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Privacy Policy

Last updated: 11/07/2025

 

1. Who We Are


William Smith Group 1832 Ltd. ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal data. This policy explains what personal data we collect, how and why we use it, and how you can exercise your rights.

William Smith Group 1832 Ltd. is a family-run business based in Barnard Castle, North East England. We operate under the divisional brands William Smith and Architextural, supplying products to the sign, graphics, and architectural industries.

Data Controller: William Smith Group 1832 Ltd.
Company number: 00844451
Registered address: Grove Works, Queen Street, Barnard Castle, DL12 8JQ
Email: dpa@williamsmith.co.uk
Telephone: 01833 690305

 

 

2. What Data We Collect and Why


We collect personal data from you when you:

  • Contact us via phone, email, or contact forms
  • Request samples, quotes, or product information
  • Register for events or exhibitions
  • Subscribe to our newsletters or marketing communications
  • Make a purchase, online or offline
  • Interact with our website (via cookies)

Data Type Purpose Legal Basis
Name, job title, company name To process enquiries, orders, and provide services Contractual necessity
Email address, phone number To communicate with you regarding your enquiry/order Contractual necessity / Legitimate interests
Browsing data (cookies, IP address) Website analytics and improving user experience Consent (for non-essential cookies)
Marketing preferences To send promotional updates, offers, or product news Consent

 

 

3. Cookies and Website Tracking

We use cookies to understand how visitors use our website and to improve its functionality.

  • Necessary cookies – essential for website operation
  • Analytics cookies – help us analyse site usage (e.g. Google Analytics)
  • Marketing cookies – used to deliver relevant advertising (if applicable)

You will be asked to provide consent when you first visit our website. You can change your cookie preferences at any time through our cookie management tool.

For more information, please see our separate Cookie Policy.


 

4. Who We Share Your Data With


We never sell or rent your personal data. However, we may share it with trusted service providers who assist us in delivering our services. These include:

  • Email marketing platforms
  • Website development and hosting agencies
  • CRM and order management systems
  • Couriers or logistics companies
  • Professional advisors (e.g. accountants, legal advisors)

All third parties are subject to strict data protection obligations and only process data under our instruction.


 

5. International Transfers


Currently, we do not transfer your data outside the UK or EEA. If this changes, we will ensure that adequate safeguards are in place, such as:

  • UK-approved Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • Adequacy decisions from the UK government

You will be notified if your data is subject to international transfer.

 

 

6. How Long We Keep Your Data


We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including:

Data Type Retention Period
Order and transaction records 7 years (for accounting and legal purposes)
Marketing contact information 2 years from last engagement or opt-out
Event and exhibition registrations 12 months after event completion
Website analytics data 26 months (Google Analytics default)
Call recordings 90 days


After these periods, data is securely deleted or anonymised.

 

 

7. Call Recording


We may record incoming and outgoing phone calls for training and quality assurance.

  • Recordings are held for 90 days
  • Only authorised staff can access recordings
  • Recordings are stored securely by our telephony provider

You may request not to be recorded by informing us during the call.

 

 

8. Your Rights


Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Right to be informed – about how your data is used
  • Right of access – to see a copy of the data we hold about you
  • Right to rectification – to correct inaccurate data
  • Right to erasure – to have your data deleted in certain circumstances
  • Right to restrict processing – to limit how we use your data
  • Right to data portability – to receive your data in a structured format
  • Right to object – to certain types of processing (e.g. marketing)
  • Rights in relation to automated decision making and profiling – where applicable

To exercise your rights, please contact us at dpa@williamsmith.co.uk.

 

 

9. How to Complain


If you have concerns about how we use your personal data, we encourage you to contact us first so we can resolve the issue.

Email: dpa@williamsmith.co.uk
Tel: 01833 690305

If you're not satisfied with our response, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
Tel: 0303 123 1113

 

 

10. Updates to This Policy


We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we make significant changes, we will notify you via email or website notification.