Our website, like most websites, uses cookies; specifically, we use Google Analytics to collect anonymised statistical information on the use of our site.
What are cookies?
A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers that is downloaded on to your computer, or tablet/smartphone, when you visit a website. Cookies are used by most websites, and are designed to either ensure all the website’s features work properly or to provide the website owner with anonymous information about how you use their site so they can make improvements to the user experience.
The rules on cookies are covered by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. The Regulations also cover similar technologies for storing information, eg Flash cookies. The Regulations were revised in 2019, and the ICO is responsible for enforcing these new rules.
How we use cookies
Google Analytics
Our website uses a 1st party cookie to find out how people are using our website (Google Analytics). We use analytics cookies to identify which pages are being used, how they are being used and what methods are being used to view them. This helps us analyse data about webpage traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to audience needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and this does not include any personally identifiable information.
What we don’t do:
- Remember or store any personally identifiable information
- Send information to other websites
- Record your visit so advertising on other websites is more relevant to you.
Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website by enabling us to monitor which pages and features you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us on our contact forms or customer feedback areas. If you do not wish these cookies to be tracked you can disable them in your browser, but this may negatively effect your experience on the site.
How can I control my cookies?
Browser controls
You can use your web browser (eg Internet Explorer) to:
- delete all cookies
- block all cookies
- allow all cookies
- block third-party cookies
- clear all cookies when you close the browser
- open a ‘private browsing’ session
- install add-ons and plug-ins to extend broswer functionality
Click on the links below to find out about each specific browser and its information on cookies.
Useful information
- A number of websites provide detailed information on cookies, including AllAboutCookies.org and AllAboutCookies.org.uk.
- Google has developed a browser add-on to allow users to opt-out of Google Analytics across all websites which use this popular analytics product.