Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Plasterer Birmingham ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website at https://www.plasteringservicesbirmingham.co.uk or engage our plastering services.

We are based at Office 5, 194 Percy Rd, Birmingham B11 3LG, Birmingham, West Midlands, B11 3LG, UK and provide professional plastering services throughout Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

This policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. By using our services or website, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us when you:

2.1 Contact Us for Services

When you contact us for plastering services, we collect:

• Personal Details: Your full name and title
• Contact Information: Your phone number and email address
• Property Information: The address where services are required
• Service Requirements: Details about the plastering work you need
• Communication Records: Records of our conversations, emails, and messages

2.2 Website Usage

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, referring websites
• Cookies: Small files stored on your device to improve your experience

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

We do not collect or store:

• Credit card or banking information
• Sensitive personal data (health, political views, etc.)
• Information about children under 16
• Unnecessary personal information unrelated to our services

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Delivery

• Scheduling site visits and appointments
• Providing quotations and estimates
• Communicating about your project progress
• Coordinating work schedules and access
• Following up on completed work

3.2 Business Operations

• Processing payments and sending invoices
• Maintaining customer records
• Handling warranty claims and after-service support
• Improving our services based on feedback

3.3 Legal Compliance

• Meeting health and safety requirements
• Complying with building regulations
• Maintaining insurance records
• Responding to legal requests

3.4 Marketing (Optional)

With your explicit consent, we may contact you about:

• Special offers on our services
• Seasonal maintenance reminders
• New services we offer

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting us or clicking unsubscribe links in our emails.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

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

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide our plastering services
• Legitimate Interest: For business operations, customer service, and service improvement
• Consent: For marketing communications (where you have opted in)
• Legal Obligation: For compliance with health & safety, tax, and other legal requirements

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third parties who help us deliver our services:

• Material suppliers (for delivery coordination)
• Subcontractors (for specialized work)
• Insurance providers (for claims processing)
• Accounting services (for invoicing and tax purposes)

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes or court orders
• Respond to government requests
• Protect our rights and property
• Ensure safety and prevent fraud

5.3 Business Transfers

If our business is sold or merged, your information may be transferred to the new owners, but only under the same privacy protections.

6. Data Security

We take the security of your personal data seriously and implement appropriate measures to protect it:

• Physical Security: Locked filing cabinets and secure office premises
• Digital Security: Password-protected systems and encrypted data storage
• Access Controls: Limited access to authorized personnel only
• Regular Updates: Security software and system updates
• Staff Training: Regular privacy and security training for our team

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you of any significant data breaches as required by law.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Customer Records: 7 years after last service (for warranty and legal purposes)
• Financial Records: 6 years (for tax and accounting requirements)
• Marketing Consent: Until you withdraw consent or 3 years of inactivity
• Website Data: Typically 2 years or as required by law

After these periods, we securely delete or anonymize your information unless we are legally required to retain it longer.

8. Your Rights

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

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements)
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data in certain circumstances
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for marketing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing or other consent-based processing

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided below. We will respond within one month of receiving your request.

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and performance
• Provide relevant content and services

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect some website functionality. We do not use cookies for advertising or tracking across other websites.

10. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or use third-party services. These may include:

• Google Maps (for location services)
• Social media platforms
• Review platforms
• Payment processors

These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately so we can delete such information.

12. International Transfers

We primarily store and process your data within the United Kingdom. If we need to transfer your data outside the UK, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

13. Complaints and Concerns

If you have any concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first so we can try to resolve the issue. If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

14. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us:

15. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you via email if you have provided your email address
• Post a notice on our website

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.