I am based in England.

I was contacted by a corporate events management company at my work email address and they invited me to an organised two day event with accommodation, meals, etc paid for. Unfortunately, circumstances changed and I was unable to attend the event and I sent them an email 13 days prior to inform them that I could not attend, this was not acknowledged by them.

I received an email today with a bill for a £495 cancellation charge’. The t&c’s state that if I do not send a replacement I am subject to a cancellation charge. They have given me one month to pay and I’ve seen from others online that they threaten to raise a ccj against you.

What are my rights here? Surely my notification to them prior to the event enables them to cancel my accommodation, tickets, etc.

I should add that they harassed me by email every week for 3 months encouraging me to sign up, now I know why..

Thanks for any advice.