Terms of Business

McTear's Gallery1842 Ltd (“McTear’s”) - Terms of Business for Buyers and Sellers (“Terms”)

All auctions and receipt of items for sale by auction and/or appraisal/valuation and sold items not uplifted are held under these Terms and Conditions which are readily available on the premises and online. Understanding and following these Terms is the responsibility of the Buyer/Seller. McTear’s staff will be happy to help if there is anything you do not fully understand.

All persons on McTear’s premises are there at their own risk and must ensure that they note the building plan and emergency exits. No McTear’s director or employee will be liable for personal injury or death (unless caused directly by the negligence of McTear’s staff) or for the safety of personal property, including vehicles.

Definitions

“McTear’s” means McTear's Gallery1842 Ltd. ”Buyer” means the person who is the accepted highest bidder for a lot and is deemed to have won the lot, and who agrees to pay the hammer price plus all commission charges. “Seller” is the person who consigns an item for sale/appraisal/valuation, who confirms that they are the rightful owner of an item, until such time as the item is sold to the Buyer or returned to the Seller. “Auctioneer” means the person conducting the auction. “You” and “Your” refer to the person dealing with McTear’s (buyer, bidder, seller, or person present in the auction room or via telephone/online service). “Lot” refers to the item or items purchased at auction by the Buyer, or the item or items consigned for sale and/or appraisal/valuation by the Seller. “Terms” means the terms and conditions as laid out in this document, subject to additional notes or amendments stated in the catalogue, on McTear’s website, or announced or displayed by the Auctioneer.

Returns Policy

Should any Lot be sold other than specifically described in terms of appearance or condition, authenticity or originality, the Buyer has 21 days from the date of sale to apply in writing for a refund of the purchase price. Shipping or postal or packaging costs are in every case at the expense of the Buyer, even in the case of a refund of the purchase price being agreed. No refunds for purchases will be made after the 21 day period.

A. For Buyers & prospective Buyers

1. Title
McTear’s acts at all times in the sale of goods as agents of the Seller of the Lots put up for auction only, and are not responsible for any default by either the Buyer or the Seller. As McTear’s act as agent only, title to any Lot at no time passes to McTear’s and accordingly they are not liable for any fault in connection with any Lot or defect or restrictions in the title of the Seller to sell any Lot . The Seller shall indemnify McTear’s against any claims in connection with any Lot sold by McTear’s on their behalf. As Auctioneers we usually contract as agents for the Seller whose identity, for reasons of confidentiality, is not normally disclosed. Accordingly if you buy, your primary contract is with the Seller.
McTear’s offers more than 50,000 items through auction each year and does not knowingly accept Lots where there may be a doubt as to the validity or the legitimacy of the Seller’s right to sell. However, it should be noted that McTear’s (as with any auction company) acts only as an agent of the Seller and, as such, we have and the Buyer agrees that McTear’s has no liability in any claims by a Buyer.

2. Estimates
An Estimate is given as a guide to the price likely to be achieved by a Lot, and as such must not be relied upon as a definite figure. Estimates are subject to change up to the sale of the relevant Lot(s). Reserve prices are not disclosed, though the lower estimate may represent the reserve price. The lower estimate will not be below the reserve price. Estimates do not include the Buyer’s Premium or VAT (where applicable).

3. Buyer's Premium
Buyer’s Premium (or Commission) of 24% of the hammer price plus VAT thereon is payable for each Lot purchased.

4. VAT
Lots with no VAT symbol are sold under the UK Auctioneer’s Margin Scheme and subject to 20% VAT on the buyer’s premium. Invoices will show the 'Premium charge' on margin items which includes VAT and must not be shown separately or reclaimed as input tax. Where items are not subject to VAT (e.g. books), the rate of VAT will be 0%.

Lots marked (**) or explicitly noted to be subject to Standard UK VAT Rules, will have 20% VAT charged on both the hammer price and the buyer’s premium.

