Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Balmy Escape Digital ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website balmy-escape.com.

By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time through our cookie consent banner or your browser settings.

2. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your browsing experience more efficient and personalised.

Cookies can be "persistent" (remaining on your device until deleted or expired) or "session" (deleted when you close your browser).

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They cannot be disabled without affecting basic website functionality.

3.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information about page views, traffic sources, and user behaviour.

3.3 Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used to deliver more relevant advertisements and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

3.4 Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalisation, such as remembering your preferences and settings.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by third-party services that appear on our website:

4.1 Google Services

• Google Analytics: Website analytics and reporting
• Google Ads: Advertising and conversion tracking
• Google Fonts: Web font delivery
• YouTube: Embedded video content

4.2 Social Media Platforms

• Facebook: Social sharing and advertising pixels
• Twitter: Social sharing and analytics
• LinkedIn: Professional networking and advertising
• Instagram: Social media integration

4.3 Other Third Parties

• Email marketing platforms: Newsletter and email analytics
• Customer support tools: Live chat and help desk functionality
• Content delivery networks: Website performance optimisation

5. Cookie Consent and Preferences

5.1 Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only necessary cookies
• Customise your cookie preferences

5.2 Managing Preferences

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Using our cookie preference centre (accessible from the footer)
• Adjusting your browser settings
• Deleting cookies from your browser
• Using browser extensions that block tracking

5.3 Cookie Preference Centre

6. Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

6.1 Google Chrome

1. Click the menu icon (three dots) > Settings
2. Click "Privacy and security" > "Cookies and other site data"
3. Choose your preferred cookie settings

6.2 Firefox

1. Click the menu icon (three lines) > Options
2. Select "Privacy & Security"
3. Under "Cookies and Site Data", choose your settings

6.3 Safari

1. Click Safari > Preferences
2. Click the "Privacy" tab
3. Choose your cookie preferences

6.4 Microsoft Edge

1. Click the menu icon (three dots) > Settings
2. Click "Cookies and site permissions"
3. Choose "Cookies and site data" and adjust settings

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

Disabling certain types of cookies may affect your website experience:

7.1 Necessary Cookies

Disabling these cookies may prevent the website from functioning properly, including:

• Contact forms not working
• Newsletter subscription failing
• Security features being compromised
• Accessibility settings not being remembered

7.2 Analytics Cookies

Disabling these cookies means we cannot:

• Understand how you use our website
• Improve website performance
• Identify and fix technical issues
• Measure the effectiveness of our content

7.3 Marketing Cookies

Disabling these cookies means:

• Advertisements may be less relevant
• You may see the same ads repeatedly
• We cannot measure advertising effectiveness
• Retargeting campaigns won't work

8. Data Protection and Privacy

Cookie data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK data protection laws.

8.1 Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect cookie data, including:

• Secure transmission protocols
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and monitoring
• Data minimisation practices

8.2 Data Retention

Cookies are retained for different periods depending on their purpose:

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Analytics cookies: Typically 2 years
• Marketing cookies: Up to 2 years
• Functional cookies: Vary by purpose

9. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have rights regarding your personal data, including data collected through cookies:

• Right to access: Request information about cookie data we hold
• Right to rectification: Correct inaccurate data
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of cookie data
• Right to restrict processing: Limit how we use cookie data
• Right to object: Object to certain cookie uses
• Right to withdraw consent: Change your cookie preferences

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our cookie usage
• New technologies or tracking methods
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Improvements to user experience

We will notify users of significant changes through our website or direct communication.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

For complaints about cookie usage, you can also contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

ICO: ico.org.uk

12. Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy:

• All About Cookies - Comprehensive cookie information
• ICO Cookie Guidance - UK regulator guidance
• Your Online Choices - Advertising preferences
• Google Analytics Opt-out - Disable Google Analytics tracking