Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how financecalc.co.uk ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit our website or use our services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Contact form submissions (name, email address, message)
• Email correspondence
• Any other information you voluntarily provide

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

• IP address and general location information
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website information

2.3 Calculator Data

Important: We do not store or retain any data you enter into our financial calculators. All calculations are performed locally in your browser, and no financial information is transmitted to our servers.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
• To improve our website and services
• To analyse website usage and performance
• To comply with legal obligations
• To protect against fraud and abuse

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

• Consent: When you provide information through forms or give cookie consent
• Legitimate interests: For website analytics and improvement
• Legal obligation: When required by law

5. Cookies and Tracking

5.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website (Google Analytics)
• Preference cookies: Remember your cookie preferences

5.2 Managing Cookies

You can manage your cookie preferences through:

• Our cookie consent banner when you first visit
• Your browser settings
• Third-party opt-out tools (e.g., Google Analytics opt-out)

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service providers: Trusted third parties who assist in website operation (e.g., hosting, analytics)
• Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Staff training on data protection

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Contact form submissions: 2 years
• Website analytics data: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Cookie preferences: 12 months

9. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right of access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to restrict processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to data portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Right to object: Object to certain types of processing
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time

10. Third-Party Services

Our website may use third-party services that have their own privacy policies:

• Google Analytics: For website analytics (anonymised data)
• Google Fonts: For web fonts

11. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may process data outside the UK. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Adequacy decisions by the UK government
• Standard contractual clauses
• Binding corporate rules

12. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

14. Contact Information

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, please contact us:

15. Supervisory Authority

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):