Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Hamble Valley IT Solutions ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website hv-it.uk or use our services.

We are registered in England and Wales and operate from Netley, Hampshire. For data protection purposes, we are the data controller.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Fill out our contact form
• Email or phone us directly
• Request our IT services
• Subscribe to our newsletter or blog updates

This information may include:

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number)
• Business information (if applicable)
• Technical information about your IT issues
• Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide services: Process your service requests and deliver IT support
• To communicate: Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• To improve: Analyze usage patterns to enhance our website and services
• To send updates: If you've opted in, send you newsletters, tips, and service updates
• Legal compliance: Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

Under the UK GDPR, we process your personal data on the following legal bases:

• Contract: Processing is necessary to fulfill our service agreement with you
• Consent: You have given explicit consent for specific purposes (e.g., newsletters)
• Legitimate interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests (e.g., improving services)
• Legal obligation: Processing is required to comply with legal requirements

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service providers: Trusted third parties who assist us (e.g., email service providers, hosting providers) under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal requirements: If required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business transfers: In the event of a merger, sale, or acquisition (you will be notified)
• With your consent: Any other disclosure made with your explicit permission

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure server infrastructure
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

• Contact form submissions: Retained for up to 2 years for customer service purposes
• Service records: Retained for up to 7 years for accounting and legal purposes
• Marketing data: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Website logs: Typically retained for 90 days

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

• Right to access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing: Request limitation on how we use your data
• Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 12.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Functionality cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

10. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Third-party services we may use include:

• Email service providers (for sending service communications)
• Web hosting providers
• Analytics services

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. Complaints

If you are not satisfied with how we handle your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last updated" date
• Sending an email notification (if you have provided your email address)

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

15. Consent

By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.