Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how ABACUS BLINDS AND AWNINGS (SOUTHEAST) LTD (referred to as “Abacus Blinds”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, and protects any personal data collected through our website, https://www.abacusblinds.co.uk/. We are committed to protecting your privacy in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

1. Data Controller Contact Details

The Data Controller responsible for your personal data is ABACUS BLINDS AND AWNINGS (SOUTHEAST) LTD.
Registered Address: Unit 14, Viewpoint, Boxley Rd, Penenden Heath, Maidstone ME14 2DZ
Contact Email: info@abacusblinds.co.uk

2. Information We Collect and Why

2.1. Information You Provide (Inquiry Data)

When you fill out a contact or inquiry form (via our Go High-Level form on the Website), we collect the following personal data:

• Your Name
• Your Contact Information (Email address, Phone number)
• Details regarding your inquiry (e.g., product interest, location)

Purpose: This data is collected under the lawful basis of Legitimate Interest or Contract Preparation to enable us to respond to your specific request, provide a quote, and potentially schedule an appointment.

Handling: The form submission is routed directly via email to our contact email address and automatically enters our CRM system (Go High-Level) for efficient record-keeping. The data is not used for any marketing services; it is retained only for the purpose of replying to your inquiry.

2.2. Website Analytics and Usage Data

We collect non-personal data about your visit to help us understand how our website is being used and how we can improve the user experience.

• Plausible Analytics: We use a self-hosted version of Plausible Analytics to track website traffic and visitor numbers. Plausible is a privacy-focused analytics tool that does not use cookies and does not collect, store, or process any personal data. It provides us with aggregated, anonymous data (such as page views and referral sources).
• Microsoft Clarity: We use Microsoft Clarity to gain valuable insights into how visitors interact with our pages. This uses a script that may record sessions and mouse movements on the site. This tool helps us to understand visitor habits and spot opportunities for improvement, ensuring the website is easy and intuitive to use.
• Elementor & Google Fonts: We use the Elementor page builder. This may employ essential technical cookies or scripts necessary for the proper functioning and design of the website. We also use Google Fonts, which means your browser will download the required font files from Google servers to display the site correctly.

3. Data Retention Policy

We adhere to the UK GDPR principle of Storage Limitation, ensuring personal data is not kept for longer than necessary.

• Initial Inquiry Data: If your inquiry does not result in a booked appointment or paying customer, we will retain your data in our CRM (Go High-Level) for a maximum of 24 months from the date of your last interaction. This allows us to follow up and service any ongoing sales cycle. After this period, the data will be securely deleted or permanently anonymised.
• Customer Data: If you become a paying customer, your personal data will be retained for the duration of the guarantee period and any period required by UK financial or tax law (typically 6 years plus the current financial year) to comply with legal obligations.

4. Cookies and Your Choices

We use cookies and similar technologies for necessary website functionality and analytics.

• We utilise a **cookie pop-up** that enables you to manage your preferences. Upon request through this pop-up, you have the option to block non-essential cookies.
• Please refer to our separate Cookie Policy [link to your cookie policy page] for a detailed list of the cookies we use.

5. Third-Party Data Transfer

We do not sell or trade your personal data. Your Inquiry Data is shared with the following essential third parties, who act as data processors on our behalf:

• Go High-Level: Used to process and store inquiry submissions in the CRM.
• Microsoft Clarity: Used for website analytics and session recording.
• Plausible Analytics: Used for privacy-focused, anonymous website statistics.

Social Media Links: Our website includes direct links (icons) to our social media pages. Clicking these links will take you to those external sites. We do not use any social media tracking pixels on our site; however, your activity on the external social media platforms is governed by their own privacy policies.

6. Your Rights Under GDPR

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Rectify any incorrect or incomplete personal data.
• Erase your personal data (the ‘Right to be Forgotten’).
• Restrict the processing of your personal data.
• Object to the processing of your personal data.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in Section 1. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe we have processed your data unlawfully.