VAT may be cancelled or refunded, if the lot is exported from the UK within 90 days of the sale date and other strict conditions are met. Provided a buyer instructs one of our authorised carries to export the lot(s), McTear’s can issue a Zero-rated invoice without VAT. McTear’s will obtain the proof of export directly from the authorised courier.

Should a buyer instruct a carrier who is not an authorised courier of McTear’s, the buyer must pay the invoice in full (including UK VAT). Upon receiving satisfactory proof of export (documentation and declarations accepted by HMRC), McTear’s can refund the buyer the UK VAT paid. McTear’s will not refund VAT where it amounts to less than £50. A processing fee of £25 will apply.

Buyer’s from outside the UK should be aware that upon importing to their destination, lots may be subject to local import VAT, import duties and/or taxes. This is solely the responsibility of the buyer and buyers may wish to consult a local tax adviser for more information.

If a buyer collects the lot(s) from McTear’s, with the view of transporting them out with the UK, they must pay the UK VAT in full and McTear’s will not be able to cancel or refund the UK VAT under these circumstances.


5. Droit de suite
Certain items incur a Droit de Suite charge (which will be indicated in catalogues with the * symbol with explanation clearly stated). Under Droite de Suite or Artist's Re-sale Rights legislation, auctioneers and art market professionals are required to collect royalty payments for all works of art by living artists and artists deceased within the previous 70 years, sold above the hammer price of 1000 euros, which is approximately £750. The royalty of 4% of the hammer price is charged to the Buyer, in addition to the Buyer’s Premium and is not subject to VAT. All royalty charges are paid to the Design and Artists Copyrights Society (DACS) and no handling costs or additional fees are retained by McTear’s. Please check with the Auctioneer if you are unsure whether this royalty is payable on any Lot that you are considering bidding for. Please note that the royalty payment is calculated on the rate of exchange at the European Central Bank on the date of the sale.

6. Catalogue Descriptions and Condition Reports
As agents for the Seller, McTear’s relies on information from the Seller concerning a Lot. While we do provide catalogue descriptions of Lots, it is the responsibility of the Buyer to inspect the Lot and ascertain condition. There is ample opportunity to view and inspect Lots. Where there is no mention of condition in the catalogue description, this is not an indication of perfect or any condition. Where the Buyer is unable to inspect the Lot in person, a condition report must be requested to ascertain condition. A condition report on any item of a mechanical nature or with moving parts will not provide a guarantee of the working order of, for example, a watch, clock, barometer or other instrument, the condition report will only take account of the aesthetic or external condition of any given Lot. Requests must be received by 9am the day prior to the sale. Where a condition report is not requested and the Buyer subsequently detects damage, McTear’s is not obliged to give a refund. Lots mis-described because they are 'deliberate forgeries' may be returned and a refund made. There is a 21 day time limit (see Returns Policy). A 'deliberate forgery' refers to an object being purposefully treated/constructed/or otherwise handled with the intention of deceiving as to its true age/condition/materials/origin/etc.

7. Pictures – Catalogue Descriptions, Authenticity and Condition Reports Terminology
Full artist’s name: In our considered opinion, a work by the named artist.
Attributed to: In our opinion, likely a work by the named artist.
Studio of: In our opinion, probably a work by a student of the named artist and possibly under the direction of the named artist.
Manner of: In our opinion, a work which is in the style of the named artist but not necessarily by a student or associate of the named artist.
After: In our opinion, a later work, sometimes a copy of a specific work by the named artist which may or may not be authorised.

Only when the artist’s full name is catalogued without “Attributed to, Studio of, Manner of or After” (or any other qualification) is the authenticity of the work guaranteed by McTear’s. The extent of this guarantee is 21 days from the auction date and any enquiry regarding authenticity must be notified to McTear’s in writing within 21 days of the auction date. Beyond this 21 day period, no challenge to authenticity will be valid. Any refund (at McTear’s discretion) will be limited to the hammer price paid plus commission and VAT. No transport costs or ancillary charges will be refunded.

