Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

1.1 Definition

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They contain information about your browsing activities and preferences.

1.2 Types of Cookies

There are several types of cookies:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a specified period
• First-party Cookies: Cookies set by our website directly
• Third-party Cookies: Cookies set by external services we use

1.3 Similar Technologies

We also use similar technologies including:

• Web Beacons: Small graphics that track page views and email opens
• Local Storage: Browser storage for enhanced functionality
• Pixels: Tracking codes embedded in web pages
• SDKs: Software development kits in mobile applications

2. How We Use Cookies

2.1 Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled:

• Authentication: Keeping you logged in to your account
• Security: Protecting against fraud and security threats
• Session Management: Maintaining your session state
• Load Balancing: Distributing website traffic efficiently
• Cookie Preferences: Remembering your cookie consent choices

2.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience but are not essential:

• Language Preferences: Remembering your chosen language
• User Interface: Storing your display preferences
• Form Data: Remembering information you've entered
• Accessibility: Adapting the site to your accessibility needs

2.3 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website:

• Usage Statistics: Page views, session duration, bounce rates
• Performance Monitoring: Loading times and error tracking
• User Journey: How users navigate through our site
• Content Optimization: Which content is most effective

2.4 Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used for advertising and marketing purposes:

• Targeted Advertising: Showing relevant ads based on interests
• Social Media: Enabling social media sharing and tracking
• Campaign Tracking: Measuring marketing campaign effectiveness
• Remarketing: Showing ads to previous website visitors

3. Specific Cookies We Use

3.1 First-Party Cookies

3.2 Third-Party Cookies

We may use third-party services that set their own cookies:

• Google Analytics: Website usage analytics (_ga, _gid, _gat)
• Payment Processors: Secure payment processing
• Customer Support: Live chat and help desk functionality
• Content Delivery: Faster content delivery and caching

4. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

4.1 Necessary Cookies

We use necessary cookies based on legitimate interest - they are essential for providing our services and maintaining website security.

4.2 Non-Essential Cookies

For all other cookies, we rely on your explicit consent, which you can provide through our cookie banner or preference center.

4.3 Consent Requirements

Under UK and EU privacy laws, we must obtain your consent before using non-essential cookies. Your consent must be:

• Freely given and specific
• Informed and unambiguous
• Withdrawable at any time
• Granular for different cookie categories

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Preference Center

You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie preference center, accessible via:

• The cookie banner when you first visit our site
• Footer link on any page
• Your account settings page
• Email us at [email protected]

5.2 Browser Settings

You can also 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 > Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies

5.3 Mobile Devices

On mobile devices, you can manage cookies through:

• Browser settings (similar to desktop)
• Device privacy settings
• App-specific settings for our mobile applications

5.4 Third-Party Opt-Out

For third-party cookies, you can opt out through:

• Google Analytics Opt-out
• Facebook Cookie Settings
• Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-out

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

6.1 Necessary Cookies

Disabling necessary cookies will prevent you from:

• Logging into your account
• Using secure features of our website
• Maintaining your session during visits
• Having your preferences remembered

6.2 Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies will:

• Prevent us from understanding how you use our site
• Limit our ability to improve user experience
• Reduce our ability to optimize website performance

6.3 Marketing Cookies

Disabling marketing cookies will:

• Prevent personalized advertising
• Show you less relevant advertisements
• Limit social media integration features

7. Cookie Retention and Deletion

7.1 Retention Periods

Different cookies have different retention periods:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Short-term Cookies: 24 hours to 30 days
• Medium-term Cookies: 30 days to 1 year
• Long-term Cookies: Up to 2 years (with consent)

7.2 Automatic Deletion

Cookies are automatically deleted when they expire. You can also manually delete cookies through your browser settings at any time.

7.3 Data Minimization

We follow data minimization principles and only retain cookies for as long as necessary for their intended purpose.

8. International Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers may transfer cookie data outside the UK. When this occurs, we ensure:

• Appropriate safeguards are in place
• Data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR requirements
• Transfers are made only to countries with adequate protection
• Standard Contractual Clauses are used where necessary

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

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

• Changes in our cookie usage
• New technologies or services
• Legal or regulatory changes
• Industry best practices

When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date
• Notify you via email or website notice
• Request new consent where required
• Provide clear information about changes

10. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time
• Access Information: Request information about cookies we use
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your data where applicable
• Lodge Complaints: Complain to the ICO if you're not satisfied with our response

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

Data Protection Officer

For specific data protection queries, contact our Data Protection Officer:

Email: [email protected]

Supervisory Authority

If you're not satisfied with our response, you can contact the UK supervisory authority:

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113