Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferred language and other settings, which can make your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.

Cookies can be "persistent" or "session" cookies:

• Session cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Cookies that remain on your device until they expire or you delete them

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies for several purposes:

• To ensure our website functions properly
• To remember your preferences and settings
• To analyze how you use our website
• To improve our services and user experience
• To provide relevant content and communications
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly. They enable basic functions like page navigation, access to secure areas, and form submissions. Our website cannot function properly without these cookies.

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve our website performance and user experience.

3.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we've added to our pages.

3.4 Marketing and Targeting Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and track the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns. They may be set by us or our advertising partners.

4. Third-Party Cookies

We may allow certain third-party services to place cookies on your device through our website. These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie practices:

4.1 Analytics Services

• Google Analytics: Web analytics service that tracks website usage
• Hotjar: User behavior analytics and feedback service

4.2 Social Media Platforms

• LinkedIn: Professional networking integration
• Twitter: Social media sharing functionality
• Facebook: Social media integration and advertising

4.3 Communication Tools

• Calendly: Meeting scheduling integration
• Mailchimp: Email marketing and newsletter services

5. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

We use cookies based on the following legal grounds:

5.1 Consent

For non-essential cookies (analytics, marketing, and some functional cookies), we obtain your explicit consent through our cookie banner.

5.2 Legitimate Interest

For some functional cookies that enhance your user experience, we rely on legitimate interest where the benefits to you outweigh any privacy impact.

5.3 Necessity

Strictly necessary cookies are used without consent as they are essential for the website to function.

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

6.1 Cookie Consent Manager

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

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only necessary cookies
• Customize your cookie settings

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our website footer or by clearing your browser cookies.

6.2 Browser Settings

You can also manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View what cookies are stored on your device
• Delete cookies individually or all at once
• Block cookies from specific sites
• Block all cookies (note: this may affect website functionality)

Browser-Specific Instructions:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable certain cookies, some features of our website may not function properly:

7.1 Disabling Necessary Cookies

• Website may not load properly
• Forms may not submit correctly
• Login functionality may not work
• Security features may be compromised

7.2 Disabling Analytics Cookies

• We won't be able to improve website performance
• Content personalization may be limited
• User experience optimization will be affected

7.3 Disabling Marketing Cookies

• Advertisements may be less relevant to you
• Marketing campaign effectiveness tracking will be limited
• Personalized content delivery may be reduced

8. Cookie Retention Periods

Different types of cookies are stored for different periods:

You can delete cookies at any time through your browser settings or our cookie preference center.

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "last modified" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you through our website or email
• Request new consent where required by law

10. Your Data Protection Rights

In relation to cookies that process personal data, you have the following rights under UK data protection law:

• Right to access: Request information about cookies storing your personal data
• Right to rectification: Correct any inaccurate personal data
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal data from cookies
• Right to object: Object to the processing of your personal data
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

Cookie Management

To manage your cookie preferences or request cookie-related information:

Email: [email protected]

12. Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy:

• ICO (Information Commissioner's Office): ico.org.uk
• About Cookies: aboutcookies.org
• Your Online Choices: youronlinechoices.com