Authenticity of even the best known of paintings can sometimes be a matter of conjecture and so-called ‘experts’ often disagree. The work of most artists varies considerably during their lifetime and whilst the style they may be best known for is generally identifiable, early work is often more difficult to authenticate. McTear’s endeavours to catalogue Lots as accurately as possible and to resolve any dispute between Buyer and Seller with fairness and impartiality.

McTear’s will be happy to provide a written (email) condition report for any Lot with a value of £200 or more. Verbal condition reports can usually be provided for lesser value pictures. Whilst every effort is made to provide an accurate report, none of our staff is a qualified picture restorer and therefore any condition report offered should be accepted as an indication of any obvious issues or problems or the lack of them. Buyers are urged to satisfy themselves in respect of the condition of any Lot and McTear’s can provide contact details of local professional restorers who will provide fully comprehensive expert reports – usually for a modest charge.

8. Electrical Goods and Fire Safety
McTear’s does not sell electrical and/or mechanical items as a general rule. Where electrical and/or mechanical items do appear for sale there is no guarantee of working order or of safety. These factors are the responsibility of the potential Buyers. Similarly, upholstered and fabric settees, sofas, and other soft furnishings must be examined by the Buyer prior to purchase to ascertain safety. McTear’s does not accept responsibility for the Buyer’s neglect to do so.

9. Export of Goods
It is the responsibility of the Buyer who intends to export items to determine whether a license is required to do so and to ensure that export of the item in question is permitted.

10. Registration and Bidding
Bidders are required to register their details with McTear’s in advance of the auction and complete all security checks, including providing photographic ID (driver’s license or passport), before participating at any auction. 

A sale is complete when the Auctioneer announces its completion by the fall of the hammer but until such announcement is made the Buyer may retract his bid. The property in a Lot shall not pass to the Buyer from the Seller until he/she has paid the purchase price in full but not withstanding that the property in the Lot has not passed the risk or loss of damage to the Lot shall pass to the Buyer on the fall of the hammer. The Auctioneer may, without giving any reason therefore, decline to accept the bidding of any person or persons and/or withdraw the Lot from the Auction before the fall of the hammer. In the event of any dispute over any aspect of bidding, the Auctioneer shall have absolute discretion to settle such dispute.

Bidding increments shall be at the absolute discretion of the Auctioneer.

Upon the fall of the hammer the Buyer must present his/her buyer number to the Auctioneer and any employee of McTear’s who requests it, and if called upon to do so must immediately pay to McTear’s such proportion of the purchase price as McTear’s may require. The purchase money must be paid in full within three days, and no Lots shall be removed until all purchase money has been paid and security checks have been completed, including any checks required to comply with Anti Money Laundering regulations. The Buyer shall pay the hammer price together with a premium of 24% of the hammer price plus VAT thereon.

If the Buyer has not paid for the Lot or Lots purchased within three days of the sale, he shall be deemed to have received notice of McTear’s intention to re-sell the Lot in terms of Section 48(3) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979. If at the expiry of a further seven day period McTear’s has not received the purchase price, they may re-offer the Lot for auction. If upon such a re-sale a lower price is obtained for any such Lots than was obtained on the first sale, the difference in price shall be a debt due from the Buyer. Interest shall be charged at Bank of Scotland Base Lending Rate on any purchase monies outstanding after such period until the goods are re-sold.

The Auctioneer or a Company employee can bid on your behalf, but neither McTear’s nor the Auctioneer will be responsible for failure to do so. Where identical commission bids are received for a Lot, the Auctioneer reserves the right to give priority to the first recorded bid.

McTear’s reserves the right to refuse bidding by any person until all outstanding debts owed by that person to McTear’s are settled.

