Website owners are increasingly required to explain how they use cookies and similar technologies. The latest update to our Cookie Policy provides a comprehensive overview of the cookies placed on this site, how they function, and how visitors can control them. This guide outlines the key facts from the updated policy so that users can make informed choices about their privacy.

What Are Cookies?

A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your device by your browser when you visit a website. It allows the website to recognise your device and remember your preferences over time. Cookies are widely used by websites to improve user experience, remember login details, and analyse visitor behaviour. Some cookies are essential for the core functionality of a site, while others are used for purposes such as advertising and analytics.

What Are Scripts and Web Beacons?

Scripts are small pieces of code that websites use to make pages interactive and to ensure proper functionality. They can be executed on the server or within your own device. Web beacons, also known as pixel tags, are invisible graphics that help website owners monitor user activity. They are often used to track email opens, count visitors, and measure the success of marketing campaigns. Both scripts and web beacons can store or collect information in a similar way to cookies.

Types of Cookies and Similar Technologies

Not all cookies are the same. The cookie policy divides them into four main categories: functional, statistics, marketing, and preference-based cookies. Each category has a different purpose and may require a different level of consent.

Technical and Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are necessary for the smooth operation of a website. They keep users logged in, remember language preferences, and store items in a shopping cart until checkout. Without these cookies, a website may still work, but it will not be able to offer the same level of customisation. These cookies do not require explicit consent because they are essential for providing the service requested by the user.

Statistics Cookies

Statistics cookies help website owners understand how visitors interact with their site. They collect information about pages visited, time spent on each page, and whether a user encounters an error. This data is then used to optimise the website’s structure and content. Statistics cookies are generally non-intrusive, but under current regulations, consent is still required before they can be placed.

Advertising and Marketing Cookies

Advertising cookies are designed to show users advertisements that are relevant to their interests. They track browsing behaviour across different sites to create a user profile. This profile is then used by advertisers to deliver targeted campaigns and measure their impact. Because these cookies involve processing personal data at scale, they rely on consent. Visitors can opt in or out through the consent management tool.

Preference Cookies

Preference cookies remember choices that users make, such as their preferred currency, language, or display settings. These cookies make the browsing experience more personal. They may also store information about whether a user has already seen a particular message or notification.

Social Media Cookies

The website includes embedded content from Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter). These integrations allow users to share articles and engage with our content through social platforms. When you interact with these embedded features, the social network may set cookies. These cookies can be used to track you across the web and build a profile for targeted advertising. The social networks themselves act as data controllers for this processing, and their own privacy policies apply.

Third-Party Services and Vendors

We engage with a number of third-party services to support the operation of our website. Each vendor may place cookies that fall into one or more of the categories described above. The list below summarises the main vendors and their functions.

• CloudFlare: Provides content delivery network services and security features. Its cookies help filter bot traffic and improve page loading speed.
• Google Analytics: Uses statistics cookies to collect data about visitor behaviour and site performance. This enables us to see which pages are most useful and which ones need improvement.
• Criteo: Placed for remarketing purposes. The cookies help show relevant adverts to users who have previously visited the website.
• Google Ads: Used for running advertising campaigns and measuring conversions. These marketing cookies support ad targeting and retargeting.
• HubSpot: Implements marketing automation, including email marketing and lead tracking. HubSpot uses a mix of marketing, functional, and statistics cookies.
• Hotjar: Creates heatmaps and records user sessions. This helps us understand how visitors navigate the site and identify usability issues.
• WordPress: Provides the framework for the website. WordPress cookies manage user sessions, preferences, and security checks.
• Stripe: Handles payment processing. It places a functional cookie for fraud prevention during transactions.
• One Signal: Sends push notifications to users who subscribe. Its cookies remember notification preferences and whether a message has been dismissed.
• Google reCAPTCHA: Protects the site against spam and abuse. The service uses cookies to distinguish human users from bots.

In addition to these, the website uses Complianz to obtain and manage cookie consent, Snowplow for web analytics, and Elementor for page design. A number of cookies are also listed under the category “Purpose Pending Investigation”, which means their precise function is still being reviewed. We continue to update the policy as more information becomes available.

Consent and Preference Management

When users visit the website for the first time, a pop-up appears with a summary of the cookies used and a link to the full policy. The pop-up provides options to accept, reject, or customise cookie preferences. Saving these preferences is an act of consent for the categories selected. The website stores the user’s choices so that it does not ask again on every visit.

The consent management platform also gives users access to a detailed list of vendors. For each vendor, it shows the legal bases used, the maximum cookie expiration period, and the categories of data processed. This transparency is part of our commitment to compliance with UK data protection law.

Managing and Deleting Cookies in Your Browser

If you prefer not to allow cookies, you can change the settings in your browser. Most browsers let you delete all cookies, block third-party cookies, or receive a warning before a cookie is set. These options are usually found in the browser’s privacy or security settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the website. For example, you may be unable to log in or use certain interactive features.

When you clear cookies from your browser, the website cannot remember your preferences. Therefore, the next time you visit, you will be asked to consent to cookies again. If you want to keep your preferences intact, it is advisable to clear cookies selectively rather than removing all data.

Your Rights Under UK Data Protection Law

As a user based in the United Kingdom, you have specific rights regarding your personal data. The UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 grant you the right to access the personal data we hold about you. You can also request that inaccurate data be corrected, and in certain circumstances, you can ask for your data to be deleted.

If our processing of your personal data relies on consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time. Withdrawal of consent will not affect the lawfulness of any processing that took place before the withdrawal. You also have the right to data portability, which allows you to request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format. In addition, you may object to processing that is based on legitimate interests, unless we have compelling legitimate grounds that override your interests.

Should you wish to file a complaint, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights. We encourage users to contact us first if they have any concerns, but the right to complain to the ICO is always available.

International Data Transfers

Some of the third-party services we use are based outside the United Kingdom. This means that personal data collected through cookies may be transferred to countries outside the UK. In such cases, the data is processed in accordance with the relevant safeguards and mechanisms permitted by UK law. We rely on appropriate measures to ensure that your data remains protected when it is transferred internationally.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about the Cookie Policy or how your personal data is processed, please do not hesitate to contact us. The policy contains the official contact information, including our postal address, email address, and phone number. We are happy to clarify how cookies are used and to assist you with exercising any of your data protection rights.

Source: UKTN News