority to legally bind that organisation; and you agree to comply with these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Services.

2. About Protection Research Ltd

Protection Research Ltd is a private company incorporated in England and Wales.

Company Name

Protection Research Ltd

Company Number

• 17366537
• Registered Office

41 Colwyn Road, Stockport, Cheshire, England, SK7 2JG

Protection Research develops and provides business protection research software, related digital services and subscription-based products for authorised financial advisers and their firms. Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, all Services are supplied exclusively to business customers and not to consumers.

Questions regarding these Terms may be directed to:

Email: support@protectionresearch.com

3. Definitions

In these Terms, the following definitions apply unless the context requires otherwise. Acceptable Use Policy means the Protection Research Acceptable Use Policy, as amended from time to time. Account means a registered account used to access the Services. Applicable Law means all laws, regulations, regulatory requirements and legally binding codes applicable to either party in relation to these Terms. Authorised User means an employee, contractor or other individual authorised by the Customer to access the Services on its behalf. Confidential Information means any information disclosed by one party to the other that is identified as confidential or would reasonably be understood to be confidential by its nature, excluding information that falls within the exceptions set out in these Terms. Content means all research reports, articles, publications, software, documentation, dashboards, datasets, graphics, text, information, analysis and other materials made available through the Services. Customer means the legal entity entering into these Terms. Customer Data means any data, information or material submitted to the Services by or on behalf of the Customer. Data Processing Agreement means the Protection Research Data Processing Agreement applicable where Protection Research processes personal data on behalf of the Customer. Documentation means any user guides, manuals, technical documentation or supporting materials relating to the Services. Fees means all charges payable by the Customer under these Terms. Intellectual Property Rights means all present and future intellectual property rights including copyright, patents, trade marks, database rights, design rights, trade secrets, know-how and all similar rights recognised anywhere in the world. Privacy Policy means the Protection Research Privacy Policy published on our website. Services means all products and services supplied by Protection Research Ltd, including subscription services, software, websites, research publications and related functionality. Subscription means the recurring paid licence to access the Services. Subscription Period means each monthly billing period for which a Subscription remains active. Website means any website owned or operated by Protection Research Ltd through which the Services are provided.

4. Eligibility

The Services are intended solely for use by businesses, organisations, public bodies and other legal entities acting in the course of their business or professional activities. By entering into these Terms, you represent and warrant that: you are entering into these Terms on behalf of a business or other legal entity; you have authority to bind that entity; all registration and payment information you provide is accurate and complete; you will promptly update any information that becomes inaccurate; and your use of the Services will comply with Applicable Law. Protection Research does not enter into agreements with consumers under these Terms. If we reasonably believe that an Account has been created by or on behalf of a consumer, or that inaccurate or misleading information has been provided, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate access to the Services.

5. Customer Accounts

Access to some or all of the Services requires the creation of an Account. The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all Authorised Users: keep login credentials confidential; use the Services only in accordance with these Terms; do not share credentials with unauthorised persons; and promptly report any suspected compromise of an Account. The Customer remains responsible for all activity carried out through its Account by its Authorised Users. Protection Research may rely on instructions received through an authenticated Account unless we have reason to believe that the Account has been compromised. If the Customer becomes aware of any unauthorised access, security incident or suspected misuse affecting its Account, it must notify Protection Research without undue delay. Protection Research may suspend or restrict an Account where it reasonably considers that: these Terms have been breached; the security or integrity of the Services is at risk; unauthorised access has occurred or is reasonably suspected; suspension is necessary to investigate suspected misuse; suspension is required to comply with Applicable Law; or continued access presents a material operational or security risk. Where reasonably practicable, Protection Research will notify the Customer of any suspension and, where appropriate, provide the Customer with an opportunity to remedy the issue before permanent termination.