11. Commission Bidding and Telephone Bidding
The Terms as laid out in point 10 apply to commission and telephone bidders.
Commission bids and requests for telephone bidding must be received by McTear’s by 9am on the day of the sale. Commission bids do not include Buyer’s Premium. Those instructing commission and telephone bidding are deemed to have read and accepted McTear’s Terms and Conditions. Commission and telephone bidding are free services offered by McTear’s and McTear’s accepts no responsibility for failing to execute a bid or any errors connected to it. Telephone bidders should provide two telephone numbers. There is a limit to the number of telephone lines available for each Lot and interested parties are advised to submit requests as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

12. Live Online Bidding

The Terms as laid out in point 11 apply to online bidders. McTear’s Live Auctions allows online bidding in real time with the auction. There is no additional charge for buyers who register via mctears.co.uk. Lots purchased online via the saleroom.com are subject to an addional 4.95% plus VAT thereon. Identification details and credit card details will be required to register for online bidding. These card details will be used to pay all charges immediately following the auction. Registration must be completed by 9am on the day of the sale. McTear’s reserves the right to approve or otherwise bidders for the Live Auctions. Bidders are required to read the terms and conditions of ATG Media, which can be found at www.the-saleroom.com. Bidding using these services is the responsibility of the Buyer and clicking the Bid button is a commitment to buy and pay in full the relevant Lot. McTear’s will not be held responsible for failure of the online bidding service or for incorrect information provided by thesaleroom.com.


13. Methods of Payment

Invoices totalling £10,000 and above can only be paid by bank transfer from an account matching the details of the registered buyer. Prospective Buyers new to McTear’s may be asked to supply bank references prior to the auction. Payment for purchased Lot(s) must be made by the registered Buyer; payment by a third party will be refused. Payment for goods bought at auction must be made within three business days (days on which the major banks in Scotland are trading). Payments may be made in cash (up to £8,000), Switch, Debit or credit card (up to £10,000 online payment). Payments can be made by debit and credit card in person only, and not by telephone. Payments “not present” can be made by bank transfer (details available from McTear’s) or using the secure online payment system available at mctears.co.uk/payments. McTear’s and Auctioneer reserve the right to reject bids by you until outstanding debts to McTear’s have been cleared. Buyers should contact their bank to arrange credit approval prior to the sale. Title of the Lot transfers to the Buyer only when payment is made in full.

14. Collection and Storage of Items Sold at Auction
Goods will be released only to the registered Buyer. It is the Buyer's responsibility to ensure that all items contained within a lot are present before leaving McTear's. Collection by courier/carriers will only be permitted upon receipt of written instruction from the Buyer and with the agreement of McTear’s. Collections by taxis or unauthorised individuals will be refused. You shall at your own expense remove items purchased within four days of the auction for Antiques & Interiors auctions and seven days for all other auctions, after which time McTear’s reserves the right to hold the Buyer liable for charges in storing the item(s) on the premises or for expenses incurred by McTear’s for storage of the item(s) at a facility outwith the premises. (After seven days from the auction date, a £10 handling charge per item will apply, followed by a £5 per item per day storage fee, all plus VAT). Items not paid and collected within seven days of the sale date may be re-sold by McTear’s (and any financial loss sustained by McTear’s must be settled by the Buyer) or otherwise disposed of at McTear’s’ discretion. Any financial surplus will belong to McTear’s.

McTear’s is not liable in any way for the safe keeping of any Lot(s) sold whether paid for or unpaid. Responsibility and risk for an item(s) held by McTear’s after sale, whether before or after payment in full or in part by or on behalf of the Buyer, lies with the Buyer and not with McTear’s. McTear’s gives no warranty and/or undertaking that any such item shall be insured by McTear’s against loss and/or damage. McTear’s shall not be responsible for damage or loss however occasioned or arising in respect of any item held by McTear’s except where such loss or damage shall be caused by fault and/or negligence of McTear’s and/or a person for whom McTear’s is responsible.

15. Shipping
McTear's may be able to post small items within the UK and Northern Ireland for buyers upon request and subject to size and fragility. Please email auction@mctears.co.uk or call us on 0141 810 2880 to discuss this further.

