This Cookie Policy ("Policy") describes the use of cookies and similar tracking technologies on the website operated by Westfield Capital Group ("the Company", "we", "us", "our"), available at westfieldcapitalgroup.co.uk (the "Website"). The Policy is issued in accordance with regulation 6 of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (as amended) and the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation.
This Policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy, which sets out how the Company processes personal data more generally.
Definition of Cookies
A "cookie" is a small text file that is placed on a user's device (computer, tablet, smartphone or other device capable of storing information) by a website that the user visits. Cookies are widely used to make websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information to the operator of the site.
For the purposes of this Policy, references to cookies should be read to include similar tracking technologies, including web beacons, pixel tags, local storage, software development kits and device fingerprinting.
Categories of Cookies Used
The Company uses the following categories of cookies on the Website:
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential to enable you to use the Website and its features, including session management, security, accessibility, load balancing, the maintenance of online application state and the operation of fraud prevention measures. The Website cannot function properly without these cookies and they are set in response to actions made by the user which amount to a request for services. These cookies do not require consent and may not be disabled through the consent management mechanism.
Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use the Website, for example which pages are visited most often and whether users encounter error messages. The information collected is aggregated and used to improve the operation of the Website. The Company uses third-party analytics providers, including Google Analytics, for this purpose. These cookies are set only with the user's consent.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the Website to remember choices made by the user (such as user name, language or region) and to provide enhanced, more personal features. They may also be used to provide services requested by the user, such as the playing of video or the use of social media features. These cookies are set only with the user's consent.
Marketing and Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used to deliver advertising that is more relevant to the user and the user's interests. They are also used to limit the number of times an advertisement is shown and to measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the Company's permission and remember that the user has visited the Website. These cookies are set only with the user's consent.
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on the Website are set by third parties acting on behalf of the Company. The Company is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties and recommends that users review the relevant third-party privacy and cookie notices. Categories of third party currently used include analytics providers, advertising networks and content delivery networks.
Legal Basis for the Use of Cookies
The Company relies on the following legal bases for the use of cookies:
- For strictly necessary cookies, the Company relies on the exemption set out in regulation 6(4) of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (storage of, or access to, information that is strictly necessary for the provision of an information society service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user);
- For all other cookies, the Company relies on the consent of the user, obtained through the cookie consent banner displayed on first visit to the Website. Consent may be withdrawn at any time as described below.
How to Manage Cookies
Where the Website uses non-essential cookies, the Company will obtain consent prior to setting them and will provide a clear means by which the user may withdraw that consent. The Company is in the process of deploying a granular cookie consent management mechanism on the Website; in the interim, only strictly necessary cookies are set on the Website by default and any analytics or marketing cookies are configured to require prior, explicit consent.
Most web browsers also allow some control of cookies through the browser settings. Users may set their browsers to block cookies, to alert them when cookies are being sent, or to delete cookies that have already been placed. The procedure for managing cookies will vary by browser; instructions are typically available within the browser's "Help", "Tools" or similar menu. The user should be aware that disabling certain categories of cookies may affect the functionality of the Website.
Information on opting out of interest-based advertising delivered by participating networks may be obtained from the Network Advertising Initiative (www.networkadvertising.org) and from the Digital Advertising Alliance (www.youronlinechoices.com).
Retention
Session cookies expire when the browser session ends. Persistent cookies remain on the user's device for a defined period or until they are deleted. The retention period for each cookie used on the Website is set out in the cookie preference centre.
Changes to this Policy
The Company may amend this Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, regulation, technology or business practice. The current version is identified by the date at the top of the Policy. Users are encouraged to review the Policy periodically.
Contact
Questions or comments concerning this Policy should be addressed to: Data Protection Officer, Westfield Capital Group, 45 Main Road, Naphill, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4QD; or by email to dpo@westfieldcapitalgroup.co.uk.