Terms & Conditions

Thank you for considering Burkin Associates Limited.

We know that every organisation is different, which is why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re working with Steve Burkin, Julia Burkin, or both of us, you’ll receive practical advice, honest conversations and consultancy shaped around your organisation and your objectives.

These Terms & Conditions explain the basis on which we provide our consultancy services. They’re intended to be clear, fair and easy to understand.

About Burkin Associates Limited

Burkin Associates Limited is an independent consultancy working with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Our consultancy is led by Directors Steve Burkin and Julia Burkin, whose experience complements one another.

Steve Burkin

Steve specialises in design consultancy, bringing many years of experience in the construction and home improvement sectors. His expertise includes:

• Design consultancy for residential, commercial and specialist projects
• Product knowledge and technical advice
• Planning guidance and design development
• Conservation and listed building considerations
• Customer-focused design solutions
• Technical reviews and project support
• Problem solving and practical design advice

Julia Burkin

Julia specialises in organisational, customer and community consultancy, drawing on more than 30 years’ experience across housing, charities and community organisations. Her work includes:

• Customer and resident engagement
• Community and stakeholder consultation
• Service reviews and improvement
• Facilitation and workshops
• Social value and community investment
• Organisational development
• Leadership coaching and mentoring
• Independent research, reports and recommendations

Projects may be delivered by Steve, Julia or jointly, depending on your requirements.

Agreeing a Project

Every consultancy project begins with a conversation.

We’ll take time to understand your organisation, your objectives and what success looks like before recommending an approach.

Before any work begins, we’ll agree:

• the scope of the project
• the services to be provided
• the timescales
• the fees
• the main deliverables.

This may be confirmed through a proposal, quotation, purchase order, contract or written email acceptance.

Working Together

Successful consultancy is built on collaboration.

We’ll always aim to:

• work professionally and ethically
• communicate openly and honestly
• provide practical, independent advice
• keep you informed throughout the project
• respect confidentiality
• deliver work to a high professional standard.

In return, we ask you to provide the information, access and decisions we need to deliver the project successfully.

Changes to the Project

Sometimes priorities change as a project develops.

If additional work is requested or the agreed scope changes, we’ll discuss this with you before proceeding. Where appropriate, we may revise the project fee or timescale, but we’ll always agree this with you first.

Fees and Payment

Our fees will always be agreed before work begins.

Unless we’ve agreed something different in writing:

• all fees are exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise
• invoices are payable within 30 days
• agreed travel or project expenses may be charged where applicable.

Confidentiality

We understand that many consultancy projects involve commercially sensitive information.

Anything you share with us will be treated as confidential unless:

• you ask us to share it
• we’re required to do so by law
• there’s a safeguarding or legal obligation to disclose information.

This commitment continues after the project has finished.

Reports and Materials

Any reports, presentations or other materials we prepare remain the intellectual property of Burkin Associates Limited until payment has been received in full.

Once payment has been made, you’re welcome to use them within your organisation for the purpose they were created.

If you’d like to reproduce or publish our work more widely, please speak to us first.

Data Protection

We take your privacy seriously.

Any personal information we collect while delivering consultancy services will be handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation and our Privacy Policy.

Cancelling or Postponing Work

If plans change, please let us know as soon as possible.

If work has already been completed, or costs have been committed specifically for your project, these will remain payable.

Where workshops or facilitated events are postponed, we’ll always do our best to agree a suitable alternative date.

Our Liability

We’ll always use reasonable care, skill and professional judgement when carrying out our work.

Our advice is based on the information available to us at the time and is intended to help you make informed decisions.

Except where the law says otherwise, our liability is limited to the value of the consultancy services we have provided for the project concerned.

Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions about our services or are unhappy with any aspect of our work, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll always do our best to resolve any concerns fairly, openly and professionally.

Governing Law

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

Contact Us

We look forward to working with you.

Thank you for choosing Kingfisher Cottage for your stay. These Terms & Conditions are designed to ensure that all guests enjoy a comfortable, safe and relaxing visit.

Booking and Payment

Bookings for Kingfisher Cottage may be made directly with us or via Airbnb.

Where you book through Airbnb, your reservation, payment and cancellation terms will be governed by Airbnb’s platform rules and policies in addition to these Terms & Conditions.

For direct bookings, a booking is confirmed once we have received your deposit or full payment, as agreed at the time of booking.

The balance of your stay must be paid in full prior to arrival, in accordance with the payment schedule provided when you book.

We reserve the right to cancel a booking if payment is not received by the agreed date.

Cancellation

If you need to cancel your booking, please let us know as soon as possible.

For bookings made via Airbnb, cancellation terms and any applicable refunds will be handled in accordance with Airbnb’s cancellation policy.

For direct bookings, cancellation terms, including any applicable refunds, will be confirmed at the time of booking. We strongly recommend that guests take out appropriate travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Occupancy

Kingfisher Cottage is designed for a maximum number of guests as stated in your booking confirmation.

Only those named on the booking may stay at the cottage unless agreed with us in advance. Subletting or allowing additional overnight guests is not permitted.

The property is intended for holiday accommodation only and may not be used for parties, events or commercial activities without prior agreement.

Children

Due to the riverside location, changes in ground level and the overall layout of the property and gardens, Kingfisher Cottage is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Children aged 12 to 17 are welcome when accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Assistance Dogs

To help maintain the cottage for guests with allergies, we do not accept pets.

Registered assistance dogs are welcome. Please let us know before your arrival so we can ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Respecting Our Neighbours

Kingfisher Cottage is intended to be a peaceful place to relax.

To help everyone enjoy their stay, we ask guests to observe quiet hours between 9.00 pm and 9.00 am each day.

Please be considerate when using the garden, terrace and outdoor seating areas, particularly during the evening. Loud music, parties or disruptive behaviour are not permitted.

Sharing the Garden

Kingfisher Cottage sits within the grounds of our home, Red House.

While the cottage and its private patio are exclusively for your use during your stay, the wider gardens are occasionally used by us for routine maintenance, gardening, tending the vegetable garden, picking fruit and produce, or simply enjoying the space ourselves.

This means you may occasionally see us walking through parts of the garden during your stay.

We will always respect your privacy and do our best not to disturb you. Equally, if you’d like to stop for a chat, ask a question or simply say hello, we’re always happy to do so.

Spa Jet Bath

The bathroom includes a spa jet bath for guests to enjoy.

For the comfort of future guests and to protect the equipment, please follow the operating instructions provided in the Welcome Guide and avoid using products that may damage the spa system.

Please do not use bath oils, bubble bath or other additives unless specifically stated as suitable.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Electric vehicle charging is not permitted at Kingfisher Cottage.

If you require EV charging during your stay, we’ll be happy to suggest nearby public charging points.

Care of the Property

We kindly ask guests to treat Kingfisher Cottage with care and respect throughout their stay.

Please leave the property in a clean and tidy condition on departure. Any damage or breakages should be reported as soon as possible so that we can address them promptly.

Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the cottage.

Safety

Guests are responsible for their own safety during their stay.

Please take particular care around the riverside areas, steps, decking and garden paths, especially in wet or icy conditions.

Arrival and Departure

Check-in and check-out times will be confirmed with your booking.

We ask that guests arrive and depart within the agreed times to allow us to prepare the cottage for incoming guests.

If you require flexibility, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate where possible.

Liability

Guests are responsible for their personal belongings during their stay.

We cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or injury unless caused by our negligence.

Privacy

Any personal information collected in connection with your booking will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Contact

If you have any questions before or during your stay, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We want your time at Kingfisher Cottage to be as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.