Memberships Terms and Conditions
By becoming a Member of the SME Innovation Network (“the Network”), the organisation or individual (“the Member”) agrees to the following terms and conditions and commits to furthering the shared mission of empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through innovation, collaboration, and collective impact.
1. Purpose and Shared Commitment
1.1 Aligned Mission
The Member confirms alignment with the Network’s mission to promote innovation, responsible business growth, and socio-economic advancement within the SME ecosystem.
1.2 Active Participation
The Member agrees to engage actively in Network initiatives—such as events, forums, and co-creation programmes—to support the growth, visibility, and resilience of the wider SME community.
2. Membership Fees
2.1 Annual Contribution
The Member shall pay an annual membership fee in accordance with their selected tier. This fee contributes to the development and maintenance of the Network’s digital infrastructure, events, research, and member services.
2.2 Fee Adjustments and Renewals
Membership fees are subject to annual review. Notice of any fee changes will be provided no less than 30 days prior to renewal.
3. Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration
3.1 Subject Matter Contributions
Members will identify and nominate suitable representatives to contribute their expertise to a minimum of two Network activities per year, such as workshops, panels, webinars, or bootcamps.
3.2 Co-creation of Resources
The Member agrees to collaborate on the creation of valuable resources, including case studies, white papers, and toolkits, intended to support the SME community with practical insights and proven strategies.
4. Community Engagement and Representation
4.1 Strategic Representation
Each Member will nominate a designated representative to participate in bi-annual strategic sessions and may be invited to join advisory groups that influence the Network’s direction and priorities.
4.2 Advocacy and Ecosystem Promotion
Members are encouraged to advocate for the Network’s mission by promoting it within their own networks, speaking at relevant events, and amplifying shared initiatives through digital or traditional channels.
5. Confidentiality, Compliance, and Intellectual Property
5.1 Data Use and Intellectual Property
The Member agrees to use Network-shared data responsibly and to respect any intellectual property rights held by the Network or its participants. All jointly developed content may be co-branded unless otherwise agreed.
5.2 Confidential Information
All confidential, proprietary, or commercially sensitive information exchanged through the Network must be treated as strictly confidential. Where required, Members may be asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
6. Term, Renewal, and Termination
6.1 Term
This Agreement is effective for a period of one (1) year from the date of acceptance by the Member.
6.2 Automatic Renewal
The Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least sixty (60) days before the expiry of the current term.
6.3 Termination for Cause
Either party may terminate this Agreement with thirty (30) days’ written notice in the event of a material breach. Upon termination, all outstanding membership fees shall become immediately due and payable, and the Member’s access to Network resources will be revoked.
7. Legal and General Provisions
7.1 Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
7.2 Entire Agreement
This document constitutes the entire agreement between the Member and the Network and supersedes all prior discussions or understandings.
7.3 Amendments
The Network reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Members will be notified in writing of any material changes, which will take effect no less than 30 days after notice is issued.