Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 11/11/2024
Your privacy is important to us. This privacy policy explains how Ben Nicholas ("we", "us", or "our") collects and processes information through the website www.ben-nicholas.co.uk.
1. Information We Collect
We collect minimal information through our website:
- Analytics data through Google Analytics
- Information you voluntarily provide through contact forms
- Technical information such as IP address and browser type for security and optimization
2. How We Use Information
The personal information we collect is used for the following purposes:
- To provide, operate, and maintain our website and services.
- To process transactions and send related information such as purchase confirmations.
- To communicate with you regarding updates or customer support inquiries.
- To analyze usage patterns to improve user experience and optimize our services.
- To comply with legal obligations or respond to lawful requests from public authorities.
3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our site and hold certain information. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us improve functionality, personalize content, and analyze website performance.
Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies: These are necessary for the operation of our website.
- Analytics Cookies: These allow us to recognize and count visitors and see how they interact with our website (e.g., Google Analytics).
- Functionality Cookies: These are used to recognize you when you return to our website.
Managing Cookies
You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, and through the Manage Cookie Preferences button below. However, please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of some parts of our website.
For more information about managing cookies, visit All About Cookies.
Third-Party Cookies
We use third-party cookies provided by services such as Google Analytics to track how visitors interact with our website. For more information on how Google Analytics uses data collected through cookies, please visit Google's Cookie Policy.
If you wish to opt out of Google Analytics tracking, you can do so by visiting Google Analytics Opt-Out.
4. Third-Party Services
We use third-party service providers to assist in providing services such as hosting, analytics, storage, and customer support. These third parties have access to personal data only to perform specific tasks on our behalf.
- Google Analytics: Used for tracking website usage and analytics.
- DigitalOcean: Provides hosting services for the website as well as PostgreSQL database hosting.
- Amazon S3 (via DigitalOcean Spaces): Provides storage solutions for media assets on the website.
5. Data Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties except under the following circumstances:
- If required by law or in response to valid legal requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency).
- With your consent or at your direction.
- To enforce our terms of service or protect the rights, property, or safety of Ben Nicholas or others.
6. Data Security
The security of your personal information is important to us. We use commercially reasonable measures to protect the information we collect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption of sensitive data during transmission using SSL technology.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy unless a longer retention period is required by law. Once the data is no longer needed for its intended purpose or legal requirements, it will be securely deleted or anonymized.
8. International Data Transfers
Our website is hosted in both the United Kingdom and Europe. When you access our website, your data may be transferred to these locations. By using our website, you consent to this transfer.
9. Children's Privacy
Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe that a child has provided us with personal data without parental consent, please contact us immediately.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically in response to changing legal requirements or business needs. When changes are made, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this page regularly for any updates.
11. Contact Us
For any privacy-related queries, you can contact us at:
Email: info@ben-nicholas.co.uk
Website: www.ben-nicholas.co.uk.