Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

HighStreetCheck ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services (the "Service").

By using the Service, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We may collect information you voluntarily provide, including:

• Contact information (name, email address) when you use our contact form
• Search queries when you search for companies
• Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access the Service, we may automatically collect:

• Device information (browser type, operating system, device type)
• IP address and approximate location
• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, click patterns)
• Referral source (how you found our website)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

Our Service displays publicly available information from Companies House and other public data sources. This information relates to UK companies and their officers and is already in the public domain.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
• Process and respond to your inquiries and requests
• Analyse usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Monitor and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activity
• Comply with legal obligations
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions
• Send service-related communications

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect and track information and to improve the Service. Cookies are small data files stored on your device.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with the Service
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, some features of the Service may not function properly without cookies.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With third-party vendors who assist in operating the Service (hosting, analytics, etc.)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, or that of others
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Consent: With your explicit consent for any other purpose

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security. Any transmission of personal information is at your own risk.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), you have certain rights regarding your personal data:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making: Rights concerning automated decisions, including profiling

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided below. We will respond to your request within one month.

9. Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites, including Companies House, LinkedIn, news websites, and others. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for use by children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than the United Kingdom. These countries may have different data protection laws. When we transfer your data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes are effective when posted on this page.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your data protection rights, or have concerns about how we handle your information, please contact us through the contact form on our website.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection issues:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House, Water Lane
Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF
Website: ico.org.uk

14. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following legal bases:

• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent
• Contract: Where processing is necessary for a contract with you
• Legitimate Interests: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests, provided these do not override your rights
• Legal Obligation: Where processing is necessary to comply with a legal obligation