Privacy notice
Last updated: [DATE]
This notice explains how Northward Technology ("Northward", "we") collects, uses and protects personal information when you visit this website or contact us.
Who we are
Northward Technology is the trading name of [LEGAL NAME — your full name if you are a sole trader, or your company name and number], based in the North East of England. We are the data controller for the information described here. You can contact us at info@northwardtech.co.uk.
What we collect
- When you contact us: your name, business name, email address, phone number (if you give it) and anything you include in your message.
- When you become a client: the contact, billing and technical information we need to deliver and invoice the work you ask for.
- When you visit the website: our web server keeps standard technical logs (such as IP address, browser type and pages requested) to keep the site secure and working.
This website does not use cookies, analytics or advertising trackers, and does not load fonts or scripts from other companies.
How the enquiry form works
The enquiry form does not send or store anything on our website. It opens your own email app with your message ready to send to us, so your enquiry reaches us as a normal email.
Why we use your information
- To reply to your enquiry and provide quotes (our legitimate interests, or steps before entering a contract).
- To deliver services and invoice you (performance of a contract).
- To meet our legal obligations, such as keeping financial records (legal obligation).
- To keep this website secure (our legitimate interests).
We will never sell your information or use it for marketing without your consent.
Who we share it with
We only share information with trusted providers who help us run the business, such as our email provider ([EMAIL PROVIDER]), our website host (DigitalOcean) and our accountant, and only where needed. [ADD ANY OTHERS, e.g. accounting software.] Some of these providers may store data outside the UK; where they do, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as UK adequacy regulations or the International Data Transfer Agreement.
How long we keep it
- Enquiries that do not lead to work: [e.g. 12 months].
- Client and billing records: [e.g. 6 years after the end of the financial year], to meet tax requirements.
- Website server logs: [e.g. 30 days].
Your rights
You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you, and to ask us to correct, delete or restrict it, to object to our use of it, and to request a copy in a portable format. To use any of these rights, email info@northwardtech.co.uk.
If you are unhappy with how we handle your information, please contact us first. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint.
Keeping your information secure
We protect information with encryption, two-step login, access controls and regular security updates, and we only give access to those who need it.