Mailboxes 
info@mbewoodlandsroad.co.uk
0141 332 6555
admin@mbeshawlands.co.uk
0141 649 6777

Aardvark Art Services Ltd (Specialist Painting Couriers)
info@aardvarkartservices.com
01253 794673

Collin Moran & Son
collin@collinmoranandson.co.uk
0141 849 1947

Alban Shipping
info@albanshipping.co.uk
01582 493 099

16. Non-payment of Items
McTear’s reserves the right to direct any proceeds of sale from other lots due to a Buyer (past or future sales) towards the settlement of amounts due to McTear’s, or to retain any proceeds to cover costs incurred by McTear’s.
Where a Buyer refuses to make payment, McTear’s reserves the right to proceed against the Buyer for breach of contract, pursuing all monies due and expenses incurred by McTear’s in so doing.

17. Alcohol
It is not permitted for anyone under the age of 18 to bid for or to collect alcoholic drinks from McTear’s. Proof of age may be requested.

B. For Sellers & Prospective Sellers

This section includes for items left with McTear’s for sale, appraisal, Evaluation or Valuation. 

1. Commission
Commission is charged to Sellers at the rate of 15% of the hammer price plus VAT thereon. The Seller authorises McTear’s to deduct this commission from the hammer price and other charges which may apply (as detailed below).

2. Delivery of Goods
Delivery of items for sale to McTear’s premises is undertaken at the risk of the Seller/owner. McTear’s staff can assist with items but responsibility for the items lies with the Seller. Items should be at McTear’s in advance of deadlines to allow for cataloguing and photography (where applicable).

3. Consigning a Lot for Sale
By consigning a Lot for sale the Seller confirms that he is the rightful owner of the item and understands that any breach of the Terms and Conditions will result in charges being applied. Sellers are required to register their details with McTear’s and complete all security checks, including providing photographic ID (driver’s license or passport). 

4. Cataloguing and Photography
All items entered for sale are catalogued and described as the Auctioneer and staff see fit. The Lotting Fee is £10 on hammer prices of £100 and above; £4 on hammer prices less than £100. All lots are illstrated on the online catalogues as standard - illustration fees only apply to printed catalogue images. Fees are subject to VAT. 

5. Reserve Prices
A reserve price can be agreed on a Lot in advance of the auction between the Seller and the Auctioneer. An agreed reserve price allows the Auctioneer 10% discretion (or permits the Auctioneer to sell within one bid). Reserve prices must be reasonable and McTear’s reserves the right to decline to offer any Lot on which the reserve price is deemed unreasonable. The Seller may at no time bid on any Lot entered for sale by himself/herself. Increases in reserve prices will not be accepted after consignment.

6. Electrical Items and Fire Safety
McTear’s does not sell electrical and/or mechanical items as a general rule. Where electrical and/or mechanical items do appear for sale there is no guarantee of working order or safety. McTear’s reserves the right to dispose of unsafe electrical and/or mechanical items, charges for which will be incurred by the Seller. Similarly, upholstered and fabric settees, sofas, and other soft furnishings are subject to fire safety laws. Any item discovered to be unsafe or unregulated will be disposed of at the expense of the Seller or refused for sale.

7. Catalogue Descriptions and Inaccuracies
Where mis-information is provided by the Seller regarding a Lot, including authenticity and condition, the Seller will be liable for expenses incurred by McTear’s. The Seller agrees that in the case of mis-information being supplied to McTear’s that they will refund to McTear’s the total amount paid to them plus any expenses (for example shipping costs) incurred by the Buyer that are required to be refunded by McTear’s. The Seller shall not be held responsible where reasonable behaviour and non-deliberate inaccuracy have occurred.

