Privacy policy

This policy explains what personal information Arête collects through this website, why we collect it, how it is kept safe, and the rights you have over it. It is written in plain English.

Who we are

Arête is an independent digital practice working with businesses across the UK and internationally. For data protection law, the data controller responsible for your information is [LEGAL ENTITY, for example: Arête Marketing Ltd, company number 00000000, registered office: your registered address], which you can contact at info@aretemarketing.co.uk. We are registered with the UK Information Commissioner's Office under reference [ICO REGISTRATION NUMBER].

What we collect

When you send an enquiry through our form, we collect the details you choose to give us: your name, email address and message, plus, if you choose to add them, your business name, website address and the service you are interested in.

When you browse the website, standard technical information may also be collected, such as the pages you view, the type of device and browser you use, and an approximate location based on your IP address. This is only collected if you accept analytics cookies, as explained below.

Why we collect it, and our lawful basis

• To read and reply to your enquiry and prepare a proposal. Our lawful basis is legitimate interest: responding to people who contact us, and taking steps at your request before any agreement.
• To provide and manage services you go on to ask us for. Our lawful basis is performance of our contract with you.
• To understand how the website is used so we can improve it. Our lawful basis is your consent, given through the cookie banner.
• To meet our tax, accounting and other legal obligations. Our lawful basis is compliance with a legal obligation.

We use your enquiry only to respond to you and, if you become a client, to carry out the work. We do not add enquirers to a marketing list, and we never sell your data.

Who we share it with

We share data only with the trusted providers we need to run the website and reply to you. Each acts on our instructions under its own data protection terms:

• Netlify, which hosts the website and handles enquiry-form submissions.
• Microsoft, whose email service we use to receive and reply to your enquiry.
• Google, whose Analytics service measures website usage, only if you accept analytics cookies.

We do not share your information with anyone else unless you ask us to, or unless the law requires it.

Where your data is processed

Some of these providers process data outside the UK, including in the United States. Where that happens, the transfer is protected by an approved safeguard, such as the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or the UK addendum to the EU Standard Contractual Clauses, or by a country the UK recognises as offering adequate protection.

Cookies and analytics

The website does not set analytics or tracking cookies unless you agree to them. Where Google Analytics is enabled, a consent banner asks for your choice before any analytics cookies are set. If you decline, no analytics cookies are used and the site works normally. You can change your mind at any time by clearing this site's cookies in your browser.

How long we keep it

We keep enquiry details for up to 24 months from our last contact, in case you get back in touch, then delete them. If you become a client, we keep the relevant records for the length of our work together and for six years afterwards, to meet UK tax and accounting rules. Analytics data is kept for up to 14 months.

Your rights

Under UK data protection law you can ask to see the personal data we hold about you, have it corrected or deleted, object to or restrict how we use it, receive a copy in a portable format, and withdraw your consent to analytics at any time. To exercise any of these, email info@aretemarketing.co.uk and we will respond within one month.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we have handled your information, please tell us first so we can put it right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office, the UK regulator, at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top shows when it last changed, and any significant change will appear here before it takes effect.

Contact

Any questions about this policy or your data can be sent to info@aretemarketing.co.uk.