Refund of deposit

[Aggelas]

We attended a conference recently where we signed up to 12 months business coaching online. We paid £2000 as a deposit but my partner needs surgery which changes our commitments and work schedules. We notified the service provider and thought we would qualify for 14 day cooling off period but was told we subscribed as a business and nor a consumer. So no refund? Just a credit on another course which seems unfair considering we had not even enrolled and do not want a credit as his diagnosis is long term and will impact us. Is there anything I can do?

[PallasAthena]

It is correct that the 14 day 'cooling off' period only applies to contracts entered into as a consumer [defined as "an individual acting for purposes which are wholly or mainly outside that individual's trade, business, craft or profession;"].

From what you say it appears that the coaching provider is correct and you entered into it as a business not a consumer so there is no statutory cooling off period.

What does the contract you signed say about cancellation?