Last updated: June 2025

1. Who We Are

South Pier Media Ltd (“South Pier”, “we”, “our”) provides website design, hosting, and content creation services. We are the data controller for personal data processed via this website and during the course of providing our services.

Business Name: South Pier Media Ltd trading as ‘South Pier’ and ‘South Pier Web Design’
Location: Dorset, United Kingdom
Contact Email: support@southpier.co.uk

This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

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2. Cookies and Embedded Content

2.1 We Don’t Use First-Party Cookies

This website does not use first-party cookies or tracking technologies by default.

2.2 Embedded Content and Third-Party Cookies

Some pages include embedded content (e.g. videos or social media posts) from the following platforms:

• YouTube
• Vimeo
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (formerly Twitter)

These third parties may set cookies when their content is loaded or interacted with. This may include information such as your IP address, device type, and browsing behaviour.

2.3 Consent-Based Loading

To comply with UK GDPR and PECR, we:

• Block third-party embeds by default
• Display a placeholder with a message explaining the content will load only after your interaction
• Load the content (and any cookies) only after you click to consent

2.4 Third-Party Privacy Policies

Please review the privacy policies of these providers:

• YouTube
• Vimeo
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)

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3. Analytics

3.1 Matomo (Cookieless) Analytics

We use Matomo Analytics in cookieless mode to collect anonymous usage statistics, such as page visits and traffic sources. No personal data or cookies are used.

3.2 What We Collect

• Anonymous visit data (e.g. pageviews, duration, referrer)
• Anonymised IP address (not personally identifiable)

3.3 Purpose

To improve site functionality and understand general usage patterns.

3.4 Opt-Out Option

Although not required by law, you can opt out of anonymous tracking:

Opt-out complete; your visits to this website will not be recorded by the Web Analytics tool. Note that if you clear your cookies, delete the opt-out cookie, or if you change computers or Web browsers, you will need to perform the opt-out procedure again.

You may choose to prevent this website from aggregating and analyzing the actions you take here. Doing so will protect your privacy, but will also prevent the owner from learning from your actions and creating a better experience for you and other users.

You are not opted out. Uncheck this box to opt-out. You are currently opted out. Check this box to opt-in.

The tracking opt-out feature requires cookies to be enabled.

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4. Contact Forms

4.1 Enquiry Forms

When you contact us via a general enquiry form, we collect:

• Name
• Email address
• Message content

Purpose: To respond to your enquiry
Lawful Basis: Legitimate interest

4.2 Newsletter Sign-Up

If you choose to receive our occasional newsletter, we collect:

• Name
• Email address

Purpose: To send you relevant updates and information
Lawful Basis: Consent (via an unticked opt-in checkbox)

You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email or by contacting us at support@southpier.co.uk.

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5. Where and How We Store Your Data

5.1 Google Workspace

We use Google Workspace for email, document storage, and internal processes.

Security Measures:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Encrypted storage
• Limited access to authorised team members only

International Transfers: Data may be stored outside the UK. Google relies on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) to protect data in accordance with UK GDPR.

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6. Data Retention Policy

Data Type	Retention Period	Justification
Enquiry form messages	Up to 12 months	For follow-up or continued communication
Newsletter subscriptions	Until user unsubscribes	For ongoing communication
Analytics data (anonymous)	Up to 12 months	Website performance analysis
Client project data	Up to 3 years after project end	Legal, tax and service continuity

We review stored data regularly and securely delete anything no longer needed. To request early deletion, email support@southpier.co.uk.

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7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate or outdated information
• Request deletion of your personal data
• Object to or restrict processing
• Request a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise your rights, please email: support@southpier.co.uk

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/

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8. If We Process Data on Your Behalf

If you are a client and provide us with access to personal data belonging to your own customers or users, we act as a data processor.

We will:

• Process data only on your instruction
• Never use or share it for any other purpose
• Delete or return the data on request

We are happy to sign a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) if required.

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9. Third-Party Services We Use

We rely on trusted third-party providers to deliver our services:

Communication & Content Creation

• Google Workspace – Email, file storage
• Adobe Creative Suite – Design work
• DaVinci Resolve – Video and audio editing
• WhatsApp – Optional client communication
• Apple iOS – Mobile access to communications and contacts

Hosting & WordPress Tools

• Stablepoint – Web hosting for South Pier and client sites
• Kadence Pro – Theme and block plugins for WordPress
• RankMath – SEO plugin
• LiteSpeed Cache – Site performance
• Wordfence – Security and firewall
• Matomo – Anonymous analytics (self-hosted)
• UpdraftPlus – Site backup tool

These providers process personal data only as required to deliver services and in accordance with GDPR. Where data is stored outside the UK, appropriate safeguards such as SCCs are in place.

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10. Data Breach Policy

We have procedures in place to detect, report, and investigate personal data breaches. If a breach occurs that poses a risk to your rights or freedoms, we will:

• Contain the breach and assess impact
• Notify the ICO within 72 hours, if required
• Inform affected individuals without undue delay
• Record the incident and take corrective measures

If you suspect any misuse of your personal data, contact us immediately at support@southpier.co.uk.

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11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes to our services or legal obligations. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Major changes will be clearly communicated on our website.