UK GDPR Privacy & Cookie Notice

1. Introduction & Data Controller

TradeCostUK ("we", "our", or "us") is dedicated to safeguarding and respecting your privacy in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, process, and retain personal data when you visit https://trade.apgrowth.tech or submit a quote request.

For the purposes of applicable data protection legislation, the Data Controller is TradeCostUK Intelligence Operations. Inquiries regarding data protection can be addressed to privacy@trade.apgrowth.tech.

2. Information We Collect

We only collect data that is strictly necessary to deliver accurate pricing calculations and contractor quotes:

• Quote Requests (Voluntary): When you submit a request for contractor estimates, we collect your service requirements, postcode / outward postal code (e.g., SW1A, M1), requested timeframe, and contact identifier (email address or telephone number).
• Technical & Analytical Data (Automatic): When you access our website, our server logs record anonymized IP addresses, browser user agent strings, visited URL paths, and timestamps to protect system integrity, detect malicious scraping, and monitor aggregated traffic.
• Contact Inquiries: Any correspondence submitted through our contact desk, including name, email address, and inquiry details.

3. Lawful Basis for Processing (UK GDPR Article 6)

We process personal data under the following legal bases:

• Consent (Article 6(1)(a)): When you explicitly request quotes or subscribe to updates, you consent to being connected with local trade professionals.
• Legitimate Interests (Article 6(1)(f)): To maintain site security, detect automated scraping bots, optimize server performance, and ensure accurate regional price benchmarks.

4. Cookies & Advertising Policy

Our website uses minimal, functional cookies necessary for user session security and calculator preferences.

Third-Party Advertising & Google AdSense: We may display advertising served by Google AdSense and certified third-party ad networks. Google uses cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads based on prior visits to this and other websites. You may manage your personalized advertising preferences at any time by visiting Google Ads Settings.

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to marketing list brokers. When you ask to receive contractor quotes, your job details and contact information are shared solely with registered, vetted trade partners (e.g., NICEIC / NAPIT approved contractors or certified contractor networks) strictly for the purpose of fulfilling your requested estimate.

6. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

Under UK data protection law, you possess key rights regarding your information:

• Right of Access: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: You may request correction of inaccurate data.
• Right to Erasure: You can request that your personal information be permanently deleted from our databases.
• Right to Object: You have the right to object to processing based on legitimate interests.

To exercise any of these rights, please email us at privacy@trade.apgrowth.tech. You also retain the statutory right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.

7. Data Retention & Security

We employ industry-standard TLS encryption, strict VPS firewalls, and parameterized database queries to protect your information against unauthorized access. Quote request records are securely deleted after 180 days unless required for audit or dispute resolution.