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 provide information to website owners.

Cookies allow us to recognize your device and store some information about your preferences or past actions on our website.

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for several purposes:

• Essential cookies: Required for the website to function properly
• Performance cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
• Functionality cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing cookies: Used to deliver relevant content and advertisements

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They include:

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website:

3.3 Functionality Cookies

These cookies remember your preferences and improve your experience:

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements:

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services that appear on our pages:

4.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behavior. Google Analytics sets several cookies to collect information anonymously and report website trends.

Learn more: Google Privacy Policy

4.2 Social Media Platforms

Social media buttons and embedded content may set cookies from:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

These cookies are controlled by the respective social media platforms.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Consent Tool

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

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only necessary cookies
• Customize your preferences

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 > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions

Note: Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and your user experience.

6. Cookie Retention

Different cookies have different retention periods:

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Remain until they expire or you delete them
• Analytics cookies: Typically retained for 2 years
• Marketing cookies: Usually retained for 30 days to 1 year

7. Do Not Track

Some browsers support "Do Not Track" requests. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to these requests. We continue to monitor developments in this area.

8. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through cookies or any other means.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in:

• The cookies we use
• Legal requirements
• Our business practices
• Technology developments

The "Last updated" date indicates when changes were made.

10. More Information

For more information about cookies and privacy:

• ICO Guidance on Cookies
• All About Cookies
• Your Online Choices

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies:

For data protection concerns, see our Privacy Policy or contact the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk