Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 7 January 2025

1. Introduction

Spark Media ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website sparkmediawebsites.com (the "Website") or use our services.

This policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. By using our Website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Data Controller

Spark Media is the data controller responsible for your personal data. Our contact details are:

Spark Media

North Devon, United Kingdom

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (+44) 01271 883339

3. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

3.1 Information You Provide

  • Contact information (name, email address, phone number, postal address)
  • Business information (company name, website URL, industry)
  • Communications with us (enquiry forms, emails, phone calls)
  • Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment providers)
  • Project requirements and preferences

3.2 Information Automatically Collected

  • Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
  • Usage data (pages visited, time spent, referring URLs)
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see our Cookie Policy)
  • Location data (approximate location based on IP address)

4. How We Use Your Information

We process your personal data for the following purposes under the following legal bases:

To provide and deliver our services (Legal basis: Contract performance)

To respond to your enquiries and provide customer support (Legal basis: Legitimate interests)

To process payments and prevent fraud (Legal basis: Contract performance and legal obligation)

To send marketing communications (Legal basis: Consent or legitimate interests)

To improve our Website and services (Legal basis: Legitimate interests)

To comply with legal obligations (Legal basis: Legal obligation)

5. Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal data with the following categories of recipients:

  • Service providers: Web hosting, email services, payment processors, analytics providers
  • Professional advisers: Lawyers, accountants, auditors
  • Legal authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights
  • Business transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or acquisition

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

6. International Data Transfers

Your personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the United Kingdom. Where we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected:

  • Client data: Duration of the business relationship plus 7 years (for tax and legal purposes)
  • Enquiry data: Up to 2 years if no business relationship is established
  • Marketing data: Until you withdraw consent or request deletion
  • Website analytics: Up to 26 months

8. Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

Right to Access

Request copies of your personal data

Right to Rectification

Request correction of inaccurate data

Right to Erasure

Request deletion of your data

Right to Restrict

Request restriction of processing

Right to Portability

Receive your data in a portable format

Right to Object

Object to processing for certain purposes

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within one month.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include encryption, secure servers, access controls, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Cookies

Our Website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. For detailed information about the cookies we use, please see our Cookie Policy.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately.

13. Changes to This Privacy 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 material changes by posting the updated policy on our Website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Right to Complain

If you believe we have not handled your personal data properly, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK supervisory authority:

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

Website: ico.org.uk

Telephone: 0303 123 1113

Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

15. Contact Us

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

Spark Media

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (+44) 01271 883339

Address: North Devon, United Kingdom