Privacy Policy

Introduction

wind-bear is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who visit our website and use our services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By using our website or submitting information through our contact forms, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy.

Data Controller

wind-bear acts as the data controller for personal information collected through this website. Our registered address is 47 Riverside Business Centre, Wellington Road, Leeds, LS12 2UA. For data protection enquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information:

• Identity data: name and title
• Contact data: email address and postal address
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited
• Usage data: information about how you interact with our website
• Enquiry data: details you provide when requesting services or information

How We Collect Information

We collect personal information through:

• Contact forms and enquiry submissions on our website
• Email correspondence with our team
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Survey and assessment appointments

Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal information under the following lawful bases:

• Consent: Where you have provided explicit consent for specific purposes, such as receiving marketing communications.
• Contract: Where processing is necessary to fulfil a contract with you or take steps at your request before entering a contract.
• Legitimate interests: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests, provided these do not override your rights.
• Legal obligation: Where we must process data to comply with legal requirements.

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Respond to enquiries and provide requested information
• Arrange and conduct property surveys
• Prepare quotations and project proposals
• Deliver contracted services
• Maintain records for warranty and guarantee purposes
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected. Specifically:

• Enquiry data: retained for two years from last contact
• Client project records: retained for the duration of any guarantee period plus six years
• Financial records: retained for seven years as required by law
• Marketing preferences: retained until you withdraw consent

Data Sharing

We may share personal information with:

• Service providers who assist with website hosting and IT support
• Professional advisers including accountants and legal counsel
• Regulatory bodies where required by law
• Insurance providers in connection with guarantee schemes

We do not sell personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Your Rights

Under data protection legislation, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request erasure of your data in certain circumstances
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Request restriction of processing
• Receive your data in a portable format
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within one month of receiving your request.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encrypted data transmission, secure server infrastructure, and access controls limiting data availability to authorised personnel.

International Transfers

We primarily store and process data within the United Kingdom. Where data is transferred outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses approved by the Information Commissioner's Office.

Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with how we handle your personal information, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Contact details are available at ico.org.uk.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The revised policy will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Last updated: January 2024