Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how TradesGuide.co.uk (“we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website. It explains what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control our use of them in accordance with UK data protection regulations (UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations).
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small data files placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used by website owners to ensure sites function correctly, work more efficiently, and provide reporting information and analytics.
- First-Party Cookies: Set directly by our website to maintain site functionality, remember your input preferences, and route form data.
- Third-Party Cookies: Set by external service providers (such as analytics tools) that perform functions on our behalf.
2. Why Do We Use Cookies?
We use both first-party and third-party cookies for several purposes:
- Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for technical operations, security, and routing your quote inquiries. The website cannot function properly without these.
- Performance & Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our pricing guides, search queries, and calculators by collecting aggregated, anonymous data.
- Functional Cookies: Remember your location preferences (e.g. your selected postcode area) to serve localized cost benchmarks.
3. Categories of Cookies We Use
A. Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are mandatory and cannot be switched off in our systems.
- Provider: TradesGuide.co.uk / WordPress
- Purpose: User session persistence, CSRF security verification, and recording your cookie consent preferences.
- Duration: Session to 1 year.
B. Analytics & Performance Cookies
These cookies track visitor interactions so we can measure and improve the quality of our trade cost guides.
- Provider: Google Analytics (GA4)
- Cookies:
_ga,_ga_* - Purpose: Distinguishes individual users anonymously and tracks session counts, scroll depth, and bounce rates.
- Duration: Up to 2 years.
- Opt-Out: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
C. Third-Party Email & Interaction Cookies
Used only when you actively submit an inquiry or opt in to our newsletter.
- Provider: MailerLite / MailerSend
- Purpose: Verifies form submission integrity and manages subscriber tracking.
- Duration: Session to 30 days.
4. How Can You Control Cookies?
You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject non-essential cookies at any time.
- On-Site Cookie Banner: You can adjust your consent preferences directly via the cookie settings banner displayed on your first visit, or by clearing your browser cache to trigger the prompt again.
- Browser Settings: Most web browsers allow you to manage cookie controls via settings:
Note: Disabling strictly necessary cookies may impact the functionality of our quote intake and postcode routing features.
5. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect operational changes, legal requirements, or newly deployed tools. Please re-visit this page regularly to stay informed.
6. Contact Us
If you have questions regarding our use of cookies or personal data handling:
- Email: support@tradesguide.co.uk
- Company: TradesGuide.co.uk (Independent UK Trade Benchmark Network)