8. Unsold and Withdrawn Items
Unsold items are automatically reoffered for sale. Where the item originally had a reserve price, this reserve price will be reduced at the discretion of the Auctioneer. By consigning an item for sale the Seller agrees that this reserve reduction will apply to the Lot should it be unsold. Should the Seller not wish to have the Lot reoffered, he/she must inform McTear’s of this and collect the Lot within seven days of the first auction date. Any unsold Lot uncollected within seven days will be offered for sale with a reserve price reduced to the level deemed reasonable by the Auctioneer.

Where a reasonable offer is received after the auction for an unsold Lot, the Auctioneer reserves the right to accept this offer and process the sale on behalf of the Seller.

Unsold lots from specialist auctions are usually entered into an online auction with the reserve remaining unchanged. If an offer, within 10-20% of the reserve price, is received by the end of the online auction that offer will be accepted on the vendor's behalf. If there is no reserve price, any offer we receive that is considered 'fair' will be accepted. Thereafter remaining unsold lots will be re-offered with a reserve reduction of approximately 25%. Lots included in the Antiques & Interiors auction are sold at auctioneers discretion, as are all lots with a low estimate of under £100. Any lots deemed to be of no market value will be donated to a designated charity. 

If, following an auction, a Lot is deemed by the Auctioneer to be of no commercial value the Seller authorises the disposal of the Lot at no cost to the Seller.

The Seller is not authorised to withdraw any Lot consigned for sale, once the auction catalogue has been closed to entries (usually three weeks in advance of the auction date). For items withdrawn prior to this date, a handling fee will be charged at a rate of 15% of each lots lower estimate, subject to a minimum of £20 per lot.

9. Settlement
Payment will not be processed until all security checks have been completed, including any checks required to comply with Anti Money Laundering regulations. Payment to the Seller is processed by bank transfer for Lot(s) sold 7 days following The Antiques & Interiors Auction and 21 days following the specialist auctions, once payment is received from the Buyer(s). The transfer clears into the Seller's account 2-3 working days following the process date. Where payment has not been received from the Buyer(s) for any Lot(s), the Seller will not receive a settlement until the Lot(s) has been paid or reoffered at auction and paid. Proceeds of sale will only be made to a bank account matching the details of the registered vendor. 

10. Items, including Lots, left with McTear's
You shall at your own risk and expense remove unsold/withdrawn items within seven days of the auction, after which time McTear's reserves the right to hold the Seller liable for charges in storing the item(s) or for expenses incurred by McTear's for storage of the item(s) at a facility outwith the premises. (After seven days from the auction date a £10 handling charge per item will apply, followed by a £5 per item per day storage fee, all plus VAT.) Responsibility and risk for an item(s) held by McTear's prior to sale, including items held for appraisal, evaluation or valuation lies with the Seller and not with McTear's. McTear's shall not be responsible for damage or loss, however occasioned or arising, in respect of any item consigned with or otherwise held by McTear's except where such loss or damage shall be caused by fault and/or negligence of McTear's and/or a person for whom McTear's is responsible.

11. Cover for Loss
Unless specified by the Seller in writing, all items held by McTear's, including items held for sale, appraisal, evaluation or valuation, will be insured by McTear's against fire, theft and accidental damage with an insurer of McTear's choice, for which insurance McTear's shall charge a premium of 1.5% plus VAT on its best valuation of the item(s). McTear's shall have absolute discretion to determine the level of cover provided by said insurance. The insurance cover provided will be subject to such conditions and exemptions as specified by the insurer. A copy of the policy of insurance shall be provided on request. It is the responsibility of the Seller to request a copy of the policy of insurance and to satisfy himself as to its terms. Sellers may, at their own discretion, obtain separate policies of insurance in respect of the item(s) to be left with McTear's.

C. Compliance with applicable laws

Due to the nature of the services we provide, we are obliged to carry out certain actions, retain certain information, make reports to certain third parties, and in certain instances refuse to provide or cease providing services, pursuant to laws relating to the prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion, abuse tax avoidance, or fraud. This section sets out what we require from you, and what we may do, in relation to such matters. This section forms a key part of our terms.

