Prerequisites:
 

• You, the purchaser, must be either an experienced beekeeper, have a beekeeping mentor in place to assist you, or be undertaking a beekeeping course with help available as needed. Jem’s Bees® does not provide a beekeeping guidance service as part of the sale.

• You, the purchaser, are required to register on Beebase when keeping honeybees. This allows the movement of bees and associated diseases to be traced by APHA. Register via this link: Beebase Registration.

• If placing the bees in a space requiring permission (e.g., an allotment), it is your responsibility to gain approval from the relevant authority or landowners. Jem’s Bees® will not issue a refund if you purchase the bees and later realize you lack permission.

• You, the purchaser, must be the person collecting the bees.

• You, the purchaser, must never have had an anaphylactic shock from a bee sting.

• You accept responsibility for the bees as soon as they enter your possession.

• You are responsible for placing the bees in a location where they will not cause a nuisance to neighbors or the public. It is recommended to join the BBKA through your local beekeeping club or as an independent beekeeper to ensure appropriate public and product liability insurance is in place.
   

Cancellations and Refunds:

• The £100 deposit to secure your colony is non-returnable once paid. Bees are classed as perishable items. A full refund would only be issued if Jem’s Bees® is unable to supply the bees.

• If you cannot pay the remaining balance in spring 2026, the £100 deposit will be retained to cover the work committed to producing and nurturing the colony through winter.

• If you cancel your order after paying a deposit due to force majeure, Jem’s Bees® will not be liable for any losses or costs incurred.
   

Collections:

• Nucleus colonies are collection only. The collection location will be just outside the apiary location in Kennett, Cambridgeshire. 

• You, the purchaser, must personally collect the bees. Collection times will be either early morning (7-8am) or late evening (8pm+).

• The exact date and time for collection of nucleus colonies in 2026 will depend on weather conditions and the availability of the NBU bee inspector. Jem aims to have colonies inspected in both Autumn 2025 and the following Spring 2026 whenever possible. Jem’s Bees® reserves the right to adjust the collection window, and by purchasing a colony you agree to remain flexible regarding the collection date.
   

Bee Health Guarantee:

• Each colony will have been inspected by an NBU bee inspector prior to collection. You will receive a PDF of the inspection results confirming that the colony is free from notifiable diseases at the time of inspection. Jem’s Bees® will also provide details of any VMD-approved varroa treatments administered over the winter period. NBU Inspections may occur in both Autumn and the following Spring where possible, and the health guarantee applies to the most recent inspection prior to collection.
   

Queens:

• Your queen will be marked but not clipped.

• You will receive a 2025 overwintered British queen, not an imported one.
   

Data Sharing and Colony Registration:

• When you purchase a nucleus colony, Jem’s Bees® will keep a record of your name, the address where your bees will be located, and your contact details. This information is retained for regulatory bee health purposes and data will be stored in compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act. You acknowledge that Jem’s Bees® may be required to provide your personal details to the NBU Bee Inspectorate to assist with bee health and traceability.
   

Collection and Onwards: What you need to bring when collecting your bees:

• Straps to secure your bee box.

• Items to keep your bee box upright in your vehicle.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-ventilated and cool to prevent bees from overheating. Do not block any vents on the bee box. The box orientation should have the entrance facing the direction of travel to prevent frame rotation and bee squishing during acceleration or braking.

• Bring beekeeping PPE (suit, gloves, smoker, etc.) in case you need them on the way home. If you want to purchase a Beehive Travel Safety bag or beekeeping starter set from Jem, this can be provided when you collect your bees.
   

What to do after bringing your bees home:

• Place the nucleus colony on the stand and open the door on the nuc.

• Allow the bees to fly out and orientate. After a day or two, transfer them to their permanent hive. Beginners should utilize their mentor or beekeeping club for assistance.

• Feed the bees once you've moved them in to the larger hive, as it takes a lot of syrup for them to draw wax on the frames.

• Inspect regularly. Beginners should seek support from their mentor or beekeeping club.
   

Post-Purchase Support:

• Jem's Bees® works very closely with the NBU inspectorate and takes a safer than sorry approach to everything. An NBU bee inspector will have checked your bees before you come to collect them. 

• Beekeeping mentoring is not part of the nucleus sale. Seek hints, tips, and guidance from your beekeeping mentor or association.