6. Subscription Services

Protection Research provides the Services on a subscription basis unless otherwise agreed in writing. Subject to these Terms and payment of the applicable Fees, Protection Research grants the Customer a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable and revocable licence to access and use the Services during the applicable Subscription Period solely for the Customer's own internal business purposes. A Subscription does not transfer ownership of the Services or any Intellectual Property Rights.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing:

Subscriptions are billed monthly in advance. Access is limited to the number of Authorised Users permitted under the Customer's Subscription. The Services may only be used for the Customer's internal business operations. The Customer may not sublicense, lease, rent or otherwise make the Services available to third parties. Access rights may not be shared between multiple organisations. Protection Research may enhance, modify or improve the Services from time to time to: improve functionality or performance; maintain compatibility with supported technologies; address security vulnerabilities; comply with legal or regulatory requirements; or support the continued development of the Services. We will use reasonable endeavours not to materially reduce the core functionality of an active Subscription without providing reasonable notice where practicable.

7. Fees and Payment

The Customer agrees to pay all Fees applicable to its Subscription.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

Fees are payable monthly in advance. All Fees are payable in Pounds Sterling (GBP). Fees are exclusive of taxes unless expressly stated otherwise. Payment is collected using the payment method authorised by the Customer through a payment provider selected by Protection Research. At the Effective Date of these Terms, Protection Research Ltd is not registered for Value Added Tax (VAT). Should our VAT status change, VAT will be charged where required by Applicable Law. The Customer authorises Protection Research, or its appointed payment service provider, to collect recurring subscription payments using the nominated payment method until the Subscription is cancelled. The Customer is responsible for ensuring that: payment details remain valid and current; sufficient funds are available to meet recurring payments; and any billing information provided is accurate. Where payment cannot be successfully collected, Protection Research may: retry the payment within a reasonable period; notify the Customer of the failed payment; temporarily suspend access to the Services until payment is received; and terminate the Subscription for persistent non-payment in accordance with Section 17. Protection Research reserves the right to amend its Fees from time to time. Any change to recurring subscription pricing will take effect only after reasonable prior notice and will apply from the Customer's next renewal date.

8. Automatic Renewal and Cancellation

Subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each Subscription Period unless cancelled before the next renewal date. The Customer may cancel its Subscription at any time through the account management functionality, where available, or by contacting Protection Research using the contact details provided in these Terms.

Cancellation:

• prevents future renewals
• does not affect the current Subscription Period; and

takes effect automatically at the end of the paid Subscription Period.

Following cancellation:

no further recurring Fees will be charged; the Customer will continue to have access to the Services until the Subscription Period expires; and access will end automatically unless a new Subscription is purchased. Except where required by Applicable Law, all Fees paid are non-refundable.

Protection Research is not obliged to provide refunds or credits for:

• unused Subscription time
• partial billing periods
• changes to Customer requirements; or

failure by the Customer to use the Services. Nothing in this section limits any statutory rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

9. Acceptable Use

The Customer must use the Services responsibly, lawfully and in accordance with these Terms and the Acceptable Use Policy. The Customer must not, and must ensure that its Authorised Users do not: use the Services for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; interfere with or disrupt the operation, security or availability of the Services; attempt to gain unauthorised access to any systems, networks or data; introduce malware, ransomware, viruses or other malicious code; probe, scan or test the vulnerability of the Services without our prior written consent; reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble any software forming part of the Services except where such rights cannot lawfully be restricted; copy, scrape, harvest or systematically extract Content except where expressly authorised; use automated tools, bots or similar technologies to collect Content without our written permission; use any Content to train, develop or improve artificial intelligence or machine learning models without our prior written consent; remove or obscure copyright notices, trade marks or other proprietary notices; redistribute, publish or commercially exploit Content except as expressly permitted by these Terms; or use the Services in any manner that could reasonably damage the reputation, security or legitimate interests of Protection Research or its customers. Protection Research may investigate suspected breaches of this section and may suspend access where reasonably necessary to protect the Services or other customers. Serious or repeated breaches may result in termination under Section 17.