Where you breach any obligation set out in this section, or any warranty given by you in this section, or where we suspect this may be the case or may happen, without limitation to our other rights and remedies, and without liability to you, we may take any of the following action:

  1. immediately cease providing or suspend the provision of services to you;
  2. withdraw or cancel any offer to provide services to you;
  3. refuse to register, or cancel any registration of, any bid made by you;
  4. cancel, withhold from progressing or suspend any auction in which you are participating, or which you wish to arrange;
  5. cancel any contract entered into between you and us; and/or
  6. withhold from paying any sums due to you, or from returning property to you, until such breach is rectified to our satisfaction.

You must:

  1. complete all identification processes required by us, including any bidder identification processes;
  2. provide us with such information as we may require in relation to your engagement with us, including as to the source of any funds utilised by you or any person on whose behalf you may be acting; and
  3. where you are acting for or on behalf of another person, ensure that you have met and continue to adhere to all applicable laws in relation to that acting, including all laws relating to the prevision of money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion, abuse tax avoidance or fraud, all applicable laws relating to customer due diligence, retain all information and documentation supporting and evidencing your compliance with the foregoing for a period of not less than six years from your last date of engagement with us, and disclose to us or our appointed agents such of that information and documentation, along with such other information and documentation, as we request.

By utilising or seeking to utilise our services, you warrant, guarantee, and represent, on your own behalf and as agent for and on behalf of any person for whom you are acting that:

  1. any information or documentation you provide to us must be true, accurate, complete and correct, and not falsified in any manner or respect;
  2. any sums utilised or sought to be utilised by you or such person are not the proceeds of any crime, terrorism financing money laundering, tax evasion, abusive tax avoidance or fraud, and any sums payable to you shall not be used in connection with any of the foregoing;
  3. that you have paid, and shall pay, and you shall ensure any person on whose behalf you are acting has paid and shall pay, all tax and other sums required under applicable law, arising as a result of your engagement with us;
  4. you are not, and have not been, and any person on whose behalf you are acting has not, and is not, engaged in any criminal activity, money laundering, terrorism, tax evasion, abusive tax avoidance, or any activity which is contrary to applicable law (other than minor road traffic offences), and that no participation in any such activity has been alleged.

We may seek to verify, or obtain additional information, concerning you or any person on whose behalf you may be acting, including by using third party sources. We may process and disclose any information or documentation provided by you, or relating to you or any person on whose behalf you are acting, for the purpose of ensuring that we are compliant with applicable laws, to protect the rights, property or interests of other persons. In pursuit of the foregoing, we may disclose such information or documentation to our professional advisors, regulatory authorities, and/or such other persons. The basis for such processing and disclosure, where undertaken to meet obligations under applicable law, is to ensure compliance with our legal obligations. Otherwise, the basis for such processing and disclosure is to ensure the protection of our legitimate interests, and those of other persons. We will retain this information and documentation for a period of 6 years since your last engagement with us, except where we are notified of an allegation of non-compliance with applicable law or breach of third party rights, or any investigation or dispute by a regulatory authority or other person, in which case we shall retain that information and documentation for such longer period until the relevant matter is finally concluded. You have certain rights in relation to the personal data forming part of this information and documentation. For further information upon these rights please see https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/individual-rights.  

Where you breach any obligation set out in this section, or any warranty given by you, you shall be liable to us for all loss, cost, expense, damage, claims or liabilities we incur or suffer directly or indirectly as a result, including any fines or penalties issued by any regulatory authority, our costs and expenses incurred in investigating or rectifying matters, or seeking professional advice and assistance in respect of such matters, any sums otherwise due or payable to us in relation to the services we provide which do not become due or payable, and sums which we reimburse or pay to third parties, and by proceeding to utilise our services you indemnify and undertake to hold us harmless against the same. We may satisfy any such liability from any sums which are payable to you, or from any payment method utilised by you in connection with the use of our services.

To view McTear's privacy policy click here.