Cookie Policy for aaultd.co.uk
Effective Date: March 09, 2025
Last Updated: March 09, 2025
This Cookie Policy explains how AAU Ltd ("we," "us," or "our"), the operator of aaultd.co.uk, uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. Under UK law, including the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK GDPR, we’re required to inform you about our use of cookies, obtain your consent for non-essential cookies, and provide you with control over them. By continuing to use our website, you acknowledge this policy. If you do not agree, you can adjust your preferences or browser settings as outlined below.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (e.g., computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help us make the site work, improve its performance, and personalise your experience. We also use similar technologies, like pixels and local storage, which are included in the term "cookies" here for simplicity.
Why We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:
Ensure our website functions correctly (essential cookies).
Analyse how our site is used to improve it (performance cookies).
Remember your preferences for a better experience (functional cookies).
Deliver tailored advertising or content, where applicable (marketing cookies).
Legal Basis for Using Cookies
Under PECR, we must:
Use essential cookies without consent because they’re strictly necessary for the website to operate.
Get your explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies (e.g., performance, functional, or marketing cookies), unless they’re exempt under UK law.
Any personal data collected via cookies is processed under the UK GDPR. For essential cookies, our legal basis is "legitimate interests" (to provide a functioning website). For non-essential cookies, we rely on your consent.
Types of Cookies We Use
Here’s what we use on aaultd.co.uk:
Essential Cookies
Purpose: Required for basic website functionality, like navigation, accessing secure areas, or submitting forms (e.g., quote requests).
Consent: Not required—they’re exempt under PECR as "strictly necessary."
Example: Session cookies (expire when you close your browser).
Duration: Typically temporary (session-based).
Performance/Analytics Cookies
Purpose: Collect anonymous data on how visitors use our site (e.g., page views, time spent) to improve it. We may use tools like Google Analytics.
Consent: Requires your prior consent under PECR.
Example: _ga (Google Analytics) – tracks usage anonymously, stored for up to 2 years.
Duration: Varies (e.g., 2 years unless you opt out).
Functional Cookies
Purpose: Enhance your experience by remembering choices (e.g., language or region).
Consent: Requires your prior consent under PECR.
Example: A cookie storing your preferred contact method, kept until you delete it.
Duration: Persistent until cleared by you.
Marketing/Targeting Cookies
Purpose: Track browsing habits to show relevant ads on our site or third-party platforms (e.g., via ad networks or social media).
Consent: Requires your prior consent under PECR.
Example: Third-party cookies from platforms like Facebook when you interact with our content.
Duration: Varies by third-party provider.
Third-Party Cookies
We may use third-party services that set cookies, such as:
Google Analytics: For site usage data (see Google’s Privacy Policy).
Social Media: If you share content (e.g., via Twitter or Facebook), their cookies may apply—check their policies.
We ensure third parties comply with UK data protection laws, but we don’t control their cookies directly.
How We Get Your Consent
When you first visit aaultd.co.uk, a cookie banner will appear. It:
Explains we use cookies.
Lists categories (essential, performance, functional, marketing).
Lets you accept all, reject non-essential cookies, or customize your choices.
Essential cookies are always active and don’t need consent. For non-essential cookies, we won’t set them until you explicitly agree. You can change your preferences anytime via the “Cookie Settings” link at the bottom of our site.
How to Manage Cookies
You have full control over cookies:
Via Our Website: Use the “Cookie Settings” tool to accept, reject, or adjust non-essential cookies.
Via Your Browser: Block or delete cookies in your browser settings (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari). Note: Blocking essential cookies may break parts of our site. Visit www.allaboutcookies.org for guidance.
Your Data Rights
Cookies may collect personal data (e.g., IP addresses in analytics). Under the UK GDPR, you have rights to:
Access, correct, or delete your data.
Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies anytime.
Complain to the ICO if you’re unhappy with our practices (see below).
Most cookie data we collect is anonymous and aggregated. For details on personal data, see our Privacy Policy.
How Long Cookies Last
Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser.
Persistent Cookies: Stored for a set period (e.g., 2 years for analytics) or until you delete them.
Compliance with UK Law
We follow PECR and UK GDPR by:
Clearly explaining cookie use.
Requiring opt-in consent for non-essential cookies (no pre-ticked boxes).
Offering an easy way to refuse or withdraw consent.
Keeping cookie data secure and limiting its use to what’s stated here.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy to reflect legal changes or updates to our website. Significant changes will be flagged via a notice on aaultd.co.uk. The “Last Updated” date shows the latest version.
Contact Us
Questions or concerns? Contact us:
Email: info@aaultd.co.uk
For more on data handling, see our Privacy Policy.
Complaints
If you’re not satisfied, you can contact the UK’s data protection authority:
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: www.ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113
