Stoke Startup (https://www.stokestartup.co.uk) is proudly hosted on WordPress, managed by Automattic Inc., registered at 60 29th Street #343, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States. At Stoke Startup, we are dedicated to safeguarding your privacy when you visit our website or engage with us digitally. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, process, and protect your personal data in compliance with the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and applicable regulations. Please review this policy carefully before sharing any personal information. By accessing our site, you consent to the practices described below.
Information You Provide to Us
When you interact with Stoke Startup, you may share personal details via:
- Contact forms or enquiry submissions (e.g., name, email address, phone number, or postal address).
- Account creation or newsletter sign-ups (e.g., username, email).
- Purchases or subscriptions (e.g., billing details, if applicable).
We do not store sensitive financial information (like credit card details) directly. For transactions or subscriptions, we rely on trusted third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe or PayPal), vetted for security by WordPress and subject to strict encryption and two-factor authentication standards. Your data’s safety is our priority.
Information We Automatically Collect
Our website gathers technical data to enhance your experience, including:
- IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system.
- Usage data: Pages visited, time spent, referral sources, clicks, and downloads.
This data is collected via tools like WordPress analytics, Google Analytics, and Jetpack, provided by Automattic Inc., Alphabet Inc. (1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA), and other secure partners. We use this information to optimise our site, troubleshoot issues, and improve user experience.
How We Use Your Data
- To deliver requested products, services, or information.
- To send optional marketing emails (e.g., startup tips, promotions)—you can opt out anytime.
- To analyse site performance and enhance SEO (e.g., keywords like “Stoke on Trent Entrepreneurship,” “Start a Business in Stoke”).
Data Security and Sharing
Your data is stored on WordPress’s secure servers, leveraging industry-standard encryption. We do not sell or share your information with third parties, except:
- With service providers (e.g., payment processors, analytics tools) under strict confidentiality agreements.
- When required by law or regulatory authorities.
While we strive to protect your data, no online transmission is 100% secure. We implement robust safeguards to minimise risks.
Your Rights
Under UK data protection laws, you can:
- Request access to your data by emailing contactstokestartup@gmail.com.
- Update or delete your information at any time.
- Lodge complaints with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if needed.
Contact Us
Questions? Reach out at contactstokestartup@gmail.com.
