Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 2026
1. Introduction
BuildSmart Advisory ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you use our website or services.
We are the data controller for the personal information we process. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us using the details at the end of this page.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
We collect information you voluntarily provide when:
- Booking a consultation (name, email, phone, address, property details, project information)
- Using our contact form (name, email, phone, message)
- Corresponding with us by email or phone
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent
- Referring website
- Device information
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to:
- Respond to your enquiries and booking requests
- Provide our consultation services
- Send appointment confirmations and reminders
- Send you our written recommendations after your consultation
- Improve our website and services
- Comply with legal obligations
We will only use your information for the purposes for which it was collected, unless we reasonably consider that we need to use it for another reason compatible with the original purpose.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal information based on:
- Contract: Where processing is necessary to perform our services (e.g., processing your booking)
- Legitimate interests: Where we have a legitimate business interest (e.g., improving our services, marketing to existing customers)
- Consent: Where you have given clear consent (e.g., marketing communications)
- Legal obligation: Where we need to comply with the law
5. Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:
- Service providers: Who help us operate our business (e.g., email hosting, website hosting)
- Professional advisors: Such as accountants or legal advisors
- Law enforcement: If required by law
When we recommend third-party professionals (architects, engineers, builders), we only share your contact details with your explicit consent.
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information, including:
- SSL encryption on our website
- Secure password-protected systems
- Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- Regular security reviews
While we take reasonable precautions, no internet transmission is completely secure. We cannot guarantee the security of information transmitted to us online.
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services
- Maintain records for tax and legal purposes (typically 6 years)
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
Contact form messages are retained for 2 years. Booking information is retained for 6 years for legal and tax purposes.
8. Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal information
- Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Erasure: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Restriction: Request limitation of processing
- Portability: Request transfer of your information
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw consent: Where processing is based on consent
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below. We will respond within one month.
9. Cookies
Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:
- Essential cookies: Required for the website to function (e.g., session cookies)
- Analytics cookies: To understand how visitors use our site
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
10. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.
11. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Complaints
If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact us first. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113
14. Contact Us
For any privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights:
Email: enquiry@buildsmartadvisory.co.uk
Phone: 01908 737037