Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit our website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.

Cookies allow us to:

• Recognise you when you return to our website
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Improve your browsing experience
• Analyse how our website is used
• Provide personalised content and advertising

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the operation of our website. They enable basic functions like page navigation, form submission, and access to secure areas. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
session_id	Maintains user session data	Session
csrf_token	Security protection against cross-site request forgery	Session
cookie_consent	Stores your cookie preferences	1 year
form_data	Temporarily stores form data during submission	1 hour

2.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve our website performance and user experience.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
_ga	Google Analytics - distinguishes unique users	2 years
_ga_[ID]	Google Analytics - maintains session state	2 years
_gid	Google Analytics - distinguishes unique users	24 hours
user_behaviour	Tracks user interaction patterns	30 days

2.3 Marketing Cookies

These cookies track your browsing habits to deliver advertisements that are more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
facebook_pixel	Facebook advertising and tracking	3 months
google_ads	Google advertising and remarketing	30 days
marketing_source	Tracks marketing campaign effectiveness	30 days

2.4 Functionality Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
user_preferences	Remembers your site preferences	1 year
language_setting	Stores your language preference	6 months
theme_setting	Remembers your display preferences	1 year

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We use the following third-party services:

3.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyse website traffic and usage patterns. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about how you use our website.

Data collected: Pages visited, time spent on site, bounce rate, geographic location (anonymised)

Privacy policy: Google Privacy Policy

Opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

3.2 Social Media Plugins

Our website includes social media buttons and plugins that may set cookies:

• Facebook: Facebook Cookie Policy
• Twitter: Twitter Cookie Policy
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn Cookie Policy
• Instagram: Instagram Cookie Policy

3.3 Email Marketing

We use email marketing services that may place cookies to track email engagement:

• Email open rates and click tracking
• Personalised email content delivery
• Subscriber preference management

4. Cookie Duration

Cookies are categorised by their duration:

4.1 Session Cookies

These are temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. They help with website functionality during your browsing session.

4.2 Persistent Cookies

These cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They remember your preferences for future visits.

4.3 Cookie Expiration

We set reasonable expiration periods for our cookies:

• Session cookies: Deleted when browser is closed
• Short-term cookies: 24 hours to 30 days
• Long-term cookies: Up to 2 years for analytics and preferences

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only necessary cookies
• Customise your cookie preferences

5.2 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions

5.3 Disabling Cookies

You can choose to disable cookies, but this may affect website functionality:

• Some features may not work properly
• You may need to re-enter information on each visit
• Personalised content may not be available
• Analytics data will not be collected

6. Mobile Devices

Similar technologies are used on mobile devices:

6.1 Mobile Cookies

Mobile browsers handle cookies similarly to desktop browsers. You can manage cookies through your mobile browser settings.

6.2 App Analytics

If you use our mobile app, we may collect analytics data through:

• App usage statistics
• Crash reporting
• Performance monitoring
• Push notification preferences

7. Data Protection and Privacy

Cookie data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws including GDPR and UK Data Protection Act 2018.

7.1 Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect cookie data:

• Secure transmission protocols (HTTPS)
• Regular security audits
• Access controls and staff training
• Data encryption where appropriate

7.2 Data Retention

Cookie data is retained only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy.

8. Updates to Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in:

• Our use of cookies and tracking technologies
• Legal requirements and regulations
• Industry best practices
• Third-party service updates

We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date.

9. International Transfers

Some of our third-party services may transfer cookie data outside the UK and EEA. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with data protection laws.

10. Your Rights

Under data protection law, you have rights regarding cookies and personal data:

• Right to be informed about cookie use (this policy)
• Right to control cookie settings
• Right to access cookie data we hold
• Right to request deletion of cookie data
• Right to object to processing
• Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authorities

11. Contact Information

12. Regulatory Information

This Cookie Policy complies with:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• UK Data Protection Act 2018
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
• Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) guidance