privacy policy

Last Updated February 2026

1. Introduction

Circular Social respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website or interact with our services. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Who We Are

Circular Social operates a platform connecting users with independent preloved, vintage, handmade, and eco-conscious businesses. Data Controller: Circular Social Contact email: [info@circularsocial.co.uk] The Data Controller is responsible for deciding how your personal data is used.

3. Information

We Collect We may collect and process the following types of personal data:

Information You Provide

Name
Email address
Contact details
Business information (for member businesses)
Messages or enquiries submitted through the website
Account or membership information (if applicable)

Information Collected Automatically

IP address
Browser type and device information
Website usage data
Pages visited and time spent on the site
Cookie data (see Cookie Policy below)

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

Provide and manage our services
Process enquiries and communications
Manage business memberships
Improve website performance and user experience
Send updates or marketing communications (with consent)
Maintain website security
Comply with legal obligations
We will only use your data when we have a lawful basis to do so.

5. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on:

Consent: when you opt in to marketing or cookies
Legitimate interests: to operate and improve our services
Contractual necessity: when providing services to members
Legal obligations: when required by law

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share data with:

Website hosting providers
Email service providers
Analytics providers
Professional advisers or legal authorities where required
All third parties must protect your data and only use it for specified purposes.

7. Data Retention

We keep personal data only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes it was collected for, including legal and accounting requirements.

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Access your personal data
Correct inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data
Restrict or object to processing
Request data portability
Withdraw consent at any time
Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
To exercise your rights, contact us at [info@circularsocial.co.uk].

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this policy or your personal data, contact: Circular Social [info@circularsocial.co.uk] [www.circularsocial.co.uk]

Cookie Policy

Last updated: [February 2026]

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function properly and improve user experience.

2. How We Use Cookies

Circular Social uses cookies to: Ensure the website functions correctly Improve performance and usability Understand how visitors use the site Remember user preferences Support marketing and analytics (if applicable)

3. Types of Cookies

We Use Strictly Necessary Cookies.

These are essential for website functionality, such as security and navigation. These cannot be switched off.

Performance and Analytics Cookies

These help us understand how visitors interact with the website and improve services (for example, website traffic analysis).

Functionality Cookies

These remember your preferences and improve your experience.

Marketing Cookies

These track browsing behaviour to deliver relevant advertising.

4. Managing Cookies

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling some cookies may affect website functionality. You can also control cookie preferences via our website cookie banner. To learn more about managing cookies, visit: https://www.allaboutcookies.org

5. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies may be set by third-party services such as analytics or embedded content providers. These providers have their own privacy policies.

6. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page.