10. Intellectual Property

All Intellectual Property Rights in the Services, Website, Content, Documentation, software, databases, methodologies, trade marks, branding and related materials are and shall remain the exclusive property of Protection Research or its licensors. Nothing in these Terms transfers ownership of any Intellectual Property Rights to the Customer. Subject to these Terms and payment of all applicable Fees, Protection Research grants the Customer a limited, revocable, non-exclusive and non-transferable licence to access and use the Services solely during an active Subscription Period for the Customer's own internal business purposes. Except to the extent expressly permitted by these Terms or by Applicable Law, the Customer must not: copy or reproduce the Services or Content; create derivative works based on the Services or Content; publish or redistribute research or Content for commercial purposes; use Content to create competing databases, research products or commercial intelligence services; benchmark or evaluate the Services for publication without our prior written consent; use the Services or Content to develop competing products or services; remove proprietary notices or branding; sell, sublicense, lease or commercially exploit any part of the Services; or permit any third party to do any of the above. The Customer retains ownership of all Customer Data submitted through the Services.

Protection Research retains ownership of:

• the Services
• all research, reports and Content created by Protection Research

anonymised and aggregated statistical information derived from operation of the Services, provided that such information does not identify the Customer or any individual; and all improvements, enhancements and derivative works developed by or for Protection Research. The Customer grants Protection Research a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to process Customer Data solely to: provide the Services; maintain and secure the Services; comply with legal obligations; investigate security incidents; improve the performance and reliability of the Services; and perform its obligations under these Terms. Nothing in these Terms affects either party's rights under applicable intellectual property legislation.

11. Research Content

Protection Research develops and publishes business protection research, contract comparison tools, rankings, reports, software outputs and related Content for authorised financial advisers and their firms. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all Content is provided for general informational and documentation purposes only. While Protection Research uses reasonable skill and care in preparing its research, the Customer acknowledges that: protection markets, provider literature and contract terms change over time; research reflects available source material and professional judgement at the time of publication; information may become outdated without notice; rankings and scores depend on the criteria and inputs selected for each research case; no research tool can guarantee completeness, suitability or competitive outcome for every client; and the Services are intended to assist, not replace, the Customer's own advice process, governance and decision-making. The Customer remains solely responsible for: evaluating the suitability of any Content for its own circumstances and clients; verifying critical contract details against current provider literature before relying upon them; complying with applicable legal and regulatory obligations; and obtaining independent legal, regulatory or professional advice where appropriate. Nothing contained within the Services constitutes regulated financial advice, a personal recommendation, legal advice, investment advice, regulatory advice or any other professional advice. References to third-party organisations, insurance providers, products or services are provided solely for informational purposes and do not constitute endorsement, certification or approval unless expressly stated.

12. Customer Data and Data Protection

Protection Research is committed to protecting personal data and processing Customer Data responsibly. Where Protection Research processes personal data on behalf of the Customer, each party shall comply with its respective obligations under Applicable Data Protection Law, including: the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR); the Data Protection Act 2018; and any legislation replacing or supplementing those laws. The collection and use of personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy. Where Protection Research acts as a processor on behalf of the Customer, the processing shall also be governed by the applicable Data Processing Agreement. The Customer warrants that it has obtained all rights, permissions and lawful bases necessary to provide Customer Data to Protection Research. Protection Research will implement and maintain appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect Customer Data against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure or access. Protection Research may engage carefully selected service providers and sub-processors where reasonably necessary for the delivery of the Services. Where required by Applicable Data Protection Law, Protection Research will ensure that appropriate contractual safeguards are maintained with those providers. Nothing in these Terms transfers ownership of Customer Data to Protection Research.

13. Service Availability and Support

Protection Research will use reasonable skill and care in providing the Services. Although we aim to maintain a reliable and secure service, we do not guarantee that the Services will be continuously available, uninterrupted or free from errors.

Temporary interruptions may occur as a result of:

• scheduled maintenance
• emergency maintenance
• software updates
• infrastructure upgrades
• failures affecting third-party providers
• cyber security incidents
• internet or telecommunications failures; or

events beyond our reasonable control.

Protection Research may temporarily suspend access where reasonably necessary to:

• maintain the security or integrity of the Services
• investigate suspected misuse
• prevent harm to customers or third parties
• comply with Applicable Law; or

carry out essential maintenance. Customer support is currently provided by email during normal UK business hours. Unless expressly agreed in writing, Protection Research does not provide: guaranteed response times; guaranteed resolution times; service level agreements (SLAs); or uptime commitments. Protection Research may improve, replace or discontinue individual features where reasonably necessary, provided such changes do not materially reduce the overall functionality of an active Subscription without reasonable notice where practicable.

14. Confidentiality

Each party acknowledges that it may receive Confidential Information from the other party during the course of these Terms.

Each party agrees that it shall:

• keep Confidential Information strictly confidential
• use Confidential Information only for the purposes of performing these Terms

disclose Confidential Information only to those employees, contractors and professional advisers who have a legitimate need to know and who are subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations; and protect Confidential Information using security measures that are no less rigorous than those used to protect its own confidential information of a similar nature, and in any event using reasonable care. The confidentiality obligations contained in this section do not apply to information which: is or becomes publicly available other than through breach of these Terms; was lawfully known by the receiving party before disclosure; is independently developed without reference to the Confidential Information; or is lawfully obtained from a third party without confidentiality restrictions. A party may disclose Confidential Information where required by Applicable Law, regulation or the order of a court or competent authority, provided that, where legally permitted, it gives the other party reasonable advance notice. The obligations contained in this section survive termination of these Terms. Where information constitutes a trade secret or remains confidential by its nature, those obligations continue for as long as that information remains confidential.

15. Warranties and Disclaimers

Protection Research warrants that:

• it has the legal right to provide the Services
• it will provide the Services using reasonable skill and care; and

it will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the security of the Services. Except as expressly stated in these Terms, the Services, Website and all Content are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, Protection Research excludes all implied warranties, representations and conditions, including any implied warranties relating to: satisfactory quality; merchantability; fitness for a particular purpose; uninterrupted availability; compatibility with third-party systems; and non-infringement.

Protection Research does not warrant that:

• every defect will be corrected
• the Services will operate without interruption
• the Services will satisfy every Customer requirement
• research will always be complete, accurate or current; or

the Services will be free from vulnerabilities arising from third-party software, infrastructure or internet services beyond our reasonable control. The Customer acknowledges that protection markets and provider information change over time and that research outputs depend on third-party source material and user-selected inputs. Accordingly, Protection Research does not warrant or guarantee that use of the Services will ensure suitability, completeness or any particular advice outcome for any client. Nothing in these Terms excludes any warranty or obligation that cannot lawfully be excluded under the laws of England and Wales.

16. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits either party's liability for:

• death or personal injury caused by negligence
• fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• any liability arising from wilful misconduct

any breach of applicable law where liability cannot lawfully be excluded or limited; or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under the laws of England and Wales. Subject to the above, Protection Research's total aggregate liability arising out of or in connection with these Terms, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, misrepresentation or otherwise, shall not exceed the total Fees paid by the Customer under these Terms during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, Protection Research shall not be liable for any: indirect or consequential loss; loss of profit; loss of revenue; loss of anticipated savings; loss of business opportunity; loss of contracts; loss of goodwill; loss of reputation; loss or corruption of data, except to the extent caused by our failure to implement security measures required by Applicable Law; business interruption; or wasted management or administrative time. The Customer acknowledges that: the Fees reflect the allocation of risk between the parties; the Services are provided on a subscription basis at commercially reasonable prices; and the limitations contained in these Terms are fair and reasonable in all the circumstances. Each party shall take reasonable steps to mitigate any loss it suffers.

17. Suspension and Termination

Protection Research may suspend access to all or part of the Services immediately where it reasonably believes that: these Terms have been materially breached;

Subscription Fees remain unpaid following reasonable payment reminders;

• the Services are being used unlawfully
• continued access presents a material security, operational or legal risk
• suspension is necessary to investigate suspected misuse; or

suspension is required to comply with Applicable Law or a lawful request from a competent authority. Where reasonably practicable, Protection Research will notify the Customer of the suspension and explain the reasons for it. Where the issue is capable of remedy, the Customer will normally be given a reasonable opportunity to resolve it before termination.

Protection Research may terminate these Terms immediately by written notice where:

• a material breach is incapable of remedy
• a remediable breach is not remedied within a reasonable period after notice
• the Customer repeatedly breaches these Terms

the Customer becomes insolvent, enters administration, liquidation or a similar insolvency process (other than for a solvent corporate restructuring); or Protection Research is legally required to terminate the Services. The Customer may terminate these Terms at any time by cancelling its Subscription in accordance with Section 8.

Upon termination:

• all licences granted under these Terms immediately cease
• the Customer must stop using the Services
• access credentials may be disabled

Protection Research may delete or anonymise Customer Data following the expiry of any applicable retention period unless retention is required by law; and each party must return or securely destroy the other party's Confidential Information where reasonably requested, unless retention is required by Applicable Law. Termination shall not affect any rights, remedies or liabilities accrued before termination. Any provision which by its nature is intended to survive termination shall continue in effect, including provisions relating to intellectual property, confidentiality, liability, payment obligations, dispute resolution and governing law.

18. Changes to the Services or these Terms

Protection Research may amend these Terms where reasonably necessary to:

• reflect changes in Applicable Law
• improve, develop or enhance the Services
• respond to security risks
• reflect changes to our business operations; or

improve the clarity or administration of these Terms. Where a change materially affects the Customer's rights or obligations, Protection Research will provide reasonable notice before the revised Terms take effect. The current version of these Terms will be published on our Website. Continued use of the Services after revised Terms become effective constitutes acceptance of those revised Terms. If the Customer does not agree to a material amendment, it may cancel its Subscription before the revised Terms take effect. Cancellation will take effect at the end of the current paid Subscription Period unless otherwise required by Applicable Law.

19. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under these Terms where that delay or failure results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control. Force Majeure events include, but are not limited to: natural disasters; flood, fire or severe weather; war, terrorism or civil unrest; acts of government; changes in law; labour disputes not involving the affected party's own employees; failures of telecommunications or internet infrastructure; widespread cyber attacks affecting critical infrastructure; failures of cloud or utility providers; pandemics or public health emergencies; and any other event beyond the reasonable control of the affected party. The affected party shall use reasonable endeavours to minimise the effects of the Force Majeure event and resume performance as soon as reasonably practicable. If the Force Majeure event continues for more than ninety (90) consecutive days and substantially prevents performance, either party may terminate these Terms by written notice without liability arising solely from that termination.

20. General Legal Terms

These Terms, together with any documents expressly incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between the parties relating to the Services and supersede all previous discussions, negotiations and agreements relating to their subject matter. Each party acknowledges that it has not relied upon any representation, statement or promise that is not expressly set out in these Terms. No delay or failure by either party to exercise any right or remedy shall constitute a waiver of that right or remedy. If any provision of these Terms is held to be unlawful, invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If modification is not possible, it shall be severed without affecting the validity of the remaining provisions. The Customer may not assign, transfer, subcontract or otherwise dispose of any of its rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of Protection Research. Protection Research may assign or transfer these Terms as part of a merger, acquisition, corporate reorganisation or sale of all or substantially all of its business or assets, provided that the Customer's rights under these Terms are not materially reduced. Nothing contained in these Terms creates any partnership, joint venture, agency or employment relationship between the parties. A person who is not a party to these Terms has no right to enforce any provision under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

Notices

Any notice required under these Terms shall be given in writing. Protection Research may send notices to the Customer using the email address associated with the Customer's Account. The Customer may send notices to Protection Research using the contact details published in these Terms. An email shall be deemed received on the first Business Day following transmission unless the sender receives notice that delivery has failed.

21. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with them, their subject matter or formation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The parties irrevocably agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms, except where Applicable Law provides otherwise.

22. Contact

Questions regarding these Terms or the Services should be directed to:

Protection Research Ltd

Company Number: 17366537

• Registered Office: 41 Colwyn Road, Stockport, Cheshire, England, SK7 2JG
• Email: support@protectionresearch.com

End of Terms of Service

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