COOKIE POLICY

Last updated: 27 November 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies on our website (“Service”). It also explains your choices and rights under the UK GDPR, the EU GDPR (where applicable), and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), as well as relevant international standards including ISO/IEC 29184.

 

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, mobile device, or browser when you visit a website. They store information that helps the website function, improve performance, and personalise your experience.

We may also use other technologies such as:

  • Local storage
  • Session storage
  • Tracking pixels
  • Web beacons
  • Device and browser fingerprinting (never without consent)

All such technologies are treated as “cookies” for the purposes of this policy.

 

Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

  • Ensure the website functions correctly
  • Remember your preferences
  • Improve website performance
  • Understand how visitors use the website
  • Provide security features
  • Deliver relevant advertising (with your consent)

 

Types of Cookies We Use

We categorise cookies in accordance with ISO/IEC 29184 and ICO/EDPB guidance:

 
Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for providing the Service. They enable core functions such as page navigation, security, form submission, access to secure areas, and consent management.
These cookies do not require your consent under UK law.

 
Performance Cookies (Analytics)

These cookies collect aggregated, anonymous information about how visitors use the Service.
We use them to analyse usage, detect errors, and improve the site.
These cookies require your consent.

Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow the site to remember your choices, such as login information, preferences, language selection, and custom settings.
These cookies require your consent.

 

Targeting / Advertising Cookies

These cookies track your browsing behaviour across the Service and other websites in order to:

  • Deliver personalised advertisements
  • Measure advertising effectiveness
  • Build marketing audiences

These are non-essential and require your explicit consent.

 

Legal Basis for Using Cookies

Under UK GDPR/EU GDPR and PECR:

Cookie TypeLegal BasisConsent Required?
Strictly NecessaryLegitimate interest / essential service provision No
PerformanceConsentYes
FunctionalityConsentYes
Targeting/AdvertisingConsentYes

Consent must be:

  • Freely given
  • Specific
  • Granular
  • Informed
  • As easy to withdraw as to give

We comply with these requirements.

 

Cookie Table

Strictly Necessary Cookies (Consent is not required)
NameProviderPurposeTypeDuration
_cf_bmCloudflareDistinguishes between humans and bots to protect the site from malicious traffic. Required for security.Third-party~30 minutes
dwndvcInternal (WordPress plugin or theme)Detects the visitor’s device type to ensure correct rendering and performance.First-partySession / varies
zp_deviceInternalDetects the visitor’s device type for website optimisation.First-partySession
oG45EmInternalStores device/session information to optimise performance and layout.First-party~11 days
oG45Gm8lh2iLInternalSession/device identifier used for site rendering and navigation.First-party~26 days
oG45Gm8VcKeLInternalSupports stable performance and session handling.First-party~17 days
oG45GmfWInternalDevice/session ID used for site performance optimisation.First-party~48 days
oG45Mm8lh2iLInternalDevice/session handling for layout optimisation.First-party~26 days
oG45MmfWInternalSession/device state used to enhance user experience.First-party~48 days
oG45MZaInternalStores anonymised device information for performance enhancement.First-party~47 days
oGdcEZqbOB2KhKJW7InternalSession/device identification supporting navigation and performance.First-party~21 days
oGdoKd8fS5ZMfInternalDevice detection for correct layout rendering.First-party~17 days
oGdoKd8lcKi6XInternalSession/device identifier for layout performance.First-party~17 days
oGdoKd8mSHdInternalSession/device ID used for site performance (cookie name truncated in scan).First-partyVaries
 
Performance and analytics cookies (Consent required)
NameProviderPurposeTypeDuration
_gaGoogle AnalyticsDistinguishes unique users and tracks site usage statistics.Third-party~2 years
_ga_0PWQD4DXE3Google AnalyticsMaintains session state and measures user interactions (GA4).Third-party~2 years
_ga_6LRS50HQJFGoogle AnalyticsMaintains session state and measures user interactions (GA4).Third-party~2 years
_ga_KQ10PNHETKGoogle AnalyticsMaintains session state and measures user interactions (GA4).Third-party~2 years
_ga_KYVCLH7T5GGoogle AnalyticsMaintains session state and measures user interactions (GA4).Third-party~2 years
_gidGoogle AnalyticsDistinguishes users with 24-hour expiry for usage statistics.Third-party24 hours

*Last tested on 27 November, 2025

 

How We Obtain Your Consent

When you first visit the Service, you will see a cookie consent banner that:

  • Allows you to Accept All
  • Allows you to Reject All non-essential cookies
  • Allows you to Customise cookies by category
  • Includes a link to this Cookie Policy

Non-essential cookies will not be set until you provide consent.

 

How to Withdraw Consent

You may withdraw or change your consent at any time by using our Cookie Settings link, available in the footer of the website.

When consent is withdrawn:

  • All non-essential cookies are disabled
  • No new cookies will be set

Note: previously stored cookies can be removed manually via your browser settings.

 

Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are placed by third parties on our behalf. These providers may process data in accordance with their own privacy policies.
Where required, we ensure:

  • Appropriate data processing agreements
  • Adequate safeguards for international transfers
  • Compliance with UK GDPR/EU GDPR

 

Cookie Retention

Cookie retention periods follow the durations stated in our cookie table and comply with:

  • ISO/IEC 29184 guidance
  • ICO/EDPB recommendations
  • Minimal data retention principles

Persistent cookies are retained only for as long as necessary for their stated purpose.

 

How to Control Cookies in Your Browser

You can delete or block cookies directly from your browser settings.
Instructions can be found at:

Blocking cookies may affect how the Service functions.

 

Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to remain compliant with legal and regulatory requirements, including ISO/IEC 29184 and changes to UK GDPR/PECR.
Any updates will be published on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.