Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and property address
• Service Details: Information about your tree surgery requirements and property
• Communication Records: Correspondence with us via email, phone, or contact forms
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, and website usage data through cookies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide quotes and respond to your enquiries
• Schedule and perform tree surgery services
• Communicate with you about your service requests
• Send you updates about our services (only if you've opted in)
• Improve our website and customer service
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Under the UK GDPR, we process your personal data based on:

• Contract Performance: To provide the tree surgery services you've requested
• Legitimate Interests: To operate our business and improve our services
• Consent: For marketing communications (which you can withdraw at any time)
• Legal Obligation: To comply with tax, health and safety, and insurance requirements

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Our insurance company and professional advisors, only as necessary
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or sale of our business

We ensure that any third parties we work with are committed to protecting your data and comply with data protection laws.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure SSL encryption for data transmission on our website
• Password-protected systems and restricted access to personal data
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Secure storage of physical records

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Typically:

• Quote Requests: Retained for up to 2 years
• Customer Records: Retained for up to 7 years for accounting and legal purposes
• Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation on how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for marketing purposes
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at thetreecompanyoak@gmail.com or call 07702 075595.

8. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors use our website (if applicable)

You can control cookie settings through your browser. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. Complaints

If you believe we have not handled your personal data properly, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):