Introduction

Steel Frame Building Systems (“we” or “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website to provide a better user experience, to remember your preferences, and to understand how our site is used. This Cookies Policy explains what cookies are, which types we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.

We are committed to handling any data obtained through cookies in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), as amended. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued guidance making it clear that UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 apply to cookies that process personal data and that obtaining users’ consent is a focal requirement for compliance.

Accordingly, we strive to be transparent about our use of cookies and to obtain your consent for any non-essential cookies. By using our website, you can choose which cookies you allow (apart from those strictly necessary for the site to function). You will be presented with a cookie consent banner or tool on your first visit to our site (and periodically thereafter, or whenever we add new cookies requiring consent). You can change or withdraw your cookie consent at any time as described below.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are downloaded to your device (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.) when you visit a website. On subsequent visits, the cookies are sent back to that website (or to another website that recognizes the cookie) to recall information about your visit.

The ICO defines cookies as:

“Small pieces of information, normally consisting of just letters and numbers, which online services provide when users visit them. Software on the user’s device (for example, a web browser) can store cookies and send them back to the website next time they visit.”

Cookies serve many functions, including:

• Making navigation more efficient (e.g., remembering items in a shopping cart or keeping you logged in).

• Enabling certain features (like playing videos or using live chat).

• Gathering analytics about site usage.

Cookies can be classified as:

• First-party cookies (set by the website you’re visiting).

• Third-party cookies (set by third-party services such as advertising networks or analytics providers).

• Session cookies (temporary and deleted when you close your browser).

• Persistent cookies (remain on your device for a set period or until deleted).

Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following categories of cookies on our website:

1. Strictly Necessary Cookies

• Essential for the operation of our website.

• Enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.

• Do not require user consent.

• Example: A session cookie that keeps you logged in.
  
  

2. Preferences/Functional Cookies

• Remember choices you make and provide enhanced, personalized features.

• Examples: Remembering language preferences, region settings, or enabling video playback.

• Consent is typically required unless the preference is strictly necessary.
  
  

3. Analytics/Performance Cookies

• Collect information about how visitors use our website.

• Help us improve performance and design.

• Example: Google Analytics to gather usage statistics.

• Requires user consent.
  
  

4. Marketing/Advertising Cookies

• As of now, we do not use advertising cookies.

• If implemented in the future, they will be used to track browsing habits and display relevant ads.

• Explicit consent will be required.
  
  

5. Third-Party Cookies and Content

• May be set by third-party services like YouTube, Google Maps, or social media plugins.

• Used to track video views, remember volume settings, or enable social sharing.

• We do not control these cookies and recommend reviewing the privacy policies of third-party services.

A detailed Cookie List with specific cookie names, purposes, and lifespans is available at the end of this policy or on our website.

Your Consent and Managing Cookies

1. Consent Banner

• On your first visit (or after clearing cookies), you will see a cookie consent banner.

• You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customize choices.

• We do not set non-essential cookies unless you have given consent.
  
  

2. Changing Your Cookie Settings

You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by:

• Clicking the “Cookie Settings” link on our website.

• Adjusting browser settings to refuse or delete cookies.

Browser-specific cookie management:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data.

• Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data.

• Safari (Mac): Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data.

• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies and site data.

Blocking cookies may affect website functionality.

3. Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) signal. Currently, there is no industry-standard protocol for DNT signals. Our site does not respond differently to a DNT signal, but we treat all users equally by not setting non-essential cookies without consent.

Cookies and Personal Data

Some cookies collect personal data, such as unique identifiers or IP addresses. Under UK GDPR, these are subject to data protection laws.

How We Handle Personal Data in Cookies:

• Analytics cookies: Used for trends and site improvements, not individual profiling.

• Preference cookies: Stay on your device or our servers to remember settings.

• Marketing cookies (if used in the future): Could collect data for tailored ads (requires explicit consent).

• Necessary cookies: May include session IDs or security tokens for logged-in users.
  
  

Your Rights Under UK GDPR:

• Right to access, correct, or delete your data.

• Right to object or restrict processing.

• Right to withdraw consent for cookie processing.

We do not sell personal information collected via cookies and do not share it with third parties except for necessary services (e.g., analytics providers).

Updates to this Cookies Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or website practices. The last updated date will be shown at the top. Significant changes will be communicated via a notice on our website or an updated consent banner.

If we introduce new cookies requiring consent, you will be prompted to review and approve them on your next visit.

Contact Us

For any questions regarding this Cookies Policy, please contact us:

• Email: [insert contact email]

• Postal Address: Data Protection Officer (or Privacy Team), Steel Frame Building Systems Ltd, 6-7 Waterside Station Road, Harpenden, AL5 4US, United Kingdom

We value your privacy and are committed to ensuring a secure and transparent cookie policy for all users.

This Cookies Policy complies with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If you have concerns or need further clarification, please